Abstract: Improved techniques and apparatus for managing data between a host device (e.g., host computer) and a media device are disclosed. The data being managed can, for example, pertain to media data for media assets. The managing of the media data thus can involve transfer of media assets between the host device and the media device. The transfer of media assets can, for example, take into consideration of potentially more important or time sensitive tasks that the media device is performing. In one embodiment, the transfer of media assets between a host device and a media device can be referred to as synchronization.