IDG's PC World Launches Digital World

Posted on June 25, 2004

PC World, a business technology magazine, has announced the launch of Digital World, a new publication covering the convergence of PC, consumer electronics, and mobile communications products. Digital World aims to help readers manage their entertainment technology. Digital World will be published bimonthly, debuting with the October 2004 issue. Scheduled topics for the inaugural issue include reviews of 42" HDTV sets including plasma, LCD, and rear-projection models, digital music gear, from portable players to living room receivers to download services, and camera phones.

"Once again, technology is changing everything," stated Harry McCracken, editor in chief of PC World and Digital World. "Twenty years ago the PC transformed our lives and PC World was there to fill a void by offering advice and tools to help manage computing needs. Today, everything's going digital and wireless communications will soon turn every home into a networked house. Digital World will provide easy-to-understand information on the products and services driving the revolution."

To prepare for the extensive testing of consumer electronics products, the PC World Test Center has created a "digital living room," simulating real world conditions for true-to-life test results. HDTVs, home theater equipment, car electronics, and sound testing will also be conducted, and products will be assessed based on degree of setup difficulty and connection in an actual home environment. PC World will continue to feature the Next Gear section, exploring the world of personal tech and beyond. Reviews and testing for Next Gear and Digital World will take place side by side.

Digital World will include columns and features such as:

Test Center Reports: Major product reviews from the "digital living room" testing facility. Reports will include rankings, ratings, charts, and buying tips, and editors will give "Digital World's Choice" awards.

Solutions: How-to articles on setting up, troubleshooting, and upgrading consumer electronics products and systems with step-by-step photographs and infographics.

One-Stop Guides: Comprehensive guides to specific categories of entertainment products will feature lab testing and product recommendations.

Seen Heard Tried: News and new products section with evaluations of the latest and greatest products.

Descrambler: Visual guide to consumer electronics topics, including a "how it works" section on the technology behind the product.

Tech at Home: Evaluations of products and services for the living room and beyond, plus tricks for getting more out of the gear you already own.

Gear to Go: Guide to the latest in mobile technology, from advice on how to choose a handheld video player to tips for using car navigation systems.

The Skeptical Shopper: Consumer advocates provide shopping strategies designed to help readers make informed decisions as they research and purchase tech products.

Digital World's online counterpart will be a microsite on PCWorld.com and will have its own tab on the main toolbar appearing on each and every page. Original consumer electronics-related content will be available on this site.

With an initial estimated circulation of 125,000, Digital World will be polybagged with the newsstand editions of PC World at no additional cost. PC World's 850,000+ subscribers will be able to download a free PDF of Digital World from PCWorld.com. Additionally, the October 2004 and February 2005 issues of Digital World will have bonus distribution at CEDIA and International CES 2005, respectively.