Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation has announced the 100% acquisition of UK-based Hive Media Control Ltd. (HIVE), a strategic move that significantly strengthens its position in media playback, control, and complete workflow solutions for high-end immersive installations.
The acquisition integrates HIVE’s advanced media server technology with Panasonic’s projection and display portfolio, while preserving HIVE’s independence as a vendor-neutral platform. This combination creates enhanced end-to-end solutions for museums, themed attractions, cultural institutions, and large-scale permanent visual environments.
Strategic Expansion Beyond Hardware
The move marks Panasonic’s continued evolution from a hardware manufacturer into a comprehensive visual solutions provider under its MEVIX brand. By adding HIVE’s expertise in media playback and control, Panasonic can now support customers across the entire workflow — from content management and synchronization to final display output.
HIVE will continue operating as a standalone business, maintaining its open, platform-agnostic approach. Existing customers and partners using HIVE alongside non-Panasonic projectors and LED displays will experience full continuity and ongoing support.
Enhanced Capabilities for Immersive Installations
Media servers are critical in modern immersive environments, managing precise playback, multi-surface synchronization, and real-time control. HIVE’s flagship BeeBlade platform, built on the Intel® Smart Display Module (SDM) standard, enables direct integration into projectors, direct-view LED systems, and professional displays. This architecture reduces the need for external devices, simplifies cabling, and creates more compact, scalable installations.
The combined Panasonic and HIVE solution is expected to deliver measurable benefits including:
- Smaller infrastructure footprint
- Greater deployment flexibility
- Streamlined installation and operation
- Improved overall system reliability and end-user experience
Executive Comments on the Acquisition
Yousuke Adachi, CEO of Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation, commented: This is a strategically important step for Panasonic as we continue to evolve our business beyond a hardware-oriented model toward broader visual solutions and workflow value. 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 Ltd., added: We are inspired and honoured by the opportunity to work with Panasonic, while continuing to grow HIVE as an open and independent ecosystem. This partnership gives us the scale to accelerate our vision while preserving the openness and platform-agnostic approach our customers rely on.
HIVE’s Proven Track Record in High-Profile Projects
HIVE has established a strong reputation in the immersive and cultural sectors with deployments at prestigious venues including the BBC Earth Experience, the National Museum of Qatar, and the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibition. The company’s BeeBlade platform and broader media control ecosystem have earned multiple international industry awards for innovation and performance.
Market Outlook and Next Steps
The global demand for sophisticated immersive attractions, museums, and permanent installations continues to grow, positioning media server technology as a key growth area. Panasonic views this acquisition as a major step in addressing that demand with more integrated, future-ready solutions.
Further details on joint product development, customer resources, and expanded collaboration will be released in the coming months.
This acquisition positions Panasonic as a more complete solutions provider in the premium visual technology market, offering high-end integrators and venue operators powerful new tools for creating unforgettable immersive experiences.
