Karaoke Forums

Adding Powerkaraoke CDG Player software to my laptop/notebook has gotten me to the point where I can now play both the existing karaoke files that exist on my laptop and cdg's using an external drive.  

Now, how can I project the graphics (and sound) from the laptop/notebook to a tv screen?

It sounds like you'll need a video device capable of dual monitor support. Just go into you windows video properties and enable dual monitors and check the "extend desktop to this device" is checked. Hook up your S-video cable or use a composite RCA type cord with an S-video to composite adapter. As for the sound use an 1/8" stereo to left and right RCA adpater and plug them into your TV. I hope this helps.

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Nothing's harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example. - Mark Twain

Thanks MCash.  Could you explain, specifically, how I get to the location you suggested in order to change the needed setting(s)?   I could not locate where  "Windows Video Properties" is found

Sure. Right-click on your windows desktop, go to properties, go to settings tab, click on the advanced button, then go to your video card control panel (or control center), look for your display manager or display options and the dual monitor feature should be there. Ati calls their control panel a "control center". Nvidia simply calls it the control panel. If you have another video card just look for dual monitor support in that manufacturer's video control panel. I think I just muddied the waters. Good luck.

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Nothing's harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example. - Mark Twain

Thanks, MCash.  I'll surely try that.  Should I expect that when I'm done changing the setting that I'll have a dual display - both on the laptop and my tv?

If so, is there a way once I have changed the setting to have it just on the tv or to "toggle" back and forth between the two, if I like?

When you're done, you will have another desktop on your TV. If you were to move your mouse all the way to the far right side of you computer monitor, where your mouse normally stops, drag it farther to the right and then look at your TV and you will see your mouse appear from the left side of your TV. Windows will place your second monitor to the left of your computer's monitor. You can even drag open windows to the second monitor to reside while you use your computer's monitor as a clutter free workspace. Check your display settings to see if it will allow your second monitor to be your primary display device. Setting this would allow windows to use your second display device (TV) as it's primary boot device. Good luck.

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Nothing's harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example. - Mark Twain

Thanks.  Actually, the way I have it working, the TV and the laptop both show the exact same image and the cursor moves the same on both!

that's a "clone" image.

If you can go to DUAL or extended, it's better for the karaoke experience. I've been to a show where they had the clone one, and it was "weird" to see what he had to do to get the songs up!

Thanks. Where do I go to accomplish that and how do I do it?

if you're vidcard allows it, right click on the desktop and go to properties. You'll see when you go to the settings tab.

Depends on your Operating system and your video card. Or the built in one with some desktops and laptops!

I checked and found out that my laptop (although brand new) does not support the "dual" mode.  

That's okay, I'm quite happy and have no problem with the "clone" mode.  If I were doing a "real" show I'd find some way to minimize the distractions, if any, caused by it.   Thanks to all regarding this topic.

Windows XP supports dual desktops.. Most if not all laptops do to..

What brand laptop do you have..

My Toshiba has two, one on the LCD screen, and the other on the aux monitor out connection..

I just moved the karaoke display to the second monitor display..

All is golden..

If I needed a TV, I just run a "Modulator" and connect to the TV.

If your laptop has RCA or S-Video out, it's easier..

My laptop is a Compaq Presario V5000 and it has an S-video "jack".  My "computer guy" suggested that the dual function was unavailable on that unit before I told him any more about it.  I have not, as yet, checked directly with HP.

Keep in mind that when I go to "properties>settings" I find nothing regarding options for "dual".  The same is true for my main desktop Dell computer, which my "computer guy" also said could not handle that function.

The modulator for the TV, if you're talking about what I think you are, runs about $150?

$50 up, depending..

If you have an S-Video out, you have dual display.. You just need to configure it.

I'm the first to admit, it's not straight forward..

Here is the setup I use..

actually, JD, that's not true. I bought a cube with s-video out and all it ever did was the same cloned image!!

My advice would be to contact DELL, and see what they can give you on specifics...

from CNET...

http://reviews.cnet.com/HP_Compaq_Presa ... 27904.html

Looks like it uses an integrated ATI video. Now that should be able to go dual display.

Aren't there any tech manuals that came with this sucker?

found this
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/docu ... uct=499847

...you need to go to the ADVANCED TAB on the Desktop Properties (Settings)...

The above is pretty much standard.. XP supports dual display..

Yes, I had to "Push" the karaoke display onto the second display, but so what..

It does work..

Play with it..  :oh yeah:

Those function keys are exactly what I use.  And my "computer guy" sd not to expect more than the cloned image.  He further said, there is no way to add a card that would change that configuration.  

HOWEVER, I HAVE STILL NOT CALL HP - I HATE CALLING INDIA!

If your laptop has S-Video port, it will support dual mode. Many of the laptop doesn't come configured and you have to configure it. I am not sure if XP home edition supports it but I know XP professional does. Make sure you have both monitors plugged in, (ie monitor plus TV).

You right click -> Properties -> settings -> to get the window. Click on Advanced button. If you are using latest NVidia, it has the tab on that advanced window. If not, click on Adapter. Depends on the manufacturer, you should see an option to have two monitors. You need to turn this on for expanded desktop to work. Usually, if you only use 1 monitor, this option will not show and it will default to single desktop.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

I;m not familiar with the software used to play the cdgs' or mp3+g
But would n't THAT need a movable screen ?