Wiretap

Exchange clips and metadata with systems using Autodesk® WiretapT technology. This advanced application programming interface (API) provides access to media stored on Autodesk® Stone® disk arrays without the need to convert files or copy media across the network.

Overview

The Autodesk® WiretapT application programming interface (API) is an advanced technology designed to provide third-party systems with access to media and metadata on the Autodesk® Stone® file system and Autodesk® Wire® network. Wiretap provides visibility of Autodesk projects, extends interoperability, and enables project and media management to be automated and offloaded from the creative seats. Client SDKs can be used on any platform to develop plug-ins or stand-alone applications to extend creativity and productivity throughout facilities interoperating with Autodesk creative solutions-without the need to export the media and copy it to a local file system.

Features

Autodesk® Wiretap™ technology provides access to media managed on Autodesk® Stone® file systems without the need to convert files or copy media across the network.

Client SDK
This easy-to-use software developer’s kit (SDK) allows developers to write stand-alone applications that communicate with a Wiretap server in a facility. This provides access to media and metadata on Autodesk Stone file systems. The client SDK supports PC/Mac®/Linux®/IRIX® platforms.

The Python API allows existing third-party applications to embed Wiretap functionalities. Python is a popular and powerful scripting language. Facilities can easily add Wiretap features to their own custom tools, increasing the integration of Autodesk® Inferno®, Flame®, and Flint® systems software into the entire effects pipeline and automating administrative tasks.

Remote Media Management in Inferno, Flame, and Flint
You have external access to clip media and metadata from Stone or via Soft-import. You can browse any Inferno, Flame, or Flint project and clip library–Wiretap supports read/write/delete of projects, clip libraries, reels, and clips. This means that applications can easily exchange media with Inferno, Flame, and Flint. Image I/O tasks can be scripted for automation and run in the background while the artist continues to perform creative tasks. The Wiretap server is designed to perform only light-weight processes so the host’s CPU is not compromised by Wiretap client requests. Heavier operations, such as image processing, can be offloaded to the client or another remote CPU.

Remote Project and User Management
You have access to project and user metadata. Administrative tasks can be performed remotely, or automated via scripts. Automation lets you duplicate settings on multiple machines quickly and reduces human error.

Concurrent Framestore Access
Wiretap manages concurrent multiple access to the same clip library. This lets people collaborate and work simultaneously on the same project. For example, two or more assistants can concurrently write clips to the same clip library using a Wiretap client. Meanwhile, an Inferno, Flame, or Flint artist can load the clips to the desktop as each clip appears. As proxies or data are loaded, they appear to the artist, similar to Autodesk®Burn™ clips.

InfiniBand Support
Wiretap clients can connect to the Wiretap server over an InfiniBand™ network, with throughput of 400 MB/s or more. This low latency, high speed network protocol allows remote applications to have the similar performance to the local Inferno, Flame, or Flint system. For example, an application could play back a 2K10bit clip in real time off a remote Fibre Channel Stone framestore.

Join the ADN Sparks program
Download the Wiretap SDK to add Autodesk interoperability into your applications.