Sound + Vision Gets a Bold New Design

Sound + Vision magazine reveals a dramatic redesign with its June/July/August issue. Under the direction of longtime Editor-in-Chief Mike Mettler and Technology Group Creative Director Sam Syed, the category-leading home entertainment and consumer electronics title has not only a bold new look, but an enhanced editorial scope inspired by the increasingly mobile nature of music and entertainment technologies.

Formerly positioned as the “Home Entertainment Authority,” the new Sound + Vision aims to bring its 1.1 million enthusiast readers “Quality Entertainment. Everywhere,” a new tagline that embodies the mission to help readers get the best performance from their entertainment gear both at home and on the move.

“Technology has allowed us to realize the dream of taking the entertainment experiences we crave and cultivate in our homes with us wherever we go,” said Mettler. “The time was right to put the zeal and expertise of the Sound + Vision team to work to ensure that our readers can maximize every opportunity to create the ultimate high-def experience no matter where they are.”

Editorial highlights include a new front-of-book section called “The Shuffle,” featuring news and reviews of portable audio/video devices, new apps and gear; the debut of “S + V Lifestyle,” a feature that brings a fashion-shoot sensibility to gear tests, showcasing products against real-life backdrops; and a revamped “Entertainment” section—a fast-paced expert evaluation of the latest movies, television, music and game releases.

In approaching the redesign, Syed took his cues from the magazine’s rock-n-roll and entertainment content and created a bright, photography-driven style more in line with a music lifestyle title than a traditional technology magazine. “The gear remains the star in the new Sound + Vision, but the design now reflects a more complete appreciation of what our readers love—to enjoy and experience their entertainment passions,” he said.

Sound + Vision will carry the redesign through to digital readers as well, debuting on the iPad later this month. The tablet edition will include highly interactive enhancements including links to purchase featured products along with audio and music clips to accompany various stories and reviews.