Capitol Now Distributing Mitsubishi Projectors

Capitol Announces Partnership to Distribute Mitsubishi Home Theater and Commercial Projection Models

EAGAN, MN, December 28, 2011 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, today announced that it has been selected as a Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America’s distribution partner for its acclaimed home theater and commercial high-definition projectors.

“We are proud to have Capitol as a Mitsubishi distribution partner,” said David Ginsburg, Account Manager for Mitsubishi Digital Electronics. “Their technical expertise and unshakable commitment to customer service are well known among dealers of all sizes and specialties.”

“Mitsubishi is one of the most recognized names in consumer electronics,” said Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Director of Strategic Development. “We look forward to further strengthening our product offering with their award-winning line of products.”

Capitol is now offering Mitsubishi’s high-definition HC projectors for the home theater market as well as a variety of Mitsubishi high-definition projectors that are designed for the light commercial market. Capitol offers the products to customers nationwide, with the exception of Texas and Louisiana.

Capitol Expands Middle Atlantic Availability Throughout Continental US

EAGAN, MN, November 22, 2011 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, as well as retailers and premium incentive resellers, is expanding its distribution of Middle Atlantic Products to its customers throughout the continental U.S.

Until recently, Capitol distributed the Middle Atlantic selection of support and protection products for mounting integrated AV systems in residential, commercial, broadcast, and security applications exclusively to its customers in the midwest. Capitol offers Middle Atlantic’s complete line of racks, technical furniture, cable management, lighting, and related products.

“Middle Atlantic’s bullet-proof reputation for quality product design is what makes them such a hit with our customers,” comments Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Director of Strategic Development. “Their proven track record of increasing on-the-job efficiency and safety made their selection one of our most successful lines in the Midwest. It’s gratifying to know that at long last we can expand that reach to residential and commercial specialists from coast to coast.”

“From day one, Capitol has illustrated a clear understanding of the Middle Atlantic product line, and their customer service matches the same exacting standing of our own,” says Robert Newhuis, Midwest Sales Director of Middle Atlantic. “Their sales team demonstrates what it means to be a real partner every time they speak about our products.”

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.

Capitol One Of A Select Group To Distribute Panasonic’s VC500 HD Visual Communications System

VC500 Features All The Necessary Ingredients For High Performance High Efficiency Multi-Location Video Conferencing

EAGAN, MN, February 1, 2011 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, is now one of four select U.S. distributors offering Panasonic System Network Company of America’s VC500 HD Visual Communications System.

Panasonic’s HD Visual Communications System makes it possible to instantaneously communicate and collaborate with colleagues and industry experts wherever they happen to be. With full HD 1080i video and 360° audio delivered over a standard broadband connection, the Panasonic HDVC System allows companies to save money by reducing travel and improving productivity.

“Panasonic’s VC500 system represents a quantum leap forward in video conferencing capabilities,” commented Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Director of Strategic Development. “The seamless integration of a brilliant HD display, high performance 360º audio and, most important, intuitive operation, has quickly made the VC500 the standard in modern video conferencing systems. Though we know it’s a hit with our long-time commercial integrator customers, we’re also hearing a tremendous amount of buzz from residential installers who are taking the plunge into the light commercial market. It’s an opportunity they need to explore.”

The VC500 HD video conferencing system greatly reduces the time and expense of traveling without sacrificing the benefits of an on-site meeting. Real-time HD video professional grade 360º audio allow remote participants to collaborate on issues and ideas while reducing travel time and operational expenses.

In order to offer its customers an easy-to-implement starting point, Capitol offers a comprehensive VC500 package featuring one high performance 360º echo canceling microphone, two HD video cameras, a 50” HD display, and the proprietary codec that ties the elements together into one efficient system. Customers who prefer flexibility in their choice of cameras and displays can opt for a package that includes only the codec and microphone. Capitol will, of course, customize systems to best fit the needs of their customers and end-users.

“Video conferencing is critical to facilitating communication and project management between two or more locations,” added Kussard. “The VC500 takes what was once a major undertaking and seamlessly simplifies the process so that participants can focus on the subject at hand, not operating and managing the system.”

Capitol Now Offers KEF T Series, Featuring High Fidelity Audio From A Radically Slim Enclosure

KEF Extends Audio Design Prowess To Ultra-Slim Cabinet Design

EAGAN, MN, January 12, 2011 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, now offers one of the most in-demand new products of the past year: KEF’s new T Series of high-performance, flat-panel loudspeakers.

“It takes a truly advanced R&D team to design a slim speaker that is on a par with free-standing floor monitors,” commented Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Director of Strategic Development. “As a longtime audio enthusiast, it comes as no surprise to me to see the KEF name behind such a groundbreaking speaker line. The T Series takes up remarkably little space, and the sound quality will satisfy the most demanding audiophiles in the room.”

As one of the world’s thinnest high performance home theater and flat panel audio systems, the KEF T Series combines two landmark innovations: a radical new ultra-low profile bass and midrange driver, and a large, fully vented new tweeter. By incorporating both in cabinets only 35mm deep, the T Series delivers true high-fidelity sound in a thin speaker that perfectly complements the aesthetics of the latest flat screen TVs. Sweet and pure midrange performance is assured by a new large diaphragm tweeter developed directly from the Concept Blade loudspeaker project.

The T Series features KEF’s innovative Selecta-mount system which uses a clever internal connecting system to automatically adjust the crossover depending on how the loudspeaker is mounted, giving users the freedom to place the loudspeakers wherever they want and still enjoy great sound.

Capitol Expands Sound Advance Speaker Selection With Four Additional Models

Three of Four New SKU’s Feature “FastMount®” Bracket, Making It Easy to Snap and Lock the Speaker in Place

EAGAN, MN, December 9, 2010 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, today announced it has expanded its selection of Sonance’s Sound Advance® speaker line by four models, including three that feature the company’s acclaimed FastMount™ bracket for fast and easy installation.

Added to the mix are the Sound Advance CT-8 in-ceiling speaker (pictured left), and FMS860B, FMS660B, and FMS530B on-wall models. The three FMS models comprise the FastMount® series of extended bandwidth loudspeakers that establish a new benchmark for ruggedness, weather resistance, ease of installation and performance in commercial/professional outdoor speakers. Featuring the exclusive FastMount bracket system, speakers pivot up to 180 degrees on the included bracket while remaining less than 1" (25mm) from the mounting surface.

“Every day, we see more of our residential specialist customers expanding into light commercial,” observed Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Director of Strategic Development. “It only makes sense, considering how that market offers real opportunities for growth. “Our friends at Sound Advance are clearly on board with this trend, as evidenced by the Sound Advance product line. Every one of these models is designed with the demands and challenges of commercial applications in mind.”

Sound Advance speakers are ideal for public meeting areas, whether they are in a hotel ballroom, hospital waiting room or any other facility, large or small. For more information, visit www.sonance.com.

Capitol Launches New House Brand HDMI Cables

Vivid Color Coding, State Of The Art HDMI 1.4 Performance And Bulletproof Reliability Mark Attractive New Option For Integrators

ATLANTA, GA, September 20, 2010 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems contractors, retailers, light commercial contractors, and premium incentive resellers, today announced the introduction of its own house-branded HDMI cabling solutions. Capitol' new HDMI cables offer the latest HDMI 1.4 technology in a lineup of solidly constructed, vividly color-coded cables that offer integrators and their customers a superior value.

“Our own line of HDMI cables are a natural new offering and an essential new option for our customers, " says Curt Hayes, Capitol Company’s President and Chief Financial Officer. “We pride ourselves on offering complete solution choices, and in this case, we're offering a rugged, state-of-the-art and visually striking HDMI cable that's easy to install, attractive to end users and sensible to specify. We think our customers are going to love what they get from our HDMI cable lineup.”

Capitol’ new house line of HDMI cables presents an outstanding value proposition. Vividly and elegantly color-coded in red, green and blue, the cables present an upscale look, and feature the latest must-have HDMI 1.4 technologies. Maximum bandwidth and beyond 1080p speed provides the performance needed for applications like 3D video, Deep Color and x.v. Color, as well as the latest high-resolution surround formats from Dolby, DTS and others. The cables also include the requisite high-speed Ethernet and audio return channels for compatibility with the latest home theater components. With consumers increasingly demanding these new features, the Capitol HDMI cable offering lets integrators, contractors and dealers satisfy customer demand with a no-compromise solution that's attractive to specify and comes backed with Capitol peerless service, sales and support.

In addition to its technical performance, the Capitol HDMI cables feature rock-solid construction and durability. Connectors are 24k gold plated for superior conductivity and corrosion resistance, and the plugs feature strain relief for long-lasting protection. The oxygen-free conductors are triple shielded for superior interference rejection and the brilliantly color-coded PVC jackets are CL-2 rated for in-wall use.

Capitol’s Category 6 UTP wire was designed specifically for the rigors of moving HDMI over UTP conductors in conjunction with baluns, for rock-solid transmission and reliability over long length applications. Numerous convenient lengths are available pre-terminated, with standard lengths between one and six meters rated at 28awg and longer cables of eight to ten meters rated at 25awg.

The new HDMI cables will be available exclusively through Capitol, and can be seen at the 2010 CEDIA Expo in Atlanta, at the Capitol booth # 3227. To acquaint dealers and installers with its new HDMI cables, Capitol Sales will be offering free one meter samples to the first 100 dealers to visit Capitol Sales' CEDIA booth each day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 23, 24 and 25.

Capitol Now Offering Lutron's Award-Winning Wireless Lighting Controls and Automated Shading System

RadioRA® 2 and Sivoia® QS Wireless Systems Make Powerful Whole-Home Lighting and Energy Saving Solutions Easy For Integrators and Their Customers

EAGAN, MN, May 11, 2010 – Capitol, the leading consumer electronics distribution source for residential systems and light commercial contractors, as well as retailers and premium incentive resellers, has partnered with lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics to offer state-of-the-art wireless lighting control and automated shading systems to Capitol’s extensive network of dealers and installation professionals.

Under the terms of the partnership, Capitol will distribute Lutron's award-winning RadioRA 2 wireless, whole-home lighting control system and its Sivoia QS Wireless automated shading system. These exciting technologies provide Capitol customers with attractive, scalable and easy-to-install solutions for whole-home lighting and energy savings.

“Lutron's dedication to product excellence, training and support are in perfect alignment with Capitol," said Jeff Kussard, Capitol’s Strategic Development Director. "Consumers are demanding energy efficiency and convenience in their home installations, and our dealers have asked us for reliable, innovative lighting controls to meet this demand. With their extensive product line and proven technologies, Lutron is one of the best companies in the lighting control market to help Capitol meet that need."

“Capitol is a premier national distributor with an excellent reputation in the industry," said Rich Matthews, residential sales director for Lutron Electronics. "The company has a knowledgeable sales team and offers its customers superior training and support. Capitol also offers Lutron access to some of the nation's top A/V installers, and provides new access to markets where Lutron is not well represented."

Lutron's RadioRA 2 is an advanced lighting control system that provides convenient and intuitive control of lights, shades and HVAC, all at the touch of a button. This integrated approach to home control is achieved wirelessly through simple and reliable radio frequency (RF) communications and can be easily retrofitted to virtually any home.

Lutron's Sivoia QS Wireless automated shading system works seamlessly with RadioRA 2, controlling roller shades, Roman shades, drapery tracks and skylight shades. Together, the Lutron technologies provide end-users with unparalleled convenience in creating and maintaining home energy efficiency.