I've just tidied this thread up to get it back on topic.
Keep the feedback coming please, folks - good and bad!
Keep the feedback coming please, folks - good and bad!
Clare Newsome:I've just tidied this thread up to get it back on topic.
Sorry, miss - but those big boys over there started it
Sorry, miss - but those big boys over there started it
Ravey Gravey Davy
Well-known member
Clare Newsome:
I've just tidied this thread up to get it back on topic.
Thank you- I am still reading it but my initial impressions are it is more open and accessible than the previous layout.
I've just tidied this thread up to get it back on topic.
Thank you- I am still reading it but my initial impressions are it is more open and accessible than the previous layout.
Hi,
Really like the new look of the magazine.Contemporary look is great and much more appealing. Enjoyed 'Savvy Shopper'. interesting to see he thought highly of the Marantz BD5004 ( although didn't buy), couldn't find a review anywhere for this model. Couldn't afford the more extpensive BD7004 but liked the look of the 1501 reciever. So nice to get a readers thoughts especially over such a range of models.
Any chance of a 'Specifications' box in 'First Tests'? - Read the review, sounds great, but not sure if it will fit...
Really liked the 'Insider' section too. Intersting that Channel 4 HD is coming to Freesat. I was looking at getting Freesat for my parents but HD channels were less that on FreeviewHD. Guess Freesat can grow more freely than Freeview so will look again.
Nice one WHF,
Cookie Monster
Really like the new look of the magazine.Contemporary look is great and much more appealing. Enjoyed 'Savvy Shopper'. interesting to see he thought highly of the Marantz BD5004 ( although didn't buy), couldn't find a review anywhere for this model. Couldn't afford the more extpensive BD7004 but liked the look of the 1501 reciever. So nice to get a readers thoughts especially over such a range of models.
Any chance of a 'Specifications' box in 'First Tests'? - Read the review, sounds great, but not sure if it will fit...
Really liked the 'Insider' section too. Intersting that Channel 4 HD is coming to Freesat. I was looking at getting Freesat for my parents but HD channels were less that on FreeviewHD. Guess Freesat can grow more freely than Freeview so will look again.
Nice one WHF,
Cookie Monster
I'm a longtime subscriber and have to say I'm not especially delighted with the new layout, particularly the new font which is a pig to read. You've also removed the equipment catagory explanation that used to appear below the product name at the beginning of each review - I now have to read a couple of paragraphs before I discover what the new bit of kit does.....please reinstate it.
I also prefered the Rating/For/Against box to appear down the left hand side of each First Test, making it easier to do a quick scan, but I can probably live with the new layout.
On the positive side I was very impressed with the Need To Know sidebars beside each speaker in the Budget Speakers Group Test; very informative and helpful.
Also please bring back "I remember when...."; one of my favourite features.
Keep up the good work WHF, I will keep subscribing.
I also prefered the Rating/For/Against box to appear down the left hand side of each First Test, making it easier to do a quick scan, but I can probably live with the new layout.
On the positive side I was very impressed with the Need To Know sidebars beside each speaker in the Budget Speakers Group Test; very informative and helpful.
Also please bring back "I remember when...."; one of my favourite features.
Keep up the good work WHF, I will keep subscribing.
nobber22:
You've also removed the equipment catagory explanation that used to appear below the product name at the beginning of each review - I now have to read a couple of paragraphs before I discover what the new bit of kit does.....please reinstate it.
Thanks for the feedback. Sorry you don't find the new body font (Guardian) readable - we're the first magazine to use it (it was created for the relaunch of the eponymous newspaper). Some of that maybe down to some 'tracking' inconsistencies in that first issue.
Re your above point about re First Test catergories - they remain clearly flagged up at the top of every page, so you don't have far to scan to discover each page's test topics.
You've also removed the equipment catagory explanation that used to appear below the product name at the beginning of each review - I now have to read a couple of paragraphs before I discover what the new bit of kit does.....please reinstate it.
Thanks for the feedback. Sorry you don't find the new body font (Guardian) readable - we're the first magazine to use it (it was created for the relaunch of the eponymous newspaper). Some of that maybe down to some 'tracking' inconsistencies in that first issue.
Re your above point about re First Test catergories - they remain clearly flagged up at the top of every page, so you don't have far to scan to discover each page's test topics.
ESP2009:Can't wait to get home to see my copy...
Exactly what I thought on Friday. And Saturday.
Will it arrive before the shops are selling it?
Such a shame, it normally arrives on time.
Exactly what I thought on Friday. And Saturday.
Will it arrive before the shops are selling it?
Such a shame, it normally arrives on time.
professorhat:gel:bigboss:
Clare Newsome: I can confirm, however, that this month's Savvy Shopper is ProfessorHat
Wow!! That's a wonderful surprise!!
I knew he wanted a new blu ray player, congrats on your purchase professorhat
i have heard very good things about your new blu ray player.
Thanks guys - very pleased so far, though haven't had maximum enjoyment out of it as yet as my flat has been turned upside down for decorating so it can be sold (as alluded to in the feature!). Things should be back to normal next week though so I can get down to re-watching all my faves on the new player!
Why didn't you also post your forum name, Antony @ Croydon?
If Claire did not mention it, you would just be another reader, and not the famous Professorhat!
Clare Newsome: I can confirm, however, that this month's Savvy Shopper is ProfessorHat
Wow!! That's a wonderful surprise!!
I knew he wanted a new blu ray player, congrats on your purchase professorhat
Thanks guys - very pleased so far, though haven't had maximum enjoyment out of it as yet as my flat has been turned upside down for decorating so it can be sold (as alluded to in the feature!). Things should be back to normal next week though so I can get down to re-watching all my faves on the new player!
Why didn't you also post your forum name, Antony @ Croydon?
If Claire did not mention it, you would just be another reader, and not the famous Professorhat!
dirtydean
Well-known member
markyd:
Boo,
my subscription ran out this month and I have to wait until Aug 24th to get my hands on the new issue.
Any chance of another Chord HDMI lead if I resubscribe
Tried that you have to wait 6 months, I think they said before subscribing again to get a other free gift....
Boo,
my subscription ran out this month and I have to wait until Aug 24th to get my hands on the new issue.
Any chance of another Chord HDMI lead if I resubscribe
Tried that you have to wait 6 months, I think they said before subscribing again to get a other free gift....
professorhat
Well-known member
Ronald Archiebald:Why didn't you also post your forum name, Antony @ Croydon?
If Claire did not mention it, you would just be another reader, and not the famous Professorhat!
Well, unsurprisingly, it wasn't actually up to me what was printed and what wasn't so you'll need to ask the WHF team!
If Claire did not mention it, you would just be another reader, and not the famous Professorhat!
Well, unsurprisingly, it wasn't actually up to me what was printed and what wasn't so you'll need to ask the WHF team!
If I remember correctly, WHF was considering (re-)introducing back view shots of the gear (as part of this makeover?) - to show the all important inputs and outputs etc. What have you decided about these?
I'm liking it thus far. The little extra tips and advice boxes are good. It's great to get some extra guidance regarding partnering and positioning, etc, from those who know what they are talking about.
ESP2009,
I agree. It's taking me considerably more than the usual 20 minutes to read it, so that's fantastic news.
The layout and pictures are very well done as well.
A lot of thought and time has obviously gone into this project, so once again - well done, WHFSAV!!
Ronald
I agree. It's taking me considerably more than the usual 20 minutes to read it, so that's fantastic news.
The layout and pictures are very well done as well.
A lot of thought and time has obviously gone into this project, so once again - well done, WHFSAV!!
Ronald
I was one of the panel for the big question and I have a forum username!
Was a good day out, thanks to all at What Hi-fi.
Got my new mag on Friday and have to admit that I do like the new look.
Was a good day out, thanks to all at What Hi-fi.
Got my new mag on Friday and have to admit that I do like the new look.
scottyworld:
I was one of the panel for the big question and I have a forum username!
Was a good day out, thanks to all at What Hi-fi.
Got my new mag on Friday and have to admit that I do like the new look.
Clare,
You obviously missed this one!
Ronald
I was one of the panel for the big question and I have a forum username!
Was a good day out, thanks to all at What Hi-fi.
Got my new mag on Friday and have to admit that I do like the new look.
Clare,
You obviously missed this one!
Ronald
Er, no. We just decided not to use Forum user names this issue. We may reinstate for future issues (where applicable), as some of you feel so strongly about it!
Clare Newsome:
One thing worth pointing out - not every reader of the magazine/user of the website is a Forum contributor, so not every person who appears in the magazine's features/letters will have a Forum alias.
Clare,
This appears to contradict what you just said...
Ronald
One thing worth pointing out - not every reader of the magazine/user of the website is a Forum contributor, so not every person who appears in the magazine's features/letters will have a Forum alias.
Clare,
This appears to contradict what you just said...
Ronald
Not at all - the above quote is a general observation; not everyone that we feature in the magazine has a Forum alias (or indeed if they do have one, they may not want it revealed).
That's not the same as us choosing not to use the Forum names in the pieces concerned.
That's not the same as us choosing not to use the Forum names in the pieces concerned.
chebby
Well-known member
Clare Newsome:Not at all - the above quote is a general observation; not everyone that we feature in the magazine has a Forum alias (or indeed if they do have one, they may not want it revealed).
That's not the same as us choosing not to use the Forum names in the pieces concerned.
You may need to illustrate this with the aid of a Venn diagram
That's not the same as us choosing not to use the Forum names in the pieces concerned.
You may need to illustrate this with the aid of a Venn diagram
I'm not going to renew my subscription once it expires at christmas. The mag looks nice and all, and the new format is an improvement, but its still pretty much half new stuff and half reprint of that bloody annoying guide each month. Without the latter, you're not left with all that much and as such its a bit of a rip off for the cost asked.
I'm also fed up with the overloading of TV and home cinema stuff. Feels like walking into Currys or Dixons everytime I open it.
I'm also fed up with the overloading of TV and home cinema stuff. Feels like walking into Currys or Dixons everytime I open it.
Sliced Bread
Well-known member
Personally I like the new look.
The reviews seem to have a more detailed description in terms of their performance. Also the small box next to the review which offers alternative products (such as the one next to the rdac review) are now a brief comparison to the main product rather than a generic sentence which is out of context with the review.
Both of these changes help inform a decision and are very welcome IMO
The reviews seem to have a more detailed description in terms of their performance. Also the small box next to the review which offers alternative products (such as the one next to the rdac review) are now a brief comparison to the main product rather than a generic sentence which is out of context with the review.
Both of these changes help inform a decision and are very welcome IMO
Sorry you feel that way bennyboy71, but many people find the Buying Guide invaluable when they're trying to decide which product to buy. And I'd hardly consider 100-odd pages of new editorial content every month a rip-off. We continue to test far more new products every month than any of our rivals (60 in the October issue).
The fact that there's a lot of TV and home cinema products reflects what's currently available in the market, with the amount of traditional hi-fi products declining.
The fact that there's a lot of TV and home cinema products reflects what's currently available in the market, with the amount of traditional hi-fi products declining.
Andy Clough:
Sorry you feel that way bennyboy71, but many people find the Buying Guide invaluable when they're trying to decide which product to buy. And I'd hardly consider 100-odd pages of new editorial content every month a rip-off. We continue to test far more new products every month than any of our rivals (60 in the October issue).
The fact that there's a lot of TV and home cinema products reflects what's currently available in the market, with the amount of traditional hi-fi products declining.
Sad to say that's the way of the world and you have to adapt to survive. I don't currently have much interest in the TV and home cinema products, but that may change so why begrudge the space taken up by useful articles on the evolution of this fast growing area of entertainment? I admit I do find the AV side swamps the hi-fi, which is where my interest lies, and causes some irritation but you take the rough with the smooth and make allowances that the world does not reveolve round your particular needs.
Sorry you feel that way bennyboy71, but many people find the Buying Guide invaluable when they're trying to decide which product to buy. And I'd hardly consider 100-odd pages of new editorial content every month a rip-off. We continue to test far more new products every month than any of our rivals (60 in the October issue).
The fact that there's a lot of TV and home cinema products reflects what's currently available in the market, with the amount of traditional hi-fi products declining.
Sad to say that's the way of the world and you have to adapt to survive. I don't currently have much interest in the TV and home cinema products, but that may change so why begrudge the space taken up by useful articles on the evolution of this fast growing area of entertainment? I admit I do find the AV side swamps the hi-fi, which is where my interest lies, and causes some irritation but you take the rough with the smooth and make allowances that the world does not reveolve round your particular needs.
Taking another browse through last night, I noted the little horizontal comparison bars under some of the reviews (notably the 40-42" TVs). A good feature, but I reckon it would be useful to have a scale for easier comparison between the models.
chebby
Well-known member
Despite having no 'headline' items of interest to me this month, curiosity overcame me and I bought a copy today. (Gel can test me if there is any doubt
)
I sat in the bookshop with a coffee and got absorbed. A few suprises along the way (Arcam rDac and the QED Profile HDMI lead I bought a couple of months ago for £15 on special 'introductory' offer apparently now costs £30 and gets five stars. Excellent.)
'First tests' actually take a while to read now. In fact the whole magazine has more wordage.
Sadly the tellys were all the wrong size this month. (I must have missed the 32" issue.) But I will have a read later anyway. If the copy is interesting about something I don't want to read about then that will be good.
'Living With It' (NaimUniti) was interesting. (Was that JD or AE? The scribe is not credited.)
The budget speakers group test was worth a read. (Arcaydis/EB strikes again and I prefer their looks to the plasticky looking MAs.)
I am home now and still have a lot more to read. (Something that could not be said about the other issues I have bought this year.)
Small point... glad to see the reader's panel in the Big Question no longer have their 'real' and forum identities exposed.
The Roksan Caspian M2 takes the prize for ugliest amp. But that is Roksan's fault. The WHF photographer did his/her best but it still looks like a trainwreck!
More later.
Good show chaps and ladies.
(Oh yeah, dump the Buyer's Guide. It's really had it's day.)
I sat in the bookshop with a coffee and got absorbed. A few suprises along the way (Arcam rDac and the QED Profile HDMI lead I bought a couple of months ago for £15 on special 'introductory' offer apparently now costs £30 and gets five stars. Excellent.)
'First tests' actually take a while to read now. In fact the whole magazine has more wordage.
Sadly the tellys were all the wrong size this month. (I must have missed the 32" issue.) But I will have a read later anyway. If the copy is interesting about something I don't want to read about then that will be good.
'Living With It' (NaimUniti) was interesting. (Was that JD or AE? The scribe is not credited.)
The budget speakers group test was worth a read. (Arcaydis/EB strikes again and I prefer their looks to the plasticky looking MAs.)
I am home now and still have a lot more to read. (Something that could not be said about the other issues I have bought this year.)
Small point... glad to see the reader's panel in the Big Question no longer have their 'real' and forum identities exposed.
The Roksan Caspian M2 takes the prize for ugliest amp. But that is Roksan's fault. The WHF photographer did his/her best but it still looks like a trainwreck!
More later.
Good show chaps and ladies.
(Oh yeah, dump the Buyer's Guide. It's really had it's day.)
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