Karaoke Forums

IF this is true, how does one convert a library of thousands of MP3 + CDG files to MP4 legally and easily... or are you suggesting we use two different formats for our shows? And Yes, I'm a Ludite too.

Perhaps the better question though is "What's so special about MP4? Is the audio better? Will we be able to read the lyrics better? Does it save space or time in some way?.. Does it make our job any easier? What's the advantage, if any?

As far as I'm concerned, MP3 plus CDG ain't broke... at least, not that I know of, so why try to fix it?

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Earl
(BS, PHD & Certified CurmuDJeon)

[font=Times New Roman]"Growing Old may be mandatory... but growing UP is still optional."[/font]

I'm not saying dump your existing library, that wouldn't be feasible. But what I AM saying is that I will buy any new release or song that I don't have in the new MP4 HD format whenever available.

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

I actually prefer the mp3+G format. I HATE the distracting/interactive backgrounds of karaokeversion, altho I have never looked at any zoom hd videos. The blockiness that some people describe has never been a real big issue for me either.

Then there is the small fact that the program I use will only play zipped mp3G files.

i'll be sticking with my format until it is no longer available, then I guess i'll have to actually spend money on karaoke software.. Maybe Chris's program will be ready by then.


cheers

-James

Most karaoke player software will play multiple formats including MP3+G and MP4. There are some conversion programs if you wanted to convert, but I would not suggest it.

I use multiple formats at my shows. Currently I am downloading new music only as MP4 but 99% of my libraries are MP3+G.

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-Chris

Lyrics are definitely cleaner (not as jagged or blocky as an mp3g), but would anyone really care besides the KJ? Probably not many if even that, they just want to sing. The audio is better because it is closer to a non-loss rip, although Karaoke-Version gives the option of wmv and mp4, the wmv is actually better sounding than the mp4. Again, the difference of either over the mp3g is pretty insignificant that only the kj would really notice. So not having an HD download option from PT is not going to be a deal breaker for me.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

You can download the Karaoke Version tracks with a plain soild black background, doesn't have to be the interactive backgrounds. They give the choice.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

yes, I know and that's exactly what I do.

I just hate the fact I can't remember the words and have to look at the screen at all. I've only done most of the song that I do for over ten years.

It will be for me.

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

Thats too bad. Looks like they are going to have a lot of great stuff you will miss out on. I'm sure the majority just want the tracks in any format.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I have a crap load of HD videos now. Not once has anyone complimented me on them. Singers don't seem to care.

*I* like them better. Even the ones with swirly colored backgrounds are better than the old +G formats. But I will buy any format my software can play to satisfy singer demand.

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-Chris

If a song I want/need is available in an HD format, I will always buy that version first. However, if the song I need is only available in the mp3+g version, then of course that's what I'll have to settle for, in which case I would buy that version.

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

I totally agree with you. I get more compliments from singers who are excited to see their name on the screen. Sometimes I think, why am I paying more for these HD versions when it seems that no one cares. Like you, **I** like them. I don't know, maybe singers do like them but just don't say anything about them.

Has anyone else here who uses HD tracks been complimented by your singers?

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

I don't think singers could care less if you have HD content or not, personally. There are so many other user experience issues which are higher on their minds:

• Venue Quality and Atmosphere
• Breadth of Depth of library
• Search and Request Process
• Drink Specials?

I really think whether your music is in HD or not is probably the LEAST of their concerns.

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~ Mike

And don't forget:
Fairness of Rotation
Sound Quality (which (IMO) has nothing to do with HD... ESPECIALLY in a noisy Bar)
Drink Buy-Backs (a NY Thing).

So since they said they won't be selling downloads in HD format - it WON'T be a deal breaker for you as you stated previously if you need the song. Got it!

I also have a ton of HD videos (only K-Version) - never once a compliment that they look better, sound better or anything more than "cool you have that song". Singers don't care - bottom line. Personally I don't either. I will buy whatever song I need in whatever format it's available in. I have bought instrumental only versions for singers that Google the lyrics and read them from their phone.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

The majority of my HD videos are from Karaoke Version and SBI. I always want to create the best user experience possible. That's why I purchase new songs in the HD format since they provide better audio and video. It would be nice to get some positive feedback from singers, but like you said, I guess people just don't care.

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

I've not found a problem with mp4 HD backgrounds like KV offers. But I typically read entire screens, or lines, if that's all that's on the screen, rather than reading word for word so I don't get a chance to be distracted by the background. I use them fairly frequently when I host and I've never heard of anyone complaining about them.

Oh, and downloads all the way.

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DJ Don

Downloads!! Quick, easy, immediate, and customer driven. Perfect for me.

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I am the ONLY SANE 1 HERE

I use the HiRes videos as well. KV provides them in both full color and solid black backgrounds.

I have been observing singers when I play them and most don't seem to have a preference. Though I have noticed that the full color screens seem to be harder to read at a distance. Singers will move closer to the singer display or look at a closer screen if we have multiple screens available.

I like the contrast of the black and white screens myself.

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-Chris