D&H Grows Wearables Biz
HARRISBURG, PA. – National IT and CE distributor D&H Distributing has expanded its lineup of wearable devices in step with the category’s growth. New additions include sleep and activity bracelets from Runtastic; Razer’s motion-responsive Razer Nabu Smartband; Stiiv’s smartwatch/activity and sleep tracker; and Garmin’s line of GPS watches and activity bracelets. The new lines join D&H’s offerings from industry leader Fitbit, and its selection of action cameras by GoPro, Emerson and ATN.
“People want to be connected all the time now, not just socially, but also to their homes and in regard to their health,” said purchasing VP Rob Eby. Added sales senior VP Jeff Davis, “We are coming to the point where, within the next few years, everyone will have not just a smartphone on their person, but one or two additional connected devices either on their bodies or in their purses or briefcases.”
Petra Adds MTX
EDMOND, OKLA. – Petra Industries has partnered with MTX Home Audio to distribute its line of speakers and accessories to dealers and integrators.. The new additions include CT Series in-wall and ceiling speakers with glass fiber woofers; bookshelf and tower speakers; DCM-branded TD Series in-wall and ceiling speakers featuring Kevlar drivers; the AW series of outdoor speakers; and the DIY Add A Zone kit for remote speaker installation.
“MTX has been creating great audio products for 40 years and their lines reflect this tremendous amount of engineering experience,” said Petra president Tate Morgan. “This partnership provides us a tremendous opportunity for our dealers in the custom installation and home theater markets.”
The MTX line is featured in Petra’s fall catalog, due out this month, and is available through Petra.com.
Capitol Conducts Classes
EAGAN, MINN. – National CE distributor Capitol held a series of eight free training courses at its headquarters here last week as part of its ongoing education and training program for dealers and installers.
The two-day training event focused on residential installations and products introduced in concert with last month’s CEDIA Expo. Subject lines included Sony, Toshiba, Onkyo, Dolby Atmos, Russound, KEF, Legrand’s NuVo, iPort’s Launchport and Lutron’s Caseta wireless lighting control system.
The 90-minute classes also provided practical marketing, sales, and installation tips to help attendees maximize their growth and profitability, the distributor said.
Catalyst AV Adds Dropcam
BURLINGTON, MASS. – Catalyst AV, a nationwide network of 11 distributors serving more than 15,000 integrators, has added Dropcam Pro to its linecard. Dropcam is a cloud-based Wi-Fi video monitoring camera and cloud service offering free live streaming, intelligent alerts and mobile and web apps. The camera features 8X zoom, delivers a room-capturing 130-degree field-of-view, and carries a $199 suggested retail.
“Dropcam is a significant addition to our app-based assortment of control products,” said Catalyst AV board member Wally Whinna, principal of Allnet Distributing. “These products offer integrators new security solutions.”
Separately, Catalyst AV member Easy Access Distribution hosted its annual Emerging Technologies & Home Awareness Expo last week at the Courtyard by Marriot in Billerica, Mass.
