Karaoke Help

[buckmasterson]

I'm thinking of setting up my daughters (ages 11 & 12) with a karaoke system for Christmas. I'd like to do something nice on the computer or TV or both. I've searched around and found a couple players for the computer (950 duron with 256meg of PC133) but the files I've found on line are midi and sound pretty hokey. Does anyone out there have any suggestions on a good set up, even something I can buy at a store? I'd like them to have something that will play recorded songs that at least sound close to the originals so any suggestions on good karaoke cd's would help. Wal-Market had a few CD's but they didn't list the file type on them and I don't want midi's.

thanks,
buck

 

[buckmasterson]

Anyone?

 

[powerMarkymark]

AnalogX Vocal Remover is a FREE program that allows you to remove the voice track from your (or your daughters) favourite songs and create your own Karaoke songs.

HTH

Mark

 

[Pretty Cool]

The standard for karaoke in the US is cd+g or cd + graphics. Audio should be "almost cd quality", with lyrics(not full-motion video) appearing onscreen. Retailers sell a cd+g machines in the $50-$200 range. Some higher-priced models might even include a mini tv screen making the machine portable, a cassette player, or dual speakers. Once you decide on a singing machine, you will need songs. Your local retailers' selection will most likely be limited, so look at online stores for newer songs. Unfortunately, discs are expensive. So, check Ebay for older titles at a more reasonable price.

For your computer, the file format of choice is not midi, but mp3+g. In karaoke newgroups/irc channels, songs are zipped to include an mp3 and cdg file. WinCDG is used to play these files. Here is the last freeware version. Some file sharing services like WinMX also have karaoke mp3 files, but no corresponding cdg or lyric file.

Now, you may ask if there is a way to convert downloaded mp3+g files into a cd+g that a stand-alone player can read? The answer is yes, provided you have the right cd burner and software.

 

[ElDonAntonio]

Check this out:
http://www.bestbuy.com/Detail.asp?m=1&cat=11&scat=12&e=11073846

It's pretty inexpensive, works great (my bro has one), but calculate the total cost of the machine + karaoke CDs. The CDs tend to be on the expensive side.