06.02.2008 — What a difference a year makes. This time a year ago, the perspective of many custom installers was probably quite different than it is now.

Today, however, with inflation creeping up, the housing industry slumping to its lowest levels in 20 years and oil prices eating away at the American public's disposable income, installers are feeling the economic pinch.

That's not to say there aren't opportunities for installers to make money. Moving away from staple categories, such as flat-panel TVs, many installers, including those that make up the CE Pro 100, are turning to such tried-and-true technologies as performance audio, control, front projection and home networks.

These product trends are verified through close examination of the brands listed by the installers that make up the CE Pro 100.

Installers on this list were asked to reveal their most frequently used manufacturers in 37 categories, ranging from in-wall speakers and A/V receivers to control products and computers.

Click here to view the top five brands from each category.

		CE Pro 100 Reports 9% Revenue Jump The list, which is in its tenth year, reported a leap in average income of 9 percent, from $6.8 million to $7.4 million. Other strong data includes a leap in the average installation price of 7 percent. 9 Key Trends From CE Pro 100 The CE Pro 100 is out, and we’ve broken down what makes up the companies making the yearly list. The CE Pro 100 logged gross custom revenues of $747.8 million, up from $684.8 million last year. The CE Pro 100: Real and Representative The publication of the prestigious CE Pro 100 list garners reaction in the industry like no other. The 10th annual list will surely stir opinions. Economy, Profit Big Concerns for CE Pro 100 The slowing economy, the housing slowdown and declining product margins are the hot topics of concern among members of the CE Pro 100. Verifying the CE Pro 100: How It's Done This year, 86 of the 100 companies provided verification in the form of copies of tax returns or letters from an outside CPA. That number is up from 69 companies last year. Integrators Detail Favorite Brands CE Pro 100 integrators turn to luxury and performance brands to bolster revenues during the economic slump.
The CE Pro 100 is out, and we’ve broken down what makes up the companies making the yearly list.