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.