Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation has acquired UK-based media technology company HIVE Media Control Ltd in a move the Japanese manufacturer says marks a strategic shift from hardware-led manufacturer to broader visual solutions provider.
The acquisition gives Panasonic ownership of HIVE’s BeeBlade platform – a media server solution based on the Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) standard that enables direct integration with projectors, direct-view LED display systems and professional displays. HIVE’s technology is already deployed across high-profile global installations including the BBC Earth Experience, the National Museum of Qatar and a Michelangelo Sistine Chapel exhibition, underlining its credentials in immersive attractions and large-scale cultural environments.
Despite the acquisition, HIVE will continue to operate as a standalone, vendor-neutral business. Panasonic says it intends to preserve HIVE’s independence, agility and openness – including continuity for existing customers and partners using HIVE alongside projector and LED display brands from other manufacturers.
For customers, the combination of HIVE’s media control architecture and Panasonic’s projection and display portfolio is expected to deliver greater deployment flexibility, a smaller infrastructure footprint, simplified cabling and more streamlined installation and operation. Panasonic views the media server market as a growth area, driven by increasing demand for immersive attractions, museums, themed environments and other permanent visual installations.
The acquisition sits under Panasonic’s MEVIX brand – its visual solutions umbrella covering projectors, professional displays and related technologies – which the company has been using to articulate a broader workflow-oriented proposition beyond hardware endpoints.
Yousuke Adachi, CEO of Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation, said: “Under MEVIX, we have been clearly articulating our commitment to contribute to customers across the total workflow, not just at the hardware endpoint. HIVE brings proven expertise in media playback and control, and when combined with our projector and display portfolio, we believe it can create meaningful customer value through simpler deployment, greater flexibility and a better end-user experience.”
Mark Calvert, co-founder and CEO of HIVE Media Control, added: “This partnership gives us the scale to accelerate our vision while preserving the openness and platform-agnostic approach our customers rely on. I would also like to thank my co-founders, Dave Green and Trey Harrison, and our incredible HIVE team – whose belief and dedication mean we move into this next chapter together.”
Further details on the companies’ collaboration, including customer-facing materials, are expected to be shared in due course. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
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