Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation has acquired UK-based Hive Media Control, strengthening its position in media playback and control for immersive and fixed-installation environments.
The acquisition marks a further step in Panasonic’s shift from a hardware-focused manufacturer towards a broader visual solutions ecosystem spanning projection, displays, software and workflow management.
Hive will continue to operate as a standalone, vendor-neutral business, with Panasonic stating that existing relationships with third-party projector and LED display manufacturers will remain in place.
The move brings media server and playback technology into Panasonic’s wider offering. Hive’s BeeBlade platform is based on the Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) standard, allowing media playback and control functionality to integrate directly into compatible projectors, LED systems and professional displays.
Yousuke Adachi, CEO of Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation, said the acquisition reflects the company’s strategy of expanding beyond “the hardware endpoint” towards broader workflow and deployment solutions.
Panasonic said the combination of Hive’s media control platform with its projection and display portfolio is expected to simplify deployment, reduce infrastructure requirements and streamline installation in immersive and large-scale visual environments.
Hive co-founder and CEO Mark Calvert said the partnership would allow the company to scale while maintaining its open ecosystem approach.
Hive’s technology is already deployed across projects including the BBC Earth Experience, the National Museum of Qatar and the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel exhibition.
The companies said further details around customer-facing collaboration and integration plans will be announced at a later date.