Multi-media file distribution system and method

Abstract

There is disclosed a media file distribution system and method. An asset management and delivery system and method for the distribution of digital files and data is provided. There are two major functions, with sub-functions within each. The system first serves as a fully automated management system for a company involved in video/file distribution, such as in video on demand (VOD) or other digital file industries. The system can ingest, prepare, schedule, transmit, track and report on any aspect of the business chain. Secondly, it also serves as a product for both content providers and recipients to be able to view, manage and run their entire content offering remotely from anywhere through the Internet.

1 . multicast asset data system, comprising: 
 a single multicast file, wherein the single multicast file is for distribution to two or more recipient sites, wherein a first recipient site has first parameter requirements for processing the multicast file, and a second recipient site has second parameter requirements for processing the multicast file that are different from the first parameter requirements;    a first set of parameters included in the multicast file that meets the first parameter requirements; and    a second set of parameters included in the multicast file that meets the second parameter requirements;    wherein the first set of parameters are for use during distribution to the first recipient site, and the second set of parameters are for use during distribution to the second recipient site.    
     
     
         2 . A method for automated processing of a media file for distribution, comprising: 
 receiving a media file for distribution, the media file having an asset type;    validating the media file according to one or more requirements according to the asset type, the step of validating producing one or more errors;    correcting the errors by applying a rules application to the media file; and    distributing the media file.    
     
     
         3 . A method for automated processing of a media file for distribution to a recipient site, comprising: 
 receiving a media file for distribution;    processing the media file to produce data parameters for distribution;    checking a receiving status of the recipient site;    changing one or more of the data parameters according to the receiving status of the recipient site; and    distributing the media file to the recipient site according to the data parameters.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the data parameters are changed further according to a set or rules defined in a contract with the recipient site  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing an interface allowing a user affiliated with the recipient site to view status information regarding distribution of the media file.  
     
     
         6 . A method for optimizing distribution of a media file to a plurality of recipient sites, comprising: 
 checking the receive status of a first recipient site, thereby producing a first status check result;    checking the receive status of a second recipient site, thereby producing a second status check result; and    based on the first check result and the second check result, applying a rules engine to determine a priority for distribution to the first recipient site respective of the second recipient site;    distributing the media file to the first recipient site and the second recipient site according to the determined priority.    
     
     
         7 . A system for providing connectivity in a media file distribution system, comprising: 
 a data store;    a portion of the data store for storing a media file received from a content provider;    a database in the data store for storing editable parameters for distribution of the media file to a recipient site;    an interface to the database allowing the content provider to edit the parameters, the interface further allowing the recipient site to edit the parameters; and    a distribution sub system configured for distributing the media file according to the parameters.    
     
     
         8 . An system for providing an interactive program guide entry for a media file, comprising; 
 a distribution hub for storing a media file received from a content provider for distribution to a recipient site;    an interface to the distribution hub allowing editing of program guide data for the media file, the interface further for storing the program guide data to the media file; and    the interface further allowing the content provider to view the program guide data for the media file.    
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , the interface further allowing the content provider to set parameters regarding editing of the program guide data by the recipient site.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , the interface further allowing the content provider to edit program guide data.  
     
     
         11 . A system providing a multi-port catcher, comprising: 
 a computer;    a data store;    a network connection for connecting the computer to a network;    a partition application that partitions the computer into multiple partitions; and    a catcher application, each partition executing a copy of the catcher application for receiving a separate media file over the network connection for storing in the data store.    
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , comprising a plurality of catcher applications, where a first partition executions a first catcher application, and a second partition executes a second catcher application.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the first catcher application uses a different protocol than the second catcher application.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the partition application is configured to divide processing a processor of the computer into virtual computers such that each of the media files are received by a partition executing on one of the virtual computers.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the partition application is configured  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein one of the partitions is configured as a content provider, such that one or more of the media files can be provided internally from the data store into the catcher without using a separate computer to provide the one or more mutli-media files to the catcher.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein one of the partitions is further configured as a gateway computer to provide gateway processing for each of the other partitions.  
     
     
         18 . A method for administrating a contract for distribution of a media file, comprising: 
 receiving a media file from a content provider;    entering contract parameter data into the media file according to a contract between the content provider and a recipient site;    calculating metadata for the media file based on the contract parameter data; and    distributing the media file to the recipient site.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the contract data includes price limitations that the recipient site can charge for viewing of the media file.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the contract data includes time limitations defining limitations regarding a time that the recipient site can present the media file.