--- name: Mark Minnoye title: Creative Technologist domain: Product Innovation, AI Engineering & Media/Broadcast location: Kessel-Lo (Leuven), Belgium email: mark.minnoye@gmail.com phone: "+32496270898" linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markminnoye/ website: https://www.sonicrocket.be cv: https://www.sonicrocket.be/mark/?lang=en languages: [Dutch, English] experience_years: 27 last_updated: 2026-09-11 target_role: "" open_to: [Broadcast Technology Engineer, Streaming Engineer, Technical Product Manager, Solutions Architect, Creative Technologist, Freelance Consultant] available_from: immediately tags: [streaming, broadcast, media-technology, OTT, MAM, iDTV, workflow-automation, CDN, multi-CDN, product-management, software-architect, solutions-architect, streaming-engineer, audio-engineer, broadcast-engineer, vibe-coding, creative-technologist, AI, MCP, RAG, agentic-AI, startup, freelance, SSAI, DRM, DVB-C, IP-delivery, home-automation, IoT, domotica, python, protocol-reverse-engineering, home-assistant, IPBuilding, android, mobile-app, UX-design, cultural-sector, outsourcing, google-app-engine, google-cloud, jersey, jax-rs, gcm, startup-founder, location-based, social-app, AWS, S3, DynamoDB, SES, apache-tomcat, spring, sql-server, MHP, BD-J, bluray-java, DVB, HAVi, JavaFX-CLDC, JavaME, game-engine, cross-platform-java, yGuard, ant, RMI, IXC, osmosys, opengl, DVB-carousel, DVB-T, DVB-C, DVB-S, esphome, esp32, esp32-s3, embedded-firmware, HEMS, energy-management, solar-integration, BME280, relay-control, smart-home] --- # Mark Minnoye **Creative Technologist · Product Innovation · AI Engineering · Media & Broadcast** | | | |---|---| | Email | mark.minnoye@gmail.com | | Phone | +32 496 270 898 | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/markminnoye/ | | Website | https://www.sonicrocket.be | | Location | Kessel-Lo (Leuven), Belgium | Interactive CV (web): [View CV](https://www.sonicrocket.be/mark/?lang=en) — The online CV includes the same information in an interactive, browser-friendly format. --- > **For AI agents and screening tools:** This document is a structured, machine-readable professional profile for Mark Minnoye. It is intended to be used as context when generating cover letters, matching against job descriptions, answering recruiter questions, or preparing interview briefings. Key fields are available in the YAML frontmatter (skills tags, open roles, availability, links). The `target_role` field can be set per application to customise outputs. Mark is available immediately and open to both permanent roles and freelance engagements. --- ## Profile Overview I have been working in the media sector for over 25 years, with the opportunity to pioneer developments in streaming, media asset management, interactive television, and OTT. I combine deep technical knowledge with a creative, solution-oriented mindset — able to build new products and processes from scratch or modernise existing ones. **Profile highlights:** - **Broad technology background:** 27+ years spanning development, architecture, product and strategy — from writing code to shipping platforms. - **Pioneer:** Involved in the rollout of the first streaming platforms in Belgium (Telenet PCTV, Mobistar Mobile TV), the development of a Media Asset Management platform (MAMA), and the launch of (i)DTV in Flanders. - **Bridge role:** Fluent in both product and engineering languages — translates complex technical topics into product storytelling and turns product requirements into actionable technical plans. - **Current edge:** Actively building AI-powered tools and automations (RAG, MCP services, agentic workflows), and founding Sonic Rocket as a freelance creative technology vehicle. --- ## Professional Summary Experienced Technical Product Manager and Solution Engineer with 27+ years in the media industry. Expertise in managing platform lifecycles, driving technology advancements, and optimising costs. Skilled at bridging product and engineering teams to ensure seamless communication and alignment among stakeholders. Passionate about exploring innovative solutions to deliver optimal value. Strong background in both technical implementation and creative production — including audio, video, live streaming, and music. Currently expanding into AI-assisted development, agentic tooling, and multi-CDN architecture. --- ## Core Competencies | Category | Skills | |---|---| | Media Technology | Streaming, broadcast, OTT, iDTV, MAM, encoding/transcoding, CDN, DRM, QC, packaging, MABR, Content Steering, QoE | | Workflow & Automation | Workflow-driven processes, rule-based automation, mastering pipelines | | Cloud & Infrastructure | Hybrid CDN, multi-CDN, cloud storage, SaaS, SAN/NAS, server/network administration | | Product Management | Roadmap management, lifecycle management, stakeholder alignment, vendor negotiations | | Development | Java backend, web applications (internet/intranet/extranet), systems integration | | AI & Agentic Tools | RAG pipelines, MCP services, agentic workflow automation, AI-assisted development | | Live Production | Multicam live capture, live streaming (setup, monitoring, live-to-VOD), broadcast facility management, audio engineering | | Creative | Audio production, video production, live streaming, webcasting, music | | Architecture | Software Architect, Solutions Architect, Systems Integration, API design | | Engineering | Streaming Engineer, Broadcast Engineer, Audio Engineer, Live Production Engineer | | Creative Tech | Vibe Coding, Creative Technologist, Prototyping, Rapid development | | Advertising & AdTech | Programmatic video advertising, SSAI, VMAP, IAB Open Measurement SDK, TCF v2.2, consent management, ad decision management, manifest manipulation, multi-tenant ad architecture | | iDTV Projects | De Nationale IQ-test (Telenet red button), WK 2006 live stats integration, Kerstboom VTM, Challenger PoC (VRT/VTM), NMBS walled garden, interactive commercials (Ford, Pampers) | | Soft Skills | Fast learner, solution-oriented, collaborative, hands-on, flexible, initiative-driven | --- ## Work Experience ### Founder & Creative Technologist **Sonic Rocket** · Q4 2025 – present Sonic Rocket is Mark's freelance and R&D vehicle for creative technology work in media and AI. - Building AI-powered tools and automations: RAG pipelines, MCP (Model Context Protocol) services, agentic workflows. - Rapid prototyping and vibe coding — turning concepts into working demos quickly. - Available for freelance consulting in media technology, streaming, broadcast, and AI tooling. - Built **IPBuilding-Gateway**: a low-cost alternative to the proprietary IPBox, integrating directly with IPBuilding smart living systems via a reverse-engineered UDP protocol. Open API enables integration with Home Assistant, Google Home, Apple Home, and other ecosystems. Developed using agentic coding (Python, HACS-compatible). - Built two **ESPHome** firmware projects on ESP32-S3 for smart home energy management: - **Gas Fireplace Controller** (Maxitrol GV60 valve): relay-based flame level control (5 levels via timed panel contacts), safety boot sequence, RGB LED status, buzzer feedback, full Home Assistant integration. - **Pool Pump Controller**: 4-speed relay interlock (Off/Low/Medium/High), BME280 sensor (temperature/pressure/humidity), automatic frost protection (pump activates at configurable threshold, ~€40 DIY vs ~€500 commercial equivalent). Auto mode integrates with solar panel surplus for intelligent pump scheduling — part of a broader energy management system (EMS) via Home Assistant. --- ### Founder & Technical Consultant — o|i (oli) Local Video CDN **Independent, in partnership with a broadcast & streaming technology platform provider and a Benelux fibre network operator** · Q4 2025 – February 2026 Conceived, pitched, and led **o|i** — a specialised local CDN for OTT video delivery in Benelux, positioned as a high-performance, video-centric alternative to global CDNs (Akamai, Fastly, G-Core). Mark's own initiative, brought to life through a partnership with an industry-leading broadcast & streaming technology provider (CDN software) and a major Benelux fibre owner-operator active across Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany (PoP infrastructure). The intended outcome was a shared-revenue startup venture. - Drove strategy, go-to-market, and commercial rollout — across all levels of the partnership, from C-level to technical and product teams. - Defined and rolled out the MVS (Minimal Viable Service): scoped the technical baseline, coordinated tech setup across partners, and provided ongoing product management and technical support during the delivery phase. - Built a web and desktop application for (pre-)sales: a Bake-Off tool comparing CDN providers side-by-side in real time, and a Content Steering visualiser showing live video routing paths and the local edge advantage. - Integrated intelligent multi-CDN orchestration: cost-commit management, mid-stream failover, geographic routing, and QoE-metric-driven provider selection. - Developed a multi-CDN cost calculator to model capacity, costs and strategy for multi-CDN deployments — used as a sales and planning instrument. - Developed an AI-automated live stream re-routing application using an MCP service for intelligent failover and load balancing between CDN providers. - Participated in a formal tender process with a major public broadcaster in Belgium — feedback from that process led to the decision to stop Belgian ambitions and conclude the venture. --- ### Personal Sabbatical — Real Estate Investment Project **Independent** · June 2024 – Q4 2025 Deliberate career break following Telenet. Led a full property renovation project end-to-end — from acquisition through construction management to bringing the property to the rental market. --- ### Technical Product Manager – Entertainment Platform **Telenet** · March 2022 – June 2024 *(2 years 4 months)* - Managed the video platform lifecycle, ensuring up-to-date technology and identifying cost-saving opportunities. - Provided technical insights on streaming, including content protection, security, and DRM; managed the product roadmap. - Advised on negotiations with major content rights holders (Premier League, F1, Disney, Warner, Universal). - Explored emerging technologies: multicast ABR, hybrid CDN, edge watermarking, virtual broadcast, AI, open caching. - Bridged the gap between technical and product teams; managed a broad set of stakeholders including Liberty Global affiliates worldwide. **Key projects:** - **Multibrand platform** (Telenet + Play Media): Advised on architecture for a multi-tenant video platform supporting both Telenet and its subsidiary Play Media. Covered SSAI (server-side ad insertion), unskippable advertising, user segmentation, ABR streaming, and CDN configuration. - **DVB-C switchoff** (target: 2028): Led technical analysis and planning for transitioning from broadcast muxes to full IP delivery across the cable network — one of Belgium's largest broadcast infrastructure transitions. - **Premium content delivery roadmap**: Defined the strategic roadmap for delivering premium content (sports, live events) with the highest reliability, lowest latency, and best QoE — covering CDN strategy, content protection, and delivery chain optimisation. - **Virtual Channel Playout** *(concept, not completed)*: Initiated and championed a concept to create virtual live channels by stitching existing ABR VOD assets, eliminating the need for a traditional playout system and the full live pipeline (ABR encoding, packaging, DRM, CDN, live-to-VOD). Would have enabled significant OPEX savings and the fast, low-cost creation of new curated channels (genre, age-group, catch-up). The concept faced significant internal resistance and could not be completed during Mark's tenure. --- ### Project Manager Mobile & Interactive TV / C.O.O. **Telemak** · August 2009 – February 2021 *(11 years 7 months)* - Designed and developed streaming solutions, including Mobistar Mobile TV and Vedette Minimathon 2.0 (see Notable Projects). - Developed and maintained the in-house webcasting platform **Centerstage**. - Managed day-to-day operations: customers, suppliers, freelancers. - **Chief Engineer — Broadcast & Live Production Facilities**: Oversaw all technical aspects of Telemak's multicam live production operations — drafting technical setup plans, aligning stakeholders, and supervising execution. Acted as both technical project owner and hands-on streaming engineer: configuring and monitoring live streams, managing live-to-VOD workflows, and handling audio engineering duties across productions. --- ### Co-Founder — MyWhereabouts (mobile app startup) **Independent (with partner)** · August – December 2012 *(alongside part-time role at Telemak / parental leave)* Co-founded a mobile startup with a university lecturer friend. The concept: a location-aware social app for young people and nightlife — letting users see which friends were nearby and send targeted instant messages based on GPS distance. - Co-designed the product concept and led the technical architecture. - Hired and managed student developers (jobstudenten) recruited via the partner's university network. - Backend built in Java on **Google Cloud (App Engine)**, REST API via **Jersey (JAX-RS)**, **MySQL** with **EclipseLink JPA**, push notifications via **Google Cloud Messaging (GCM)**, built with **Ant**. - Frontend target: Android (MVP scope). - Project stopped at end of 2012 — MVP not reached within budget and timeline; planned launch was start of academic year September 2012. --- ### Freelance Project Lead & UX Designer — UiTagenda Android App **CultuurNet Vlaanderen (now publiq vzw)** · 2009 *(freelance)* CultuurNet asked Mark to develop an Android version of their existing iOS app (UiTagenda — the mobile app for UiTinVlaanderen.be, the cultural agenda for Flanders and Brussels). - Redesigned the UX from scratch for Android, resulting in a significantly improved experience over the original iOS app. - Managed the full project: sales, scoping, and contracting a development partner in Bulgaria. - Supervised and debugged the offshore development process. - Soft launch September 2009. CultuurNet adopted the new GUI design back into the iOS version — a direct validation of the redesign quality. - The UiTagenda app is still live today on both platforms. --- ### Chief Technology Officer **DigiQuest UK** · August 2008 – August 2009 *(1 year 1 month)* Games development & service provider. - Brought a catalogue of ~30 casual games to home screens via iDTV, OTT, and mobile through the **GameOn!** portal. --- ### Chief Engineer / Team Lead iDTV **Paratel (part of DPG Media)** · June 2004 – August 2008 *(4 years 3 months)* - Built applications for digital TV platforms (Telenet, Belgacom): - **Red button apps** — e.g. *De Nationale IQ-test* (live primetime interactive TV show); *WK 2006* (live match stats, line-ups, live updates integrated in the Telenet iDTV app) - **Walled garden apps** — e.g. NMBS journey planner - **Interactive commercials** — e.g. Ford, Pampers - **Digital Teletext** - Integrated multiple business lines: Mobile, IVR, Teletext, WWW (advertising, voting, news). - Consulted prospects, customers, and stakeholders. --- ### Analyst / Developer / Designer / Solutions Architect **Telemak, Men@Work, De Fabriek, a.o.** · 1998 – 2004 *(6 years)* - **Telenet PCTV** — First PPV streaming platform in Belgium (2003). Foundation for what later became YeloTV. - **Leuven Kort Virtual Film Festival** — Online short film streaming in partnership with vzw FONK. - **European Commission** — Deployed a streaming headend in Luxembourg for the EU Commission. - **Challenger** — Conceived and built a POC for a live interactive quiz concept: one challenger vs. a large online audience in real time, with synchronised video triggers, live ranking, and an elimination race. Pitched to VRT, VMMA (VTM, JIM, Kanaal2), and Woestijnvis as a proposition for the upcoming iDTV era. No deal at the time — but VMMA's interest led directly to the iDTV role at Paratel a year later. - **Interactieve Frigo's** — Crisis rescue: built a working kiosk POC in 2 weeks (barcode reader, dual plasma video display, recipe terminal, print output) after the original software vendor failed to deliver for a launch event at the Ajax Arena. - **MAMA (Media Asset Management Architecture)**: - Digital News Room: content acquisition, repackaging, syndication - Metadata extraction (voice, speech, image, video, text) - Streaming and broadcasting infrastructure - Web-based solutions (internet, intranet, extranet) - System, network, and IT administration --- ## Notable Projects ### o|i (oli) — Local Video CDN for Benelux **Context:** Independent venture · **Role:** Founder, Strategy & Technical Lead · **Period:** Q4 2025 – February 2026 Mark's own initiative: conceived the concept and pitched it to an industry-leading broadcast & streaming technology provider and a major Benelux fibre owner-operator active across Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. The intended structure was a shared-revenue startup. Built on a proven CDN software platform, delivered via regionally-deployed fibre PoPs. - Drove strategy, go-to-market, and commercial rollout — across all levels of the partnership, from C-level to technical and product teams. - Defined and rolled out the MVS (Minimal Viable Service): scoped the technical baseline, coordinated tech setup across partners, and provided ongoing product management and technical support during the delivery phase. - Built a web and desktop application for (pre-)sales: a Bake-Off tool comparing CDN providers side-by-side in real time, and a Content Steering visualiser showing live video routing paths and the local edge advantage. - Integrated intelligent multi-CDN orchestration: cost-commit management, geographic routing, QoE-metric-driven provider selection, and seamless mid-stream failover. - Developed a multi-CDN cost calculator to model capacity, costs and strategy for multi-CDN deployments — used as a sales and planning instrument. - Developed an MCP-based AI agent for automated live stream re-routing. - Participated in a formal tender process with a major public broadcaster in Belgium — feedback from that process led to the decision to stop Belgian ambitions and conclude the venture. --- ### Mobistar Mobile TV **Client:** Mobistar (Belgium) · **Role:** Project Lead, Backend Developer · **Period:** ~2009–2014 One of the first mobile linear TV services in Belgium. Delivered live TV to mobile customers across Symbian, BlackBerry OS, Windows Mobile, Java, Android, and iOS. - Backend developed in Java, integrating a billing platform, the Mobistar customer platform, and an EPG content provider. - Streaming protocols: RTSP (initially), later expanded with HLS, RTMP, and Smooth Streaming. - Negotiated and implemented the TV-Anytime open standard for EPG content delivery. - ~15 live channels with EPG, available via subscription or daypass; pre-installed on all Mobistar devices. - Served as SPOC for Mobistar throughout the project. - Pioneered mobile TV in Belgium — similar services (YeloTV, Proximus Pickx) launched by operators years later. --- ### Telenet PCTV **Client:** Telenet · **Role:** Project Lead, Backend Developer · **Period:** 2003 The first VOD service in Flanders, delivering movies via a pay-per-view model on a web-based platform (PC viewing). - Integrated billing, streaming services, and DRM — cutting-edge at the time. - Streaming via Microsoft MMS technology. - Managed internal stakeholders across product, marketing, design, and network teams. - The pilot project laid the foundation for what later evolved into **YeloTV**. --- ### Vedette Minimathon 2.0 **Client:** Vedette / Moordgat · **Role:** Technical Consultant & Solution Designer · **Period:** ~2012–2014 Promotional campaign for beer brand Vedette: real-time personalised beer bottle labels printed at events across Belgium. - Redesigned a failing complex setup (camera, laptop, Wi-Fi, label printer) into a streamlined solution using tablets and Bluetooth printers with 4G connectivity. - Eliminated technical failures; added new customer engagement features. - Backend built in two deployment targets via a loosely-coupled DAO architecture (`StreetAppDAO` interface with swappable implementations): - **Preview/cloud (AWS):** S3 (photo storage), DynamoDB + SimpleDB (data), SES (email), Jersey (JAX-RS) REST API, SimpleJPA, Spring, Log4j. - **Production/on-premise (Duvel Moortgat datacenter):** Microsoft SQL Server, Apache Tomcat, JDBC-based DAO implementation — same application, zero cloud dependency. - Designed for portability from day one: cloud for development and preview, bare metal for production. - Solution was successful enough to be expanded to **US and Asian markets**. --- ### IPBuilding-Gateway **Context:** Sonic Rocket / independent development · **Role:** Developer & Architect · **Period:** 2025–present Open-source, reverse-engineered alternative to the proprietary IPBuilding IPBox controller for the Belgian IPBuilding smart-living platform. - The official IPBox is a closed, ageing appliance: no update path, a legacy vendor UI, and a closed, undocumented API. - Reverse-engineered the proprietary protocol the IPBuilding components use to communicate, using AI agents to capture, structure and decode real network traffic byte by byte. - Delivered as a free, open-source software core, standalone or as a Docker container running on existing hardware, with a Home Assistant integration and an open API for other ecosystems. An ESP32-based embedded version adds native Matter support, giving instant, no-configuration integration into modern smart-home ecosystems (Home Assistant, Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, IKEA) without a hub or vendor lock-in. - Far lower total cost of ownership than the proprietary alternative, with richer functionality such as multi-press events, motion sensors and custom automations. The embedded version stays future-proof through OTA firmware updates, unlike the original IPBox, and its minimal embedded firmware, with no general-purpose operating system, gives it a much smaller attack surface than the Windows-based IPBox. - Autonomous, AI-driven testing: testers run a dedicated AI skill that gives their AI agent deep, live access to the gateway and the knowledge needed to test at network level (for example sending diagnostic UDP packets and reading gateway logs), both for debugging and to keep supporting older hardware generations. New knowledge, bug reports and feature requests are logged automatically on GitHub. - Autonomous build lifecycle: incoming requests can be picked up and resolved by agents in the cloud that implement a hotfix or feature themselves and ship a release, always with a human in the loop. Mark's own role narrows to deciding what gets worked on. - [github.com/markminnoye/IPBuilding-Gateway](https://github.com/markminnoye/IPBuilding-Gateway) --- ### AI-Tooling for a Mailing Company **Context:** Sonic Rocket / freelance engagement · **Role:** Solo build, AI-agent-assisted · **Period:** 2026–present - Built an AI-driven automation approach for a Belgian mail-order/mailing company's bpost e-MassPost mass-mailing process. - Mapped the client's full manual workflow and operational business rules into a structured, AI-searchable knowledge base, packaged as an importable AI skill, later extended with scripts usable by both people and AI agents. - Built and deployed a further stage: an online platform with an MCP service letting AI agents communicate directly with bpost's backend, capturing and sharing user experience across the platform so the system keeps improving itself over time, built with GDPR and data-privacy safeguards from the outset. Currently in alpha, running against bpost's test environment. --- ### MyWhereabouts — Location-Aware Social App (startup) **Context:** Independent venture · **Role:** Co-Founder, Product & Technical Lead · **Period:** August – December 2012 Location-aware social app for young people and nightlife: see which friends are nearby, send GPS-targeted instant messages. Built with student developers hired via a university network. - **Backend:** Java on **Google Cloud (App Engine)**, Jersey (JAX-RS) REST API, MySQL + EclipseLink JPA, GCM push notifications, Ant build. Deployed on **Google Cloud**. - **Frontend (MVP):** Android. - Project ended December 2012 — MVP not completed within budget; planned launch was September 2012 (start of academic year). --- ### UiTagenda Android App — CultuurNet Vlaanderen **Client:** CultuurNet Vlaanderen (now publiq vzw) · **Role:** Freelance Project Lead, UX Designer, Technical Supervisor · **Period:** 2009 (soft launch September 2009) CultuurNet Vlaanderen — the organisation behind UiTinVlaanderen.be, the cultural agenda platform for Flanders and Brussels — asked Mark to develop an Android version of their existing iOS app (UiTagenda). - Redesigned the UX from scratch based on the iOS app, delivering a significantly improved user experience for Android. - Managed the commercial side: scoped the project, negotiated, and contracted a development partner in Bulgaria. - Acted as supervisor and debugger throughout the development process — bridging client requirements and offshore development. - Delivered a successful product: CultuurNet adopted the new GUI design back into the iOS version, validating the quality of the Android redesign. - The UiTagenda app is still live today on both platforms. --- ### Challenger — Live Interactive Quiz Concept for iDTV **Context:** Independent / men@work spinoff · **Role:** Concept owner, POC developer · **Period:** ~2002–2003 Conceived and built a live interactive quiz format: one challenger vs. a large online audience, competing in real time via internet. An elimination race — the last person standing becomes the new challenger. - Built a live stream with embedded triggers/events to ensure viewer-side synchronisation. - POC enabled audience participation, live ranking, and real-time standings. - Pitched to VRT, VMMA (VTM, JIM, Kanaal2), and Woestijnvis — positioning the format as ready for interactive television, which was about to arrive. - No direct deal resulted. VRT launched "De Thuisploeg" (a suspiciously similar live quiz) about a year later. - VMMA offered a role: 50% iDTV, 50% web — declined (too little iDTV focus). - When "Vlaanderen Interactief" launched (Telenet + broadcasters + Flemish subsidy), VMMA's CEO called directly to offer a 100% iDTV development role. That became the Paratel chapter. --- ### Interactieve Frigo's — Crisis POC in 2 Weeks **Context:** Independent / men@work spinoff · **Role:** Developer · **Period:** ~2002–2003 A startup had built energy-efficient fridges for supermarkets (50% more efficient). The interactive layer: customers scan a product's barcode, two plasma screens above the fridge play a product origin film, a terminal lets you browse matching recipes, and a printer outputs the recipe and shopping list. The original software vendor failed to deliver. Mark was called in with two weeks until the launch event at the Ajax Arena. - Built the full POC from scratch in two weeks: barcode integration, video playback, recipe database, thermal printing. - POC was technically complete and delivered on time. - At setup in Amsterdam, an incompatible Windows graphics card driver prevented the displays from initialising correctly. The demo did not go ahead. - A rare technical failure — and a demonstration of what is possible under extreme time pressure. --- ### MAMA — Media Asset Management Architecture **Context:** Telemak / internal R&D · **Role:** Architect & Developer · **Period:** 1998–2004 Custom-built MAM platform featuring: - Digital News Room: content acquisition, repackaging, and syndication - Automated metadata extraction (voice, speech, image, video, text) - Streaming/broadcasting infrastructure --- ### Centerstage — Webcasting Platform **Context:** Telemak · **Role:** Developer & Operator · **Period:** 2009–2021 In-house webcasting platform built and maintained at Telemak for live event streaming and video-on-demand delivery. --- ### DigiQuest — Cross-Platform Game Framework & GameOn! Portal **Context:** DigiQuest UK · **Role:** CTO · **Period:** 2008–2009 Designed a game abstraction layer enabling a catalogue of ~30 casual games to run on iDTV, OTT, and mobile from a single Java codebase — targeting JavaSE, JavaME, MHP, BD-J (Blu-ray Java), OCAP/tru2way, ACAP and GEM runtimes. - **`DigiQuestAPI` — platform abstraction layer:** own windowing toolkit (`DQCanvas`, `DQContainer`, `DQComponent`, `DQButton`, `DQGameCanvas`) and game engine (`Sprite`, `Layer`, `LayerManager`, `TiledLayer`, `MultiImageLayer`, `SoundClip`, `SoundManager`) — all wrapping platform-specific APIs (MHP/DVB via `org.dvb.*`, HAVi via `org.havi.*`, BD-J via `BDJ.jar`, JavaFX CLDC for mobile) behind a single `com.dq.*` interface. - IXC (Inter-Xlet Communication) via Java RMI for multi-xlet scenarios. - **JavaSE / browser applet implementation** of the abstraction layer: enabled games to run on a regular PC or in a browser during development — eliminating the need to publish via a DVB carousel (modulated DVB-T/C/S signal) just to get tester feedback. Significantly shortened the dev/test cycle. - Adaptive framerate engine; relative coordinate system (0,0)→(1,1) translated at runtime to actual screen resolution — ensures consistent behaviour across hardware generations. - Configuration-driven workflow for designers: new characters and objects testable without developer involvement. - 95% of game code is runtime-agnostic Java. - Games built on the framework: *Zara* (MHP + BD-J + Osmosys 3D, see below), *AlienAssault/AlienBlaster* (JavaFX CLDC/mobile), and others distributed via the **GameOn!** portal. - **Zara — Osmosys 3D implementation:** in addition to MHP and BD-J targets, Zara had a dedicated implementation targeting the GPU-accelerated 3D engine (`tv.osmosys.egg.*` / `tvegg.*`) of the Osmosys set-top box — a form of OpenGL-style rendering. This was a fourth platform target via the same `com.dq.awt.game` abstraction. - Build toolchain: Ant + yGuard (obfuscation for deployed targets). --- ## Education | Degree | Institution | Period | |---|---|---| | Informatica | Groep-T Leuven | 1998 – 1999 | | Informatica | REGA Leuven | 1996 – 1998 | --- ## Technologies & Keywords (for matching) | Domain | Keywords | |---|---| | Streaming & delivery | OTT, HLS, DASH, RTSP, RTMP, Smooth Streaming, multicast ABR, MABR, hybrid CDN, multi-CDN, open caching, edge watermarking, MMS, SSAI, Content Steering, QoE, CMCD | | Broadcast & mastering | iDTV, DVB-C, DVB-T, DVB-S, red button, teletext, QC, transcoding, packaging, metadata, mastering automation, virtual broadcast, virtual channels, FAST, IP delivery, live capture, live-to-VOD | | Advertising & AdTech | Programmatic video advertising, SSAI, VMAP, IAB Open Measurement SDK, TCF v2.2, consent management, ad decision management, manifest manipulation, multi-tenant ad architecture | | Media Asset Management | MAM, metadata extraction, content acquisition, syndication, Digital News Room | | DRM & security | DRM, content protection, access control, CDN tokens, session watermarking | | Cloud & infrastructure | AWS (S3, DynamoDB, SES), Google Cloud (App Engine), Apache Tomcat, cloud storage, SaaS, SAN/NAS, server admin, network admin, IT infrastructure, CDN architecture | | Development | Java, Jersey (JAX-RS), Spring, EclipseLink JPA, web applications, systems integration, API integration, billing integration | | AI & Agentic | RAG, MCP (Model Context Protocol), agentic workflows, AI-assisted development, LLM tooling | | Standards | TV-Anytime, HLS, DASH, DVB, MHP, BD-J, OCAP/tru2way, ACAP, GEM, HAVi | | Creative production | Audio production, video production, live streaming, webcasting, music, audio engineering | | Architecture | Software Architect, Solutions Architect, Systems Architect, API design, platform design | | Engineering roles | Streaming Engineer, Broadcast Engineer, Audio Engineer, Broadcast Technology Engineer | | Creative tech | Vibe Coding, rapid prototyping, creative development, AI-assisted development | | Home Automation & IoT | Home Assistant, IPBuilding Gateway, domotica, UDP protocol reverse engineering, Python, HACS, smart living, agentic coding, open API, embedded systems | | Platforms | Symbian, BlackBerry OS, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, iDTV, MHP, BD-J, JavaFX CLDC, JavaME | --- *This file is maintained as a machine-readable professional profile. To customise for a specific role, update the `target_role` field in the frontmatter.*