Toshiba, Panasonic Improve Warranty; Denon Demands Authorization

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By:  Julie Jacobson
cepro.com
March 25, 2011

Toshiba and Panasonic Professional have improved their warranty programs, according to Fred Harding of national distributor Capitol Sales.

In his March newsletter to dealer customers, Harding writes:
Toshiba has announced that their entire line of LCD and LED televisions will carry the same warranty, regardless of whether the product is installed in a commercial or a residential application. That’s one of those things that can make a huge difference in larger jobs: “Gee, Mr. Barowner, did you know that the brand my competition is specifying doesn’t have a warranty if the product is installed in a commercial environment?”

Panasonic Professional has also gotten into the better warranty game. All of their plasma displays carry a two year warranty, which hasn’t changed. What has changed is the LCD Pro panels now offer a five year warranty. That’s a big step.

In other news from Capitol Fred:
Deals and No Deal

Xantech has brought back a sweetheart of a system deal with their plasma-proof Dinkylink IR kit. Look for the model 48095BK, available singly or in a buy 10, get 11 deal while supplies last. The kits offer the black Dinky, connecting block, power supply, and four emitters, at a cost of $$$ (ask Fred for pricing). I’ve been informed this is the newest, latest technology in the older casing, and that this offer is exclusive to Capitol at this time.

Russound has got a couple of great promotions to take advantage of while supplies last. We bought a boat load of their LPT series volume controls, which offer 11 clicks, impedance matching, and Decora design. You have to choose which color you want at time of purchase. While they last, $$$ each (ask Fred for pricing). This is a nice deal for simple audio systems, just like mom used to install.

Pinnacle Speakers is offering a great deal on their K8 and K80 speakers, again while supplies last. These speakers feature Kevlar drivers and great sound, and would be ideal speakers for your brother-in-law or client looking for a deal. Remember, this is a supplies are limited type of promotion, so act before it’s too late.

Artison, the fabulous speaker manufacturer, has lowered costs on their separate subwoofer system. Their 600 series amp (located at the rack) and 600 series subwoofers are now an even better deal. Don’t forget that their Soundbar and LCR Flanking speakers have made-to-size grilles to match whatever TV set your customer has. They look great and sound great.

Copper prices are starting to climb. If you have old quotes out there that are being converted to sales, make sure you aren’t paying your customer to install wire in their home or office. Ordering online through our Website pays freight on wire, which will ease some of the pain associated with the price hikes.

Get your Denon authorization code from Fred Harding, Capitol Sales
Get Authorized on Denon

Denon is more serious than ever about selling only through authorized dealers -- and that's a good thing for all of us. If you are not officially authorized by the manufacturer, Capitol can't sell you Denon products (ask Fred how to get authorized).
Commercial Audio

I’ve been specifying the Furman D-10 rack mounted outlet strip for the past year or so, only to recently discover an even better alternative. Check out the Furman M8X2, and you’ll see what I mean. It’s a rack-mounted device, with surge protection, and a master power switch on the front panel. It’s a convenient and logical alternative for applications where you want to have a single on/off point for a small commercial audio system. It’s not a ton more dough than the D10, but it does offer more features.

Lately, I’ve been taking calls from dealers that are curious on how the DBX 640 and 1260 ZonePro product sets up. I’ve generally walked them through the installation manual, but today I’m thrilled to report that there is a series of online instructional videos available. Give me a call, and I’ll get you connected to the URL where you can learn about this very cool, very responsive line of commercial audio matrix preamps.

Capitol Sales Expo, May 1-2

The Capitol Learning Institute Expo returns to the Twin Cities this year May 1-2. More than 70 classes from over 50 vendors will be presented over the course of the two-day event.