Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable media are disclosed for format negotiation between a graph of connected nodes. A source node for multi-media content publishes a set of format constraints associated with the multi-media data and capabilities. A destination node for presenting the multi-media data publishes its set of format constraints associated with its capabilities. At least one filter node within the graph transmits or modifies multimedia data between the source and destination nodes. The format constraints are represented by logical expressions in disjunctive normal form and describe required values or acceptable ranges of values for one or more parameters. The method aspect of the invention comprises receiving source node format data, destination node format data and at least one filter node format data. As nodes are connected to the graph of nodes, the new node's format data is propagated to the directly and indirectly connected nodes in the graph.