08.22.2008 — AT&T has decided to enter the home theater and computer installation market with its AT&T ConnecTech program.

The service offers television and home theater installation and personal computer and home network setup, plus an extensive list of repair services, "performed by our qualified AT&T ConnecTech in-home or phone support service agents."

The ConnecTech Web site lists prices and explains what services are included, but here are a few a few takeaways:

• Home theater installation consultation for $100
• Flat-panel TVs 32-inch and under mounted on wall for $179
• Flat-panel TVs over 32-inch mounted on wall for $299
• Home theater installation in which the TV is on a stand and "connect[ion]" of up to seven speakers with "wires neatly dressed but not concealed" for $149
• Home theater installation in which the TV is on a stand and installation of up to three on- or in-wall speakers with wire concealment for $349
• Home theater installation in which the TV is on a stand and installation of up to seven wall-mounted speakers with wire concealment for $549
• Home theater installation in which a flat-panel TV up to 32 inches is wall-mounted for $349
• Home theater installation in which a flat-panel TV over 32 inches is wall-mounted for $449
• Home theater installation in which a flat-panel TV over 32 inches is wall-mounted and up to seven speakers are wall-mounted is $849

ConnecTech also offers PC installation services and remote tech support. AT&T also provides quadruple-play service, which includes satellite TV from Dish Network.

CE pros, of course, will keep tabs on what nationwide operations like AT&T ConnecTech charge for their services and exactly what those services entail.

AT&T is the latest in a line of surprising purveyors of in-home installation services.

There's Wal-Mart-owned warehouse store Sam's Club with its PC services through Geeks on Call.

There's Wal-Mart itself with its Solution Stations by Dell, which offer in-store and in-home services supporting Dell products and those from other PC and consumer electronics manufacturers.

Of course, there's Best Buy's Geek Squad, which founder Robert Stevens says will actually boost business and enhance the industry for smaller custom electronics companies.

There's also Zip Express, essentially a network of custom installers offering third-party service in the names of retailers like Target and Amazon.