SIM executives joined these two brands under the Sound & Vision banner because of the undeniably quick evolution of home and portable electronics products. Sales of new audio/video components like soundbars, wireless speakers, high-performance headphones, and computer audio gear have virtually exploded and join more traditional A/V equipment in a vibrant new marketplace. “Using the all-encompassing Sound & Vision name we can more easily address the new ways in which consumers use their entertainment systems,” says Keith Pray, publisher of Sound & Vision, Stereophile, InnerFidelity.com, AudioStream.com, and AnalogPlanet.com.
As a result of the merged brands, Pray notes, advertisers will enjoy benefits like the strongest industry print circulation, a growing digital, interactive version of the magazine and an abundance of digital apps. “Advertisers will find that Sound & Vision’s reach is unrivaled in the industry,” he says.
Rob Sabin, currently editor-in-chief of Home Theater and a former Sound & Vision executive editor, will guide Sound & Vision beginning with the October 2013 issue. It will boast an exciting redesign, new features and a line-up preserving the best elements of both magazines.
“Bringing these two entities together has the effect of putting virtually all of the industry’s most noted experts in one place,” Sabin explains. “We will be ramping up our product review program to cover more gear across a wider range of categories and under the Sound & Vision name we can broaden our audience while continuing to support the serious audio/video enthusiast with the depth of coverage they’ve come to expect from Home Theater.”
The new Sound & Vision publishes ten times a year following the original publication schedule of Home Theater.
COMMENTS
I hope it stays more S&V than Home Theater. I really like the down to earth approach of S&V, kind of more like the old Stereo Review, over the higher end position occupied by Home Theater.
Plus I really don't need to be reading about more $20k+ components.
But good luck to all with the new venture.
As a long time subscriber to Home Theater, I have some legitimate concerns. What happens with those who have current subscriptons to Home Theater Magazine? Will we forfeit our subscriptions? If so, are we entitled to refunds? Will the balance of our subscription carry over to Sound & Vision?
With regard to high end televisions, please, please, please reconfirm that Tom Norton will remain and the senior editor, technical editor of video. I see that Brent Butterworth, who I believe was the former editor of Home Theater doing flat panel and projector reviews at S&V. Tom tells it like it is and we depend on his very thorough review/evaluation - especially his observations on black levels of the flat panels and projectors. Either Kuro black or not. His writing is fantastic as well.
What about Mark Fleischman who does the bulk of the reviews of surround sound systems? Many subscribers rely on his good judgment (well, ok, sometimes too many five star ratings IMO), but nonetheless I want to see him continue his candid reviews and solid writing.
As Editor-in-Chief Rob Sabin needs to preemptively address these concerns to ease reader's minds. We need a clearer picture of the merged magazine and more importantly which writers are staying on board. I have noticed over the last couple years that great contributors were moving to Home Theater's online competitors such as Home Theater Review with former HT contributor Adrienne Maxwell at the helm (recently) and Scott Wilkinson over at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity.
I am all for consolidation if the content of the new magazine and quality of reviews and articles are maintained....as well as the ratings system.
Why was this announcement posted on Stereophile and not Home Theater Mag's site? Lastly, is Stereophile staying its own standalone magazine or is another announcement expected.
Thanks,
K. Reid, subsciber to HT Mag since the early nineties
What happens with those who have current subscriptons to Home Theater Magazine?
My understanding is that subscribers will comtinue to receive the new S&V/HT magazine.
Why was this announcement posted on Stereophile and not Home Theater Mag's site?
I can't speak for Home Theater but I posted this last night on my site because it is news concerning our sister magazine. There is also a direct connection, as Stereophile's founder, J. Gordon Holt, contributed a column to S&V's predecessor, HiFi/Stereo Review, in the late 1950s.
Lastly, is Stereophile staying its own standalone magazine or is another announcement expected.
Stereophile, as the senior magazine in our group, will continue to stand alone. All other questions you need to address to Rob Sabin.
John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile
Thanks, John, for addressing select questions and confirming that existing subscriptions will carry over. It is unfortunate that no announcements have been made on HT's site, unless I missed something. I am hoping that Mr. Sabin will have something on the site soon.
For those of us that subscribe to both HT and S&V do we get a refund to one of the subscription or do you add both together giving more subscription months?
For those of us that subscribe to both HT and S&V do we get a refund to one of the subscription or do you add both together giving more subscription months?
I am afraid that I don't know the answer to that question, I will try to find out.
John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile
I think many subscribers are waiting on more information from Rob Sabin to give us a further glimpse into this merger. I am very concerned that there will be less emphasis on the home theater side of the equation. Additionally, an even higher concern will be retention/ absence of seasoned reviewers and writers such as Tom Norton, Mark Fleischman, Darlyl Wilkinson and contributing technical editors who review the ultra high end systems such as Michael Fremer and Fred Manteghian. I know Mikey splits his time between Stereophile and Analog Planet, but his periodic reviews of high end HT systems is always welcome.
Who will get the nod to be the senior video editor? Tom, Brent Butterworth or Geoffrey Morrison? Are their methodologies for evaluating flat panels the same? What about Tom's view on Black Level vs. Contrast Ratio. Geoffrey and Brent expressed their view in the March 16, 2013, article posted on S&V? Understandably, Stereophile is not the venue to invite such discussion and it is likely many of these decisions have already been made well in advance of the merger. I am afraid all we subscribers can do is wait and hope.
I think many subscribers are waiting on more information from Rob Sabin to give us a further glimpse into this merger.
Rob Sabin offers his thoughts on the merger at www.hometheater.com/content/home-theater-become-sound-vision
John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile
I'm not sure I like this mainly because I think S & V sucks as of the last couple years. They cover too much music that I don't give a shit about. I've known what music I like since I was 20 years old and am not interested in the lates long haired rocker with a guitar around his knees. This is why I gave up my S & V subscription. I want equipment coverage first and foremost. With that said, The two seem to cover the same stuff anyway so that shouldn't be much of an adjustment.
Oh well, we will see.
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