Tough decision to bring back the ratings. I could live without them, but I think that there is a method of comparing entry level and high-end products. Employ a simple ordering scheme for each area that is updated with every product. It wouldn't be unfair for a Theta component to be rated higher in performance than a Marantz, but the Theta could possibly be rated lower in features. By maintaining a running list, it allows the readers to decide which aspect of a product is most important to them and the trade-offs that go with it. This also allows for a subjective evaluation of products that have the same rating. Of course, it would require a person to read the review to understand why the ranking is the way it is. Four columns, quick comparison, updated every issue. Just a thought.
- REVIEWS
Displays Electronics 
Speakers Sources Other Gear Software - HOW TO
How To Buy How To Use Tech 101
Back By Popular Demand... The Ratings Return
I've enumerated the reasons the decision was made to remove the ratings in the first place, and plenty of good arguments were presented on both sides. My hope was that readers wouldn't miss the ratings after we'd implemented the wrinkles of including useful "pro and con" highlights at each review's opening and offering our Top Picks across all product categories so readers would know how each product compares and competes in the larger market. We didn't make the decision to cut the ratings rashly, and wanted to make sure these new elements had some time to take hold with the readers before reversing this decision.
But, as time went by even though many readers and respondents to my Blog posting on the subject were in agreement with our adios to the ratings, the majority of feedback we received over these months has remained constant in favor of bringing them back. So, as I promised in my first editorial, Home Theater was and is the readers' magazine. And we very much hope that you agree that this new strategy works its hardest for you, the reader.
Our new rating system is very straightforward: ratings of 1-5 stars with half stars in three to five pertinent areas. This is effectively a ten point scale, and we feel it requires the least explanation in being so visually oriented. Someone picking up the magazine for the first time will see and understand this system immediately, whether he or she has read any of our From the Test Bench boilerplate or not.
Nearly all products will be rated in the four following areas- Performance, Features, Ergonomics, and Value. Speakers will not be rated on Ergonomics since users don't interact with them once they're set up the same way they do other components. But speakers and HTiBs will also include a rating for Build Quality since that's so critical and based so heavily on the aesthetic appeal of the speakers. Build quality used to be rated for all components reviewed, but with electronics and most other products that aren't speakers we felt this rating was based on inherently superficial findings (we can't take everything apart and do a reliable qualitative parts inventory!).
Unlike the previous system, we are not averaging out the ratings to an overall score. This has many inherent issues. Even if we use some sort of calculation to weight the overall rating toward performance (as the previous system did), the fact is that several factors are still speaking louder than performance in the overall rating. We believe this is contributed to some of the artificially high overall ratings in the previous system. We believe that there's more strength in seeing each rating and letting the reader gauge what's most important to him/herself is the best approach. Tell me if you agree or disagree.
We also need you to know that each rating is specific to the product category and the price range of the component under review. Our reviews are broken down by Entry Level, Midrange and High End price points. While we all like the idea of an absolute scale for performance, how do you account for rating the performance of a $350 AV receiver on the same scale as ones that cost $5k? This isn't a perfect solution, but we're hard pressed to think of one better for an absolute scale that wouldn't involve, for example, putting some kind of cap on performance ratings for entry level products (at least). I'm not going to say I told anyone so, but really, these are the compromises that must be made in rating review products if the ratings are to be rational and useful. Again, if you've got better ideas, this Blog is intended to solicit them. I'd like to hear from you on this.
To recap, starting with January, every issue of Home Theater will feature reviews that open with a meaningful capsule of information At a Glance, a Top Pick logo if the product has made the cut, and a streamlined ratings system. In addition, to place the components reviewed in each issue in perspective with the other current products we've reviewed, all of our Top Picks in all categories are in the back of every issue. We are aiming to arm you with all the knowledge you need to get the best gear your money can buy. Let us know if this system succeeds.
- Log in or register to post comments
COMMENTS
Kudos to Shane for responding to readers requests! That said, I am ambivalent to whether ratings appear or not. They are useful, but can be plagued by problems when they aren't 100% objective. So much of what is in HT gear is subjective and perceptive. That said, I don't think you need to worry about rating an entry level item at five stars and a high-end system also at five stars - I think readers are smart enough to figure out (based on price alone) that a $300 product with 5 stars will still not match a $3000 product with 5 stars. However, it may tell us that the $250 product with 4.5 stars is close in quality/performance etc. to aforementioned entry level model.
Hey Shane,You need your webguys to add a report abuse link to your site so that we can report links like the "cheap glasses" above, amongst others. It's really annoying to see this crap where it doesn't belong - they aren't valid comments! Thanks.
Congratulations for taking such a difficult decision. It take b..ls to reverse direction and think hard to make it the best possible. I was one of those in favor of a rating system but with major revisions. It seems you are taking the best of comments and your thoughts/experience to come up with the new rating scale. I think it can work, and it will add to the great reviews.
To set different price categories apart, you could change the color of the stars or use different graphical icons rather than stars for each category. Perhaps dollar signs for the high-end? Maybe pennies for the low end? Also, intuitive and discrete logos and layouts for each of the price categories may also help in this sense. I think this would help in making sure readers don't get too caught up comparing "apples" to "oranges" (uh...well...stars to stars, haha). Thanks for the great magazine! I miss Geoff though, his commentary was always entertaining.
Well, it seems to me that there is a potential problem with products that get lumped in one category because of price--i.e. the lower or middle categories--but may desereve to be in the upper category in terms of performance. Whether the aforementioned Panny Blu-ray player fits this "cross-category" scheme remains to be seeen (and heard!). Also, we have a couple of newly announced Blu-ray Universal players that may cause a connundrum: Is Denon's $3,000+ unit going to be trumped by Oppo's forthcoming ~$400-$500 unit, with the Anchor Bay Technologies chip--not just in price, but also in performance? Assuming so, for the sake of argument (Oppo has a good rep in thi regard, but let's just be rhetorical for a moment): how to account for such an event with the new ratings system? Maybe a note in the ratings box to the effect that--oblivious to price--the Oppo deseerves to be and is being evaluated in comarison to top-tier products.Again, this is only for illustrative purposes--but I DO
[url=http://www.bestdietpillsite.com/]best diet pills[/url][url=http://www.cometocapetown.com]cape town holidays & cape town accommodation & accommodation cape town[/url][url=http://www.wheelx.com]used wheels & factory wheels & Rim[/url][url=http://shoppingindia.weebly.com/]shopping india[/url][url=http://gethighdiscounts.weebly.com/]get high discounts[/url][url=http://big6souvenirs.blogspot.com/]shopping[/url][url=http://erejoicesho... shops[/url][url=http://shopswithdiscounts.blogspot.com/]all shopping india[/url][url=http://health-views.blogspot.com/]health views[/url][url=http://debtcombination.blogspot.com/]debt combination[/url][url=http://financewithloans.blogspot.com/]finance and loan[/url][url=http://campaignfinancesites.blogspot.com/]campaign financesites[/url][url=http://it-business-groups.blogspot.com/]business group[/url][url=http://automotive-shops.blogspot.com/]automotive-shops[/url]
[link=http://gmdark.free.fr/makingmoney/"]Make money online[/link]
.دليل,اضف موقعك فى دليل حرة,انشر موقع,اشهر موقعك,اكسف ارشفة,ارشف موقعك مجانا,اشهر موقعك معنا مجانا,دليل حرة للتميز عنوانhttp://www.70ra.com/dir-------------------------------------------------... your site in our directory,and take back link free,and win page rank for free.http://www.70ra.com-----------------------------------------------------...منتديات حرة,منتدي متنوع,منوعات,العاب,برامج,برامج معربة,برامج مشروحة,برامج عامة,سيلك روود اونلاين,تعليم سيلك روود,برامج سيلك روود,منتدي كونكر,العاب اونلاين اخري,منتديات الربح من الانترنت,اكسب من الانترنت مجانا,تعليم
Tough decision to bring the scores. I could live without them, but I think there is a method of comparing the entry level and high quality products. Employing a simple ordering system for each area that is updated with each product. It would be unfair for a Theta component to be rated higher in performance than a Marantz, but the Theta may be assessed lower duties. By keeping a list, which allows readers to decide which aspect of a product is more important to them and the compensation that goes with it. This also allows a subjective evaluation of products that have the same rating. Of course, it would take a person to read the review to understand why the ranking is the way it is. Four columns, quick comparison, updated each issue. Just a thought. plot-movie.comsearch.plot-movie.com
http://www.szhqbq.cn深圳搬家公司http://www.jzfbq.cn深圳装修公司http://www.szctzs.cn深圳搬厂公司http://www.szjzfbq.cn深圳搬厂公司http://www.szjcbj.cn深圳装修公司http://www.szyqzx.org深圳空调维修http://www.szryzs.cn
Oh, Good post.so gald to see your views about resveratrol.I'm also looking for resveratrol supplements. I found a lots of websites online. and i have read some other idea about resveratrol-anti-aging: , are they true or not?Anyway, I'll try resveratrol soon.
http://wefherfghhnwepppiilkop.com wefherfghhnwepppiilkop wefherfghhnwepppiilkop
The response level to local and national disasters is noble but it's a damn shame that so many citizens take advantage of the sad situations.I mean everytime there is an earthquake, a flood, an oil spill - there's always a group of heartless people who rip off tax payers.This is in response to reading that 4 of Oprah Winfreys "angels" got busted ripping off the system. Shame on them!http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/08/19/crimesider/entry5251471.shtml
Good Morning...Words like the earths temperature increase - or global warming are most often disregarded as too scientific - however, earthquakes and mass death cannot be disregarded as another statistic. Hundreds of thousads are dead and homelessPlease offer financial or volunteer assistance to Haitihttp://www.google.com/relief/chileearthquake/
Todd Cowle Municipal Bond Credit Report synthesizes, analyzes and presents aggregate credit information and trends in the municipal bond market. The report includes municipal bond rating information from the three major rating agencies – Moody’s Investor Services, Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings.
OMG!Today I received a phone call from 9722840600 @ 972-284-0600 and I thought the the person calling was a scammer.So I complained and contacted the gov and yell.I really screwed up... Gulf Coast Western -- the oil drilling company- was trying to make contact who I interviewed with last month - we're calling to tell me I got the job!Any advice or help on how I can fix the complaint - and get the job?!!
Hey There Everybody! I am purchasing a another abode and was looking to acquire a few thoughts from the clever and experienced members of this round-table. The dwelling is in a small subdivision in Hickory Creek.This is a picture of the residence:http://ntreispictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/42/HR3228442-1.jpgYou can take a look at the whole listing now: Corinth, TX Homes For Sale. I have been looking for a different residence for what seems like forever now. Constantly ever since we had our third kid. We in actual fact could do with a larger residence and this is in our our range for price.Thoughts?
What?, http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/member.php?u=6297 carmen electra sex tape, %(((,
:-(, http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/member.php?u=6305 Only kristin davis sex tape, mtlys,
:-), http://egov.sonasi.com/Members/collection , lmdab,
really great sites, thank you, http://egov.sonasi.com/Members/collection/vanessa-hudgens-sex-tape/ Cheapest vanessa hudgens sex tape, 892,
Best Wishes, http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/member.php?u=6317 bbw sex, %-[,
Great site. Keep doing., http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/member.php?u=6318 bactrim information, :-(((,
Best Wishes, http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/member.php?u=6322 Best percocet, :-((,
really great sites, thank you, http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/member.php?u=6326 diflucan, 419194,
It is a very good thing, http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/member.php?u=6334 Cheap buy hydrocodone, 8(,
I want to say thanks!, http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/member.php?u=6339 student debt consolidation loans, :],
frequency, [url=http://www.archive.org]technology century end domestic[/url], high, [url=http://www.betarecords.com]change comment comments llc[/url], biological, [url=http://www.informatics.jax.org]agricultural emission[/url], production
processes, http://timeforchange.org, suggested, http://animation.about.com, possible, http://www.roseindia.net, clathrate
Best Wishes, http://cre.ations.net/creator/kimkardashiansextape kim kardashian sex tape free, hzzuq,
Best, http://en.gravatar.com/kimkardashiansextapes Cheap kim kardashian sex tape, 16822,
Best Wishes, http://en.gravatar.com/parishiltonsextapes paris hilton sex tape discount, >:-D,
Great, http://en.gravatar.com/carrieprejeansextapes carrie prejean sex tape online, :-((,
best for you, http://en.gravatar.com/celebritysextapess celebrity sex tapes, 9960,
Thank you, http://en.gravatar.com/keeleyhazellsextapes Discount keeley hazell sex tape, 634267,
I have the same., http://en.gravatar.com/jenniriverasextape jenni rivera sex tape, 05785,
Great, http://en.gravatar.com/amyfishersextapes amy fisher sex tape now, 8[[,
I bookmarked this guestbook., http://en.gravatar.com/grannysexes Best granny sex, abtxw,
Great site. Keep doing., http://en.gravatar.com/shemalesexes shemale sex, :OO,
really great sites, thank you, http://en.gravatar.com/bbwsexes bbw sex, 384,
Only, http://en.gravatar.com/nocreditcheckstudentloan Best no credit check student loan, pexhet,
Give somebody the to a site about the, http://en.gravatar.com/studentdebtconsolidationloanses Only student debt consolidation loans, 8-(((,
I bookmarked this guestbook., http://en.gravatar.com/need5000loanovernight Discount need 5000 loan overnight, rnwavn,
Good Job, http://en.gravatar.com/bactrims bactrim, kjpnrt,
Best Wishes, http://en.gravatar.com/darvocetand Real darvocet, wup,
Is it so important?, http://en.gravatar.com/percocetand First percocet, %),
Nice, http://en.gravatar.com/diovans Real diovan, >:]]],
Best Wishes, http://en.gravatar.com/buyhydrocodones Buy buy hydrocodone, 092514,
Incredible site!, http://www.cnet.com/profile/studentdebtconsolidation student debt consolidation loans, 59528,
Good Job, http://www.cnet.com/profile/buysomat buy soma, qfk,
Where it is possible to buy the, http://www.mylrs.com/members/shemalsexs.aspx shemale sex, =-OO,
Beautiful site, http://www.cnet.com/profile/guaranteedonlinepersonall guaranteed online personal loans, %DD,
Is it so important?, http://www.mylrs.com/members/aricepts.aspx First aricept, 664928,
Hi, http://www.cnet.com/profile/percocetse percocet, 409,
Help me to find the, http://www.cnet.com/profile/diovanas diovan, 773,
Perfect work, http://intensedebate.com/people/kimkardashianse Cheap kim kardashian sex tape, =]]],
can you do thi for me, http://intensedebate.com/people/parishiltonsext Only paris hilton sex tape, 97281,
:-(, http://intensedebate.com/people/britneyspearsse britney spears sex tape, iws,
Where it is possible to buy the, http://intensedebate.com/people/carmenelectrase carmen electra sex tape, 342060,
Nise site, http://intensedebate.com/people/misscalifornias miss california sex tape, =PPP,
Very interesting sites., http://intensedebate.com/people/lindsaylohansex First lindsay lohan sex tape, >:PPP,
Very interesting sites., http://intensedebate.com/people/alysonhannigans alyson hannigan sex tape, bzptzu,
Perfect work, http://intensedebate.com/people/adrianalimasext Cheapest adriana lima sex tape, 393475,
Very interesting sites., http://intensedebate.com/people/webcamer Real web cam sex, :-O,
What is it, http://intensedebate.com/people/nocreditcheckl Real no credit check loans, 8),
I have the same., http://intensedebate.com/people/guaranteedonlin guaranteed online personal loans, ewwjl,
Where it is possible to buy the, http://www.mylrs.com/members/percocet.aspx Discount percocet, >:-D,
:-), http://intensedebate.com/people/buysomanows buy soma, jnfg,
Best Wishes, http://intensedebate.com/people/buyhydrocodon buy hydrocodone, %-[[[,
Silk sarees https://highlightstory.com/silk-sarees-one-know-one/, renowned for their luxurious texture, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, are a timeless symbol of elegance and sophistication, perfect for special occasions, weddings, and festivals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India.
http://gambleinsights.com/leverage-the-benefit-of-playgd-mobi-games/
http://bankingdecision.com/island-boys-net-worth-one-should-know/
http://lawordinance.com/what-companies-are-in-the-consumer-services-fiel...
http://vvipproperty.com/choice-home-warranty-george-foreman-americas-pre...
http://vehiclesdetail.com/jeep-oil-change-a-comprehensive-guide/
http://selfcareadvise.com/the-essence-to-learn-ecg-full-form-and-wavelen...
http://solidbusinessidea.com/jurllyshe-app-present-fashion-paradise-for-...
http://growwebtraffic.com/angel-reese-the-bayou-barbie-who-conquered-col...
http://holidaytakeoff.com/beetv/
http://techmarkettoday.com/investment-in-education-and-the-importance-of...
http://academicsession.com/tips-to-help-you-conduct-a-successful-online-...
http://stylefashionguru.com/fashion-trends-that-will-rule-over-your-ward...
http://technologyremark.com/how-can-you-recover-a-wi-fi-password/
http://studyimprovement.com/6-benefits-of-having-a-tutor/
http://valuablestudy.com/applying-for-your-first-job-the-dos-the-donts-a...
http://growacademics.com/ts-tet-ticket/
http://financingease.com/all-about-rodtep-scheme/
http://salarysaving.com/understanding-rodtep-scheme-a-guide-for-indian-e...
http://itmagnate.com/5-things-to-consider-before-developing-an-app-in-ios/
http://keyheadlines.com/best-hair-extension-clip-in-tape-in-sew-in-exten...
http://multiplysaving.com/enhancing-portfolio-returns-through-active-inv...
http://pileupmoney.com/why-should-physicians-consider-disability-insurance/
http://citynewscast.com/best-10-javascript-frameworks-to-use-in-2022/
http://growupguys.com/bank-guarantee-exclusion-under-epcg-scheme-everyth...
http://primenewstime.com/the-difference-between-normal-and-eco-friendly-...
http://topnotchstory.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-great-bar...
http://techieresearch.com/what-is-the-importance-of-data-privacy-and-sec...
http://expertremark.com/information-regarding-amabella-sophia-markert-an...
http://startupreviewer.com/how-to-realize-your-goals-in-jewelry-design-e...
http://showingtrue.com/reasons-why-customer-service-in-manufacturing-is-...
http://deposittalk.com/basic-guide-investing-tips-for-beginners/
http://bankingcashier.com/6-tips-to-use-your-credit-card-smartly/
http://itsoftwaretips.com/which-feature-in-power-bi-powerpoint-is-most-u...
http://reliableapplication.com/top-5-softwares-for-the-data-recovery/
http://techsourcecode.com/why-it-is-vital-to-invest-in-online-digital-co...
http://educatedleader.com/how-audiobooks-can-help-you-learn-more-in-coll...
http://generaleducator.com/the-social-media-role-in-the-educational-system/
http://entrepreneursprofit.com/trading-options-you-should-be-aware-of-in...
http://magazineheadlines.com/why-destination-weddings-are-setting-new-tr...
http://readprimenews.com/why-a-live-streaming-strategy-is-a-must-have-fo...
http://coverpagestory.com/advantages-of-higher-education-in-abroad-which...
http://outfitstyling.com/how-salicylic-acid-serum-helps-to-reduce-acne/
http://homefamilyfun.com/write-for-us/
http://homeinteriortip.com/best-sectional-sofa-living-room-ideas-to-add-...
http://journeyupdates.com/embracing-paradise-a-truman-annex-retreat-and-...
http://stylefitnesstips.com/write-for-us/
http://youthstyletips.com/write-for-us/
http://latestreporting.com/best-cost-optimization-tips-to-adhere-while-h...
http://cityoutdoorfun.com/
http://stepouthome.com/finding-a-chance-to-run-to-the-shopping-center-ma...
http://nextfashiontrend.com/natural-health-supplements-for-mental-physic...
http://bankingschemes.com/write-for-us/
http://wellbeingstuff.com/habits-that-stick-a-guide-to-maintaining-your-...
http://growlifeskills.com/fitness-equipment-in-a-fitness-exercise-stare-...
http://mostrecenttech.com/why-is-the-right-software-so-important-to-run-...
http://itbusinesstrend.com/reason-behind-the-cancelation-of-2020-youtube...
http://happylifeview.com/5-fascinating-facts-about-memorial-wind-chimes/
http://fundayplans.com/home-improvement-tips-for-lifestyle-an-improved-l...
http://wholefamilyfun.com/the-psychology-of-shopping-how-ui-ux-design-in...
http://managesalary.com/student-loans-loan-forgiveness-what-is-the-process/
http://expenseshelp.com/write-for-us/
http://fastnewstime.com/write-for-us/
http://topchangemakers.com/trending-courses-in-innovation-and-design-thi...
http://topbusinessicon.com/how-to-earn-money-online-best-ways-to-earn-mo...
http://friendfamilyfun.com/family-time-4-simple-steps-to-a-fun-family-ga...
http://shoppingrightly.com/what-would-the-world-look-like-without-valent...
http://fullprooftips.com/supplements-for-brain-health-brain-health-resea...
http://lumpsumamount.com/write-for-us/
http://nursingability.com/differences-between-dos-and-mds/
http://primenewsroom.com/
http://businessesgoals.com/
http://citybigstory.com/
http://techgadgettime.com/
http://newssofar.com/
http://nationnewstime.com/
http://dailyoutfitidea.com/
http://youthbeautytips.com/makeup-trends/
http://latestnewscast.com/
http://presentdaynews.com/
http://minibignews.com/children-first-a-guide-to-compassionate-custody-n...
http://newsroombroadcast.com/
http://softwareswatch.com/write-for-us/
http://techglobally.com/the-top-5-software-development-methodologies-sta...
http://primenewscast.com/
http://metrocityexpress.com/
http://gambletonight.com/
http://winjackpotprize.com/
http://safecasinofun.com/
http://shopproperly.com/write-for-us/
http://necessaryshopping.com/write-for-us/
http://slimfitnessguru.com/
http://gamblepassion.com/
http://youthcareertips.com/5-tutoring-techniques-to-enhance-learning-for...
http://shoppingthirst.com/
http://edgylifestyle.com/who-is-an-entertainment-lawyer-and-why-should-y...
http://reputablecar.com/the-functions-and-credibility-of-model-check-and...
http://cashcryptohelp.com/best-platform-overview-and-analysis/
http://getcryptotips.com/what-are-crypto-payment-gateways-and-how-do-the...
http://vviphousing.com/a-lot-of-people-love-making-changes-to-their-hous...
http://healthdietguru.com/unsung-heroes-how-the-right-gear-boosts-your-w...
http://uprighthabits.com/choosing-the-right-fabric-for-your-sleepwear-a-...
http://classifieds.highlightstory.com/classifieds/browse-ads/90/announce...
SPONSORED VIDEO
| Displays Electronics Speakers | |
Sources Other Gear Software | |
Top Picks of the Year Top Picks | |
Custom Install How To Buy How To Use | |
Tech 101
|
|
Latest News Features Blogs | |
Resources Subscriptions |
WHERE TECHNOLOGY BECOMES ENTERTAINMENT
© 2024 Sound&VisionAVTech Media Americas Inc., USA
All rights reserved
