Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation announced it has acquired 100% of the issued shares of U.K.-based Hive Media Control Ltd. (HIVE), expanding its capabilities in media playback and control for immersive and fixed-installation environments.

The acquisition reflects Panasonic’s continued shift from a hardware-focused manufacturer toward a broader visual solutions provider that includes software, workflow and integrated media delivery technologies. HIVE will continue to operate as an independent, vendor-neutral business under the agreement.

Media servers play a central role in immersive attractions and large-scale visual installations by managing playback, synchronization and content control across multiple displays and surfaces. Panasonic said the acquisition strengthens its ability to support customers throughout the workflow, from content playback and deployment to ongoing operation.

HIVE’s BeeBlade platform is built on the Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) standard, enabling direct integration with projectors, direct-view LED systems and professional displays.

“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,” said Yousuke Adachi, CEO of Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation. “Under MEVIX, our visual solutions brand, we have been clearly articulating our commitment to contribute to customers across the total workflow, not just at the hardware endpoint. This acquisition is a major step in that direction and an important step forward in growth guided by the spirit of the MEVIX brand.”

Adachi said HIVE’s expertise in media playback and control complements Panasonic’s projection and display portfolio and could simplify deployment, improve flexibility and enhance the end-user experience.

Panasonic also emphasized that HIVE will maintain its open ecosystem approach and continue supporting customers using competing projector and LED display brands.

“We are inspired and honoured by the opportunity to work with Panasonic, while continuing to grow HIVE as an open and independent ecosystem,” said Mark Calvert, co-founder and CEO of Hive Media Control Ltd. “This partnership gives us the scale to accelerate our vision while preserving the openness and platform-agnostic approach our customers rely on.”

Panasonic identified the media server market as a growth area driven by demand for immersive attractions, museums, themed environments and permanent visual installations. HIVE has established a presence in the market with its SDM-native architecture and scalable media control platform.

According to Panasonic, combining HIVE’s media control technology with its projection and display products is expected to reduce infrastructure requirements, simplify cabling and streamline installation and operation.

HIVE’s media servers are currently deployed in projects including the BBC Earth Experience, the National Museum of Qatar and the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibition.

Further details about the collaboration and future customer-facing initiatives are expected to be announced at a later date.