Patent ID: 8627507

Claim:
A method for automated validation of a media file for distribution, the method comprising: receiving a media file via a communication network for distribution, the media file having an asset type and a set of parameter data values, the set of parameter data values including information relating to at least one of a price of the media file, a file format, a processing requirement, a program guide entry format, values that are specific to each content provider, identification of which entities are allowed to change which parameter fields, interface and delivery specifications, allowable file length, a time format, an ID structure, on-screen guide placement information, and a rating; validating the media file by comparing the received asset type and set of parameter data values with an expected asset type and expected set of parameter data values stored in a computer, according to one or more requirements specific to the media file, the step of validating producing one or more errors or detecting one or more unexpected values in the asset type and the expected set of parameter data values; correcting the one or more errors or one or more unexpected values in the asset type and the expected set of parameter data values by applying a rules application to the received media file; and distributing the validated media file according to the corrected set of parameter data values.