Karaoke Forums

Hello folks.

I'm building a rackable ATX based PC for karaoke playback thru my pro audio mixer and PA system.

I need suggestions for a video card to use to display the lyrics on my TV monitor.

I already have a great sound card:

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=pro ... 5cefefd71b

I plan to place the ATX PC in the same rack as my mixer and effects, then snake to the amps on stage. I'll use the onbaord video for my computer monitor, but I need a separate video card for the lyrics monitor.

P.S. Please also suggest a decent hoster program to use to display my play lists and rotation.

Thanks!

Get a dual display card. You may want to disable the onboard video card since you won't be needing it.

Assuming that you have already ripped your CDGs to MP3Gs, you may use MP3 Karaoke or Sax n Dotty's for hosting. I prefer Sax n Dotty's over MP3 Karaoke.

Good luck.

JD

depends on your experience with mixing... if you're more of a DJ, then PCKJ is terrific.... if you're more a standard type karaoke Jock, then Sax n Dotty's or MTU's Hoster work superbly.

Thanks,

There is no onboard video.

I'm using a dual Pentium rack mount server with 7 open PCI slots. I'll mount a 80 gig hard drive for the music. It already has a 20 meg drive for the operating system (Win 2000 Pro) and hosting program.

I'll look at the dual out video cards.

Is there a particular card that you suggest?

Keith

Keith,

I just sent you a private message.

Good luck.

JD

Excuse me, there is onboard video. It's a dual pentuim III rackmount server that I am adapting to KJ use.

It has a 18.3 gig Seagate Cheetah SCSI drive and Winduhs 2000 Pro installed. I'm adding the M-audio Delta 44 sound card.

I chose the delta 44 cause it will interface directly with my mixer. The mixer needs +4dbu inputs. Most PC sound cards will work with home audio, but not pro audio. This card will keep the mixer input hot and provide great dynamic range.

Thanks JDrifter for your private reply.

I ordered the video card after I read it.

Keith,

I'm glad to be of some help to you. I have been helped by Lonman and others who are experts in professional sound equipment and it's only fitting that I try to help out others too.

BTW, I found a company in China that sells PC based systems, pre-loaded with MP3G songs. I don't know how they can offer all of those songs really cheap. Here's the link:

http://www.unifykaraoke.com/english/karaoke_server.htm

Acekaraoke.com also sells those units:
http://www.acekaraoke.com/haceks1000.html

I'm not buying their systems. I'm happy with what I've got.

The karaoke industry is changing from CD based to PC based. I don't know if that's good for the KJs in general, especially with all the newcomers who wish to undercut the experienced KJs. What it comes down to eventually will be the quality of the sound system, as Lonman has stressed in his posts, and the ability of the KJ to carry on a good show.

Cheers,

JD