What happens next for Panasonic's projector business?

Inavate EMEA editor Paul Milligan interviewed Jan Markus Jahn, head of media entertainment business, Panasonic Connect Europe, to find out what the sales of 80% of its projector business to Orix will mean for customers and the wider AV world.

Inavate: Will buyers of Panasonic projectors notice any changes with this new arrangement, or will it be business as usual?
Jan Markus Jahn: For customers, it will largely be business as usual. They will continue to receive the same high-quality products carrying the Panasonic name and benefit from the same sales, engineering, and after-sales support teams they trust. What will change is the company’s enhanced ability to innovate and provide end-to-end solutions. Over time, customers may notice broader offerings, especially as Panasonic Visual integrates more advanced technologies and software-driven solutions into its portfolio, but these changes will only enhance their experience.

Inavate: Do you see the portfolio of projectors staying the same, or getting smaller or bigger?
Jan Markus Jahn: The portfolio is expected to grow. Panasonic Visual will enhance its investment in R&D to drive the development of new hardware innovations and expand its range of software solutions. These advancements will not only complement the existing lineup but also address emerging customer needs and applications. This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in projection technology while adapting to the evolving demands of the dynamic AV industry.

Inavate: The press statement said further growth can be achieved by “the investment power ORIX holds” – how will that manifest itself in reality? Building new factories? Increased investment in R&D?
Jan Markus Jahn:  Panasonic Visual will accelerate the innovation pipeline, leveraging advanced R&D resources to drive progress in three key areas: hardware development, strategic alliances, and software integration. Particularly significant is the focus on software solutions, reflecting the industry’s shift toward holistic, workflow-centered AV technology. By seamlessly integrating hardware and software, Panasonic Visual aims to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to evolving customer needs. Innovations such as the Remote Monitoring System (RMS) and unified visual software platforms exemplify this approach, offering streamlined content management, device control, and monitoring within a cohesive, end-to-end ecosystem.

Inavate: Are projectors becoming a niche technology for applications such as projection mapping instead of everyday use in meeting rooms and boardrooms where they used to be installed in great numbers?
Jan Markus Jahn:  Projectors are shifting from everyday use in traditional meeting rooms to more specialised applications where they offer unique advantages. While flat panels and LED displays dominate boardrooms, projectors remain indispensable for creating high-impact, immersive experiences. Applications such as projection mapping, live events, museum exhibits, and large-scale installations continue to thrive, showcasing the strengths of projection technology. Panasonic Visual is focusing on these high-value use cases, developing solutions that address the growing complexity of visual workflows and interconnected systems, ensuring projectors remain a key tool in delivering cutting-edge AV experiences.

Inavate: The projector market is losing ground to LED technology year-on-year - do you view the projector market as one that can grow? Or is consolidation the aim?
Jan Markus Jahn:  The projector market still holds significant potential for growth, particularly in creative segments where it outperforms other technologies. Immersive installations, projection mapping, and large-scale venues are areas where projectors deliver unmatched value. While LED technology continues to gain traction in traditional applications, Panasonic Visual is evolving its approach, integrating hardware and software to offer holistic solutions tailored to complex AV workflows. Rather than merely consolidating, the company is embracing innovation, positioning itself to capture growth in specialised markets while also expanding into new areas.

 

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