Can I migrate my existing database to Imagen?
Yes. We have developed tools which allow metadata and media assets from existing archives to be imported into Imagen.
How do I customise my database?
Imagen is provided with a sample database that you can use, or you can customise and create your own schema. The database model is set out in an xml file, which you can edit to your requirements or have customized by our professional services.
Can I add custom fields to the database?
How is media stored in an Imagen database?
Media objects (videos, images, audio files and documents) are associated with Metadata records which store the descriptive and technical data. The original media file plus all the proxies that Imagen creates automatically for you are usually stored together under one searchable metadata record. More than one set of media objects can be associated with a single metadata record. This makes it possible (for example) to download PDFs which are related to a particular video or audio file etc.
What types of file can go in an Imagen archive?
- Video and audio files – a wide range of codecs is supported.
- Still image files – all the most popular formats are supported.
- Document files, such as PDFs and Word.
Can I ingest media automatically?
Yes. You can add one file at a time or import large batches of content using Imagen’s import tools. Workflows automate the ingest process.
With Imagen Enterprise Video Platform (Imagen + Orbital) an even higher degree of automation is possible – the entire process from start to finish can be set up to happen automatically. You can schedule ingest from Orbital captures using an Electronic Programming Guide: individual programmes, series links, or single or recurring chunks of time. In this case, the information from the EPG will be automatically imported as metadata. In addition to full programme descriptions, channel names, broadcast times etc., this can include extremely valuable subtitles, transcriptions or closed caption data, which become navigable file annotations.
What is a workflow?
A workflow is a series of automated processes that control the handling of media objects, from their ingest in the database, to their distribution or publication via a website.
In Imagen, typical workflows involve transcoding – the generation of lower resolution proxy versions of high-resolution original files which are optimised for streaming or download, the creation of thumbnail images, reference images and navigation stills.
Imagen has an easy-to-use drag-and-drop Workflow Editor that lets you create as many workflows as you require for processing your files. Each type of job (transcoding, update of stored files, distribution, etc.) is encapsulated in a distinct module which you connect up to other modules to create an automated series of tasks.
Permissions and Security
How secure is Imagen?
Very, here are some of its attributes:
- Https (SSL) support for encrypted connections
- Single sign on – Federate log-ins provided by the customer
- Customisable web access: you decide if unregistered users can search or view records
- Custom registration fields: decide how to qualify the users who request registration
- Customisable sigh-up process: decide whether new users need to be validated by the administrator, associated with an organisation, or whether their email address must be verified before they get a log in.
- Set a wide range of permissions for individual users or groups
- Set access permissions on individual assets, collections or media objects
- Set across-the-board default access rights to view, edit or delete records per group
- Set quotas limiting the number of records users can create or import
- Restrict access based on geographical location
- Manage organisational access and departments
- Watermark your content (or certain versions of it) to discourage piracy.
Is an Imagen website public or private?
It can be either: publish your assets for all to see or restrict levels of access to registered customers.