Abstract: Synchronization of bulk data transfers to end node devices in a multimedia network involves sending an initial schedule message prior to broadcast or multicast of a content file. The content file could be a promotion or other file that must be efficiently sent to a large number of end node devices, such as television set top boxes. The schedule message contains at least a data transmission time for the content file so that an end node device is aware of when to listen for the later bulk data transmission of the content file. The schedule message may contain other parameters such as promotion identification, message duration, frequency, multicast address and UDP port.