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Year in Review: Matthias Hartmann | Sharp/NEC

Matthias Hartmann, General Sales Manager DACH at Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe, describes the challenges of the past year and the key role LED will play in the signage of the future in his Year in Review.

The year 2024 was marked by economic challenges and dynamic technological developments across many industries and sectors – and the AV industry is no exception: The tense economic climate and cautious corporate investments have presented the market with complex challenges. Nevertheless, innovative technologies and sustainable solutions emerged as bright spots in a turbulent market environment.

In this challenging landscape, Sharp/NEC has consistently focused on product innovation and technological advancement. This includes, among other developments, the third generation of the LED FE Series, introduced at the beginning of 2024, which is equipped with Flip-Chip SMD technology and marks a significant progress in energy efficiency. Furthermore, we have substantially expanded our portfolio under the Sharp brand – ranging from high-performance 4K projectors to innovative series in the Large Format Display segment. We will consistently continue this strategic alignment in 2025 and further complete our offering.

LED Technology: Sustainability and Future

LED plays a key role in this development: The market is evolving particularly dynamically, with a clear trend towards sustainable and energy-efficient solutions – not only in the corporate environment but increasingly in government and educational sectors. Universities, in particular, are showing rising demand despite restrictive budgets. LEDs excel through a compelling value proposition: longevity, low heat generation, and low total cost of ownership (TCO) make them an economically attractive and future-proof investment.

LEDs help universities present themselves as innovative and environmentally conscious – qualities that appeal to and inspire future students. The technology simultaneously opens up entirely new creative possibilities: from curved, highly flexible illuminated surfaces to innovative 3D installations, LED expands the boundaries of design freedom. Moreover, LEDs prove their performance in technically complex applications, such as critical fire protection in public areas like airports. For such challenging projects, we are excellently equipped through our comprehensive partner network and approach them with expertise and enthusiasm that will accompany us in the coming year.

Clear Vision for 2025

With this momentum and a clear vision, we approach the year 2025 with optimism. The joint venture with Sharp is progressing, and our product roadmap is promising. We remain true to our core values: highest quality, customer-oriented service, stable product lifecycles, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. We look forward to the new year!