Sharp at InfoComm 2025: “New Is Now” — Especially for Higher Ed
If there was one message coming loud and clear from booth #1601 at InfoComm 2025, it was this: Sharp is ready for what’s next in higher ed AV. With fresh updates to their display portfolio, new laser projectors, and a focus on plug-and-play integration for hybrid learning, Sharp isn’t just keeping pace — they’re pushing forward.
At the booth, Richard Hutton shared insights based on years of working with colleges and universities. While the latest technology was impressive, it was Sharp’s ongoing dedication to education that was most notable.
“The unique thing for us about the higher ed space is there are so many different applications in what you would call one market for want of a better term. And we have products that work in those spaces.”
He emphasized that their higher ed partnerships have grown more strategic over time — with institutions increasingly focused on lifecycle planning, system compatibility, and experience design.
That theme — experience over just equipment — seemed to resonate with the nonstop crowd gathered around Sharp’s updated projector and display lineup.
What’s New from Sharp? Laser-Focused, Literally.
The headline from Sharp this year was the launch of new laser projectors designed specifically with large classroom, lecture hall, and multipurpose education spaces in mind. These aren’t just updated SKUs — they reflect real shifts in priorities from campus AV teams.
Key features:
- Long-life laser engines with 20,000+ hour ratings
- Bright, color-accurate output in challenging ambient light
- Flexible mounting and lens shift options to support unconventional install environments
- Native support for control system integration and network monitoring
For schools looking to replace aging lamp-based projectors or unify display platforms across departments, these new offerings present a compelling “install it and forget it” option.
The message from educators has been consistent: reliability and long-term performance are paramount. AV leaders want systems that work out of the box and require minimal intervention over many years.
“If you buy any laser projection product from us, all comes with a five-year warranty… so instantly out the gate, you’ve got some longevity to that product.”
Interactive Displays That Just Fit
Alongside the new projectors, Sharp also showed off its latest generation of interactive flat panels, including models optimized for active learning classrooms and informal collaboration zones.
These displays are:
- Available in sizes up to 86 inches
- Support multi-touch input and pen-enabled annotation
- Built for low-latency responsiveness, even with simultaneous users
- Designed for clean installs with front-facing ports and cable management
For institutions standardizing on interactive teaching stations — or looking to bring collaborative whiteboarding to student spaces — Sharp’s displays check all the boxes.
“If you buy one of our collaboration boards, our Acros boards, all come with a five-year standard warranty.”
Compatibility was clearly top-of-mind in the design process. The displays are built to integrate seamlessly with common campus systems like Teams Rooms, Zoom, Extron, and Crestron.
The Sharp Angle on Digital Signage
While much of the higher ed conversation revolves around classrooms, Sharp hasn’t lost sight of campus-wide display strategy — especially when it comes to signage.
Their latest commercial displays are thin, bright, and built to last — with models designed for both landscape and portrait orientations. Sharp is also seeing growing interest in wayfinding, emergency alert integration, and student-led digital storytelling via content management platforms.
“We took some content that we used at ISE, and we changed the format a little bit… we built three sort of offset DV LED video walls… the content was designed to kind of flow across.”
Many institutions are rethinking signage as a dynamic part of student life and learning. The boundaries between instructional and informational displays are blurring — and having a single vendor that can meet both needs is becoming a strategic advantage.
Sharp encourages campuses to think beyond screen placement and consider long-term usability, maintenance, and student interaction as part of the broader AV strategy.
Simplicity Still Wins
As we made our way around the booth, it was clear that Sharp’s team isn’t chasing gimmicks — they’re chasing real use cases. From scheduling and fleet management to device security and long-term support, the company is aiming squarely at AV standardization without overengineering.
And the emphasis on higher ed is authentic, not performative. Just ask Kristin Spiewak, Senior Manager at Sharp and the person behind the company’s InfoComm response to the higher ed community.
“New is Now. Level up your space with Sharp innovation,” she said. “We’re ready to support the next chapter of education, whatever shape it takes.”
That “next chapter” includes hybrid instruction, flexible space design, more student-led content creation, and tighter IT/AV alignment. And Sharp seems well aware that schools need tools, not toys, to make that transition sustainable.
What If You Missed It?
No worries — Sharp’s got a full suite of InfoComm content available online, including videos, product specs, and downloadable guides for education customers.
Their team is also more than happy to schedule a live or virtual demo, tailored to your institution’s needs. Whether you’re planning a new building or just need to refresh 30 projectors over winter break, they’ve got gear — and people — ready to help.
“We are always available to set up a demo for any interested school or university,” said Kristin. “We value our relationships with the higher ed community and want to ensure every institution feels supported.”
Final Take
InfoComm 2025 was packed with shiny objects, but Sharp’s booth was different — it felt like a conversation with a partner who understands what makes campus AV work (and what makes it fall apart).
Their new laser projectors hit that sweet spot between power and practicality. Their interactive displays feel ready for real-world classrooms, not just conference rooms. And their tone — collaborative, focused, and humble — is exactly what a lot of AV teams are looking for as they stare down shrinking budgets and rising expectations.
