Nearly 70% of institutions expect AV budgets to increase over the next three years, with projectors alone accounting for nearly a quarter of that spend.
The higher education landscape is rapidly evolving, and so are the technology needs of colleges and universities across the U.S. To better understand these needs, Panasonic Projector & Display Americas commissioned Futuresource Consulting to survey more than 250 IT decision-makers at higher education institutions nationwide, complemented by in-depth qualitative interviews. The findings reveal how institutions are approaching classroom technology, where they’re investing, and what matters most when making purchase decisions.
AV Budgets are on the Rise
One trend that this report unearthed was that investment in audio-visual technology is on the rise: nearly 70% of institutions expect AV budgets to increase over the next three years, with projectors alone accounting for nearly a quarter of that spend. The median annual AV budget is $750,000, and many IT leaders note that classroom technology has become a priority not only for effective teaching, but also for student recruitment and retention.
Long Upgrade Cycles Hold Back Innovation
Despite rising budgets, most institutions continue to upgrade projectors only every four to five years. Many refresh cycles are driven by equipment failure rather than proactive investment. As one IT leader noted, current setups are often considered “good enough” until devices break down. This creates an opportunity for institutions to rethink refresh strategies in light of growing demands for hybrid learning and advanced features like 4K resolution.
Reliability Comes out on Top
When it comes to choosing classroom technology, reliability and durability are top of mind. IT decision-makers said they are willing to pay as much as 28% more for projectors that are seen as highly reliable, and 21% more for durable devices. Ease of use and low maintenance are also highly valued, particularly in environments where faculty and guest speakers cycle through classrooms daily. These priorities underscore the importance of total cost of ownership, with buyers favoring solutions that minimize downtime and deliver consistent performance.
4K and DLP Adoption is Rising, But Education is Needed
There is clearly strong interest in next-generation projector technology. Over 60% of institutions already own 4K projectors, and three-quarters of the remainder plan to invest within the next three years. Similarly, awareness of DLP projectors is high, but only 25% of decision-makers say they fully understand the benefits. This knowledge gap points to the need for vendor-led education and demonstration, particularly around image quality, durability, and reduced maintenance.
Relationships and Demonstrations Drive Decisions
Nearly nine in ten IT leaders prefer to see a product demonstration before purchasing, and half of projector purchases are made through AV/IT integrators. Strong vendor relationships and responsive support were cited as critical to purchase decisions, often outweighing brand familiarity alone. In fact, many institutions reported that hands-on demos and trusted partnerships have tipped the scales when evaluating new technology.
Looking Ahead
As classrooms continue to evolve, higher education institutions are seeking technology that is reliable, easy to use, and capable of supporting new modes of learning. At Panasonic, we see these findings as both validation of our longstanding focus on quality and reliability, and as a call to continue educating the market on how advanced projector technologies like DLP and 4K can enhance teaching and learning experiences.
The future of higher education will be shaped by technology decisions being made today. By listening to the needs of IT leaders and faculty, and by delivering solutions that balance innovation with simplicity, we can help institutions create classrooms that are truly ready for what’s next.
