Capitol Focusing Eyes And Ears On MusicLites® Wireless Hi-Fi Speaker/LED Light Models

New Electronics Product Combines Wireless Speaker With State-of-the-Art LED Light

EAGAN, MN, July 18, 2011 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, today announced that it has added to its arsenal an electronics product that pioneers a new category for light and sound by combining a wireless, high-fidelity speaker with a state-of-the-art LED light. MusicLites® is the result of a partnership between OSRAM SYLVANIA, North America's lighting leader and ARTISON®, a leading high-end audio technology firm.

“MusicLites is a brilliant combination of light and sound in a truly attractive package,” commented Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Director of Strategic Development. “Not only is it an all-around smart and practical product, but it is a perfect example of how “No New Long Wires” technologies are giving integrators a powerful new tool for building incremental income with easy-to-implement models.”

“From day one, Capitol has been one of the biggest boosters of bringing exciting concepts such as MusicLites to the professional installation community,” said ARTISON CEO, Cary Christie. “MusicLites' combination of light and sound allows anyone to enjoy an enhanced home audio experience in any area with the ease of screwing in a light bulb. It’s the perfect add-on for a modern whole-house system."

MusicLites allows consumers and businesses to create a high-end audio and lighting experience without wires almost anywhere they have light sockets. The light socket powers both the speaker and the light. The speakers and audio source communicate through a proprietary wireless transmitter and receiver system.

Each MusicLites unit features an efficient 10-watt LED light that puts out the equivalent of a 65-watt reflector bulb. It also has a 70-millimeter full-range high-fidelity loudspeaker and a wireless audio receiver. A 2.4 GHZ wireless transmitter can be connected to just about any audio source, including stereos, televisions, computers, iPods, iPads and smartphones, to transmit a signal to the MusicLites speakers.

“Pairing our expertise in lighting with ARTISON’s expertise in sound has allowed us to work together to create an innovative home audio experience that combines space-saving functionality with the luxury of surround sound,” said Frank St. Onge, Product Marketing Manager, OSRAM SYLVANIA. “We are delighted to introduce MusicLites’ cutting edge technology and provide the highest quality lighting and audio for any area of the home or business.”

MusicLites fit into four, five or six-inch recessed lighting cans. Each MusicLites kit contains two 3.8-inch x 5.3-inch modules and a remote that can dim the lights and raise or lower the audio. As many as five zones with up to 12 MusicLites in each zone can be tied together in a single network, creating a scalable lighting and audio system that can work for every application from a small apartment to large restaurant or hotel ballroom. MusicLites also are water resistant, making them an ideal solution for outdoor settings such as covered porches and decks.

Added Kussard: “Once again, Capitol is leading the “No New Long Wires” trend by offering such a groundbreaking new product. It’s a trend that we have and will continue to take very seriously.”

Capitol Now Features Hosa Technology’s Connectivity Solutions for Performing Musicians and Audio/Visual Professionals

EAGAN, MN, June 23, 2011 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, now features Hosa Technology, Inc.’s extensive array of high-quality analog and digital connectivity solutions for the and professional-audio/video and pro/hobbyist music markets.

“For more than 25 years, consumers and professionals have been relying on Hosa Technology for cables that are among the most reliable in the business,” commented Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Director of Strategic Development. “As the leading supplier of connectivity solutions, Hosa has a well-earned reputation for delivering dependable quality at an affordable price.”

Headquartered in Buena Park, Calif., Hosa Technology specializes in high-quality and cost-effective cables in the terminations and lengths required by discerning musicians and audio/visual professionals. The company also offers a comprehensive collection of connectors and adaptors that enable musicians, recording studios, and video production facilities to integrate equipment into almost any environment. All of the company’s products are backed by an exceptional service and support program to ensure customer satisfaction.

Capitol Brings Sherwood and Newcastle AVR Lines To Dealers and Integrators

Highlighted By New HDMI 3D-Ready A/V Receivers and Internet Streaming, Sherwood Represents Advanced Quality And Value At Every Price Point

EAGAN, MN, July 28, 2010 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, as well as retailers and premium incentive resellers, now offers Sherwood America, Inc.’s line of advanced, high performance/high value Sherwood and Newcastle brand audio/video receivers (AVRs) to select dealers and installers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Capitol now offers Sherwood’s complete line of AVRs to dealers and integrators throughout the U.S., while the company’s prestigious Newcastle selection is available to all customers with the exception of those on the east coast.

“It’s almost impossible to summarize the value of the Newcastle and Sherwood names in a short statement,” says Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Strategic Development Director. “The company consistently develops and markets AVRs that pack leading edge technologies and reliability into affordable components that offer solid margins for the dealer. As both a distributor and as an audio enthusiast, I think Sherwood is one of the top vendors servicing this category.”

Sherwood’s Newcastle A/V receivers are designed for home theater fans who demand high performance and unshakable reliability from electronics that live up to the mission of the line: use the best parts; get the basics right; make it easy to use. Newcastle is a favorite among custom specialists who laude the installation-friendly features and sonic output that is well beyond competing products in their price range.

Representing the epitome of advanced consumer technology available at everyday prices, Sherwood brand receivers offer the full spectrum of home theater formats and capabilities in a myriad of models, making it easy for the consumer to select the right receiver for the right price.

“Capitol’s team not only has an unshakable knowledge of the AVR category, but they’re pros at communicating the benefits of Sherwood products to any number of constituencies,” said Gary Graning, Vice President of Sales, Sherwood America, Inc. “We’re thrilled to be working with a distributor that is expert at servicing the custom, retail and premium/incentive channels.”

Capitol Now Offering Middle Atlantic’s Entire Catalog To Customers Throughout Midwestern United States

EAGAN, MN, April 12, 2010 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, as well as retailers and premium incentive resellers, is now an authorized distributor of Middle Atlantic Products, a leading designer of support and protection products for mounting integrated AV systems in residential, commercial, broadcast, and security applications.

Under the terms of the agreement, Capitol will offer Middle Atlantic’s complete line of racks, technical furniture, cable management, lighting, and related products to dealers and integrators throughout the Midwestern U.S.

“I’ve always thought of Middle Atlantic as one of an installer’s best friends,” says Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Strategic Development Director. “They continually demonstrate an unshakable commitment to maximizing system reliability while improving job-site safety and efficiency. From product design and selection to customer service, Middle Atlantic is one of the most impressive companies in the CI business.”

“Capitol clearly shares our commitment to raising the bar for excellence on every level,” said Robert Newhuis, Midwest Sales Director of Middle Atlantic. “It’s a pleasure to work with a team that understands our value proposition so well.”

Middle Atlantic Products, Inc. manufactures exceptional support and protection products to mount integrated AV systems in Residential, Commercial, Broadcast, and Security applications. All of the company’s products are engineered to maximize system reliability and to meet the needs of installers. From thermal considerations and built-in cable management on its racks and enclosures, to pre-installed washers on rack screws, Middle Atlantic builds in ways to save time and simplify the job. In addition, the company offers its free RackTools™ layout and design package that makes it easy to design racks and enclosures, and effortlessly generate purchase orders and quotes.