Abstract: Recommendation engine apparatus and associated methods provide content compiled from various sources and selected to match user preferences. In one embodiment, the recommendation apparatus comprises a headend entity; in another, it is co-located on a user's CPE. In one embodiment, the recommendation engine creates content records from content metadata for comparison to a user profile. The user profile is pre-programmed; however has the ability to dynamically shift toward a user's preferences as the user takes actions regarding content. Client applications are utilized to compile and present content; feedback mechanisms are utilized to enable “learning” from user activities to generate more precise recommendations as well as to “unlearn” stale preferences. Recommended content is displayed in the form of a playlist, or as a continuous stream on a virtual channel, or presented in an electronic program guide. A business rules “engine” useful in implementing operational or business goals is also disclosed.

Abstract: A PCI Express switch utilizes a central crossbar memory for all ports of the switch. The crossbar memory retains the packet that is to be sent out and only the head pointer for the packet is transmitted to the transmission port. The crossbar memory can also be used as the replay memory for the switch. A circuit for choosing the head pointer at a port for the packet to be sent out, is also disclosed.