Karaoke Forums

Hi there,

I am thinking about setting up a karaoke system.
I am opting for Fender Passport PD-250.

First I thought about using a RSQ JVC 333. The problem is that here in Europe the player costs around $ 500.
So I wondered whether I couldn't use a laptop instead of the DVD-Player.

Is that possible? What kind of connectors and software would I need for the laptop?

Any disadvantages?

What kind of formats are most suitable for pc (midi?) ?
CD-G is not possible I guess.

Could I use downloadable MIDI files?


Best regards
Jürgen

I own and use the PD-250 for very small karaoke venues. If this is for home there are better options (the 10" Mackies are sure to be recommended by Lonman ). For a show you'll find that that PD-250 sounds just fine but lacks bottom end for dance music and some songs. In many of the shows that I'm playing I use my PD-250 as monitors which works very well allowing me to tweak the monitors if I need to.

Try checking on e-Bay. If they will ship to Europe you'll be able to find one for under $250+shipping. If you use normal shipping and not anything like overnight you should still be into the player for under $300. Check with the sponsors here as well. The price will likely be a little higher than e-Bay but dealing with a regualr company has it's benefits as well. You're find that many e-Bay sellers pad the shipping expsenses which isn't likely to happen with a regular company - so shop around.


Yes. You'll need a 1/8" TRS stereo connection to 2 RCA inputs. It's a common connection type so it shouldn't be difficult to find.


You'll need the cable mentioned above, a CD-Rom that reads CD+G's, and MP3+G Toolz. This will let you 'rip' cd-g's into mp3 and CDG files that can be played back with a variety of software. Once you have them ripped you can play them back wth Winamp using the CD+G plugin, the plugin for Media Player, or any other methods including full hosting software like MTU's hoster, PDKJ, among others.

You'll also want a video output on the laptop to pass to the TV for viewing or a convertor that will allow you to put the VGA signal on the TV. Be sure to look for ones that are PAL compatible. We use NTSC in the states and the two systems are NOT compatible.


Not really. If you're PC savvy you shouldn't have any problems keeping up with the files.


MP3+CDG or WMA+CDG are the most suitable for any level of fidelity. Midi/KAR files are fine for playing around but the sound quality is woefully inadequate for hosting or even having some friends over to the house to sing. CD-G is possible if the CD-rom drive reads the subcoding information (Plextor works well) and you have suitable software (MTU Hoster has been recommended by many members here). I don't personaly host from a laptop but I'm played with the idea and tried a number of different options.

Good luck! I'm sure Lonman, Knightshow, and others will chime in with their own recommendations.

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