Datapath Ltd.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Andrey. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you it led you to Datapath?

I grew up in Ukraine but spent a lot of my life living in Israel, which is where I call home. 

I spent almost 10 years working in a high-tech Israeli company, as a team lead and senior engineer, and I learnt a lot about Middle Eastern culture, where all engineers collaborate in large, international teams to create engineering innovations. It involved travelling to Western Europe and India to deliver projects, working with many different people from all kinds of backgrounds. 

Through those years, I gained expertise in broadcast AV technology, while designing compression algorithms for embedded hardware, mobile devices, and satellite TV systems. 

Around 2011 I moved to Scotland to pursue my master’s degree at Glasgow University at a prestigious 3D studio, where I researched 3D reconstruction techniques, building the 3D face model from the surrounding 2D capture camera system. 

I then went on to work for a company that specialised in CCTV, where I project managed and led the development of a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) CCTV product. 

Then the Datapath opportunity came up, where I was able to continue to fulfil my passion in engineering helping the company develop innovative video over IP technologies. 

I have been fortunate to travel and live in many different countries, always learning from talented people I have worked with, including those from Datapath.

What does a normal day look like for a Senior Software Engineer at Datapath?

My day starts with a good cup of coffee! 

I work on the ActiveSQX2 capture card product. The work involved is a multi-dimensional architecture involving UEFI BIOS, Linux firmware and Windows drivers, driven by Windows client application. So, there are many things to check and work on to make these all work together. 

With a good team and my software and embedded experience in video and codec compression, we can overcome any challenge. 

Sometimes, part of the day is to solve customer issues, then there is future development planning and brainstorming.

What are the most rewarding and most challenging parts of your role?

One of the most rewarding parts is when a product like the ActiveSQX2 is released and ‘out in the wild’, being used by people around the world.

For me, as for all engineers, the most challenging is to finish development of product in time.

How do you like to spend your time away from the office?

I have my own YouTube channel showing Codec and Compression techniques, with 1000+ viewers and growing.   

I enjoy spending time with my family, which includes two growing kids. It usually involves some kind of activity like cycling, or playing tennis or football together – when the weather permits! 

As a hobby, I have started to collect vintage board games (there was a time when figures were plastic and boards were made from heavy material) and playing these interesting and unusual games with the kids and their friends. It can take a few hours to finish one game, but everyone usually has a great time and a laugh. 

Tell us something people may not know about you… 

A very long time ago, I used to compete in many national sport competitions as a Professional Acrobat and won medals for my achievements. I know how to be competitive and how hard I need to work to get a medal and to stand on the winning podium, even for just a minute. 

That’s why I will always support people who strive for excellence and be compassionate if life became too challenging.