Systems, devices, and methods for storing and synchronizing data using Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) or any other protocol that provides for authentication, presence and messaging. One such method is performed in a digital media device, such as a set top. Device and user-configured settings associated with a digital media device may be saved to a network. The settings may be synchronized with other devices of a user, or used to configure a newly provisioned replacement digital media device. The settings may include pointers to network resources where content is stored such that content need not be transferred from an old or failed digital media device to the newly provisioned digital media device.