Wireless synchronization between media player and host device

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium including at least computer program code stored thereon and executable by a computer for synchronizing media contents between a portable media player and a media host, the media content including a plurality of media items, said computer readable medium comprising:

• computer program code for determining one or more of the media items to be copied from the media host to the media player;
• computer program code for compressing at least a portion of the determined one or more of the media items to be copied prior to their being copied, said compressing forming determined one or more compressed media items to be copied;
• computer program code for copying the determined one or more compressed media items to be copied from the media host to the media player via the wireless connection when the media player is not connected to the media host by a wired connection and when the media player is associated with the media host;
• and
• computer program code for copying the determined one or more of the media items to be copied from the media host to the media player via the wire connection and upgrading media content previously copied to the media player in the compressed manner to media content in an uncompressed manner when the media player is connected to the media host by a wired connection and when the media player is associated with the media host.

A system for managing and playing media data, said system comprising:

• a host computer including at least a management module for managing a plurality of media items, a host play module for playing the media items for a user of said host computer, and a host media store for storing a plurality of media items;
• a portable media player including at least a player media store for storing a plurality of media items, and a player play module for playing the media items stored in said media store for a user of said portable media player, and
• a docking station for said portable media player, said docking station including wireless communication circuitry so that said portable media player can receive media items or media information from said host computer over a wireless channel via the wireless communication circuitry, wherein said management module operates to:
• identify one or more media items to be synchronized said portable media player and said host computer;
• compress at least a portion of the media items to be synchronized, forming compressed media items;
• synchronize media items between said portable media player and said host computer once said portable media player is docked into said docking station;
• copy the compressed media items from the media host to the media player via the wireless connection when the media player is not connected to the media host by a wired connection and that the media player is associated with the media host;
• and
• upgrade media content previously copied to the media player in the compressed manner to media content in an uncompressed manner when the media player is connected to the media host by a wired connection and that the media player is associated with the media host.