Karaoke Forums

Well, it took me awhile, but I finally broke down and did it. Purchased an iPad and kiosk holder for it, and its been very successful.

Before, I was just using a laptop, and it didn't see much use, or I didn't have a place to put the laptop safely.

This is great. Everyone is using, even my older folks, and the response has been positive. People think its fun, and easy, and it is! Check it out!

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

what software are you using?

Songbook DB

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

I also use a kiosk and it is awesome. But not this one. The one I use is much more professional, offers full customization and customers can either use the 21" touch screen kiosk or their phones. And... you don't pay a monthly subscription fee. And... you don't need an internet connection. And there's NO adds.

Anyway, I'm glad it's working out for you.

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

I use kjams with two iPad 1st gen for kiosk songbooks.

Kjams has server built in and iPad uses wtkjams app.

IPad 1st gen needs to be jailbroken to use encarcerator app to lock app for kiosk mode.

Yeah, that sounds a lot better then using that Songbook DB. Why would anyone want to continuously pay a monthly charge to use it (DB) when there are better alternatives. What you will have paid in about 3 months buys you better software, with no adds, no internet needed, and you own it. But, to each his own.

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

and that software would be.....

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Paradigm Karaoke, The New Standard.......Shift Happens

Yeah, as I heard the remarks about 'more professional'... etc.. I had to wonder, "What software are you talking about?" Why would someone say something like that and then not give actual details?

No internet connection? Really? So, your singers are using their phones how? There's a network connection SOMEWHERE. 21" touch screen? Must be nice to have all that room.

See.. the way this forum is suppose to work is we share our ideas with one another.

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

I use the Karaoke Kiosk Remote Request System. You have to be using CompuHost software. If you are, it integrates beautifully. And no, you don't need an internet connection. You DO need to set up a network using a wireless router for customers to be able to view, search and remotely send their requests using their smart phones. Of course, using the kiosk itself does not require anything on the users part except to walk up to the screen and do your thing. Once the customer sends their request, either by phone or kiosk, it is entered under the name in the rotation. It happens within seconds after the customer hits send. You need to nothing else. They send it, you get it. Done!

I have pictures on my website showing screens of the kiosk and smart Phone that I've posted below. Click on the picture, then click again to see it full size.

I didn't want to mention what software I use because many of you think that I'm a CH fanboy. But the truth is, CompuHost along with their song book creator, FastTracks and the Remote Kiosk, all integrate and perform beautifully. It is the complete package and the most comprehensive, professional software I've ever used in my hosting career. And now, KJ media pro is back which allows you to purchase credits used to unlock songs instantly whenever someone requests a song you don't have. Again, no internet is required (except for initially storing locked tracks on your hard drive).

So, yes IMO CH is the best and blows away Songbook DB. But again, that's just my professional opinion.

Just want to clarify once more: You do NOT need an internet connection with the software and system I described above. People connect to your network, NOT the internet. If they're not using a Smart Phone, they don't have to be connected to anything, to use the Kiosk which is already connected to your network. Just wanted to make this totally clear... No internet connection is required. which is a good thing, you know why??

Because so many places have such a bad signal making it very frustrating to run shows that rely on a stable internet connection. One place I'm working in the signal is so bad if I want to use my phone to make a call or go online, I have to walk to the street. It is recommended that your laptop be used to run your show without NO internet connection and NO virus program running.

Anyway, the point is you DON'T want to rely on the internet to run your show. Good Luck.

One more thing... I do not work for or have any interest in CompuHost. What I do have, is over 17 years experience hosting karaoke. During that time, I've tried and used just about every hosting software there is and have found none of them equals or even comes close to the power of CompuHost. Many will disagree and that's OK. And that's why I didn't want to mention it because it usually opens up a debate of which I didn't want to start. Bottom line is, everyone will have their own opinion. Use what's right for you.

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

My Question would be why the hell would anyone spend $400-700 for an ipad when they could pick up a used same sized tablet that will run EXACTLY the same way for less than $200.

I guess for the same reason that someone would subscribe to an internet based song book and pay a monthly fee to use it.

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

we have different ideas of professional and customizable.
CH shows the kiosk logo on its screen, SongbookDB shows MY logo (i could be wrong on CH not doing this)
ch shows each song version separate (8 "Friends in low places = 8 lines) songbookDB puts them together into one line (less scrolling to find the song you want)
CH shows all the versions you have in separate lines, SongbookDB can show them under the song in the listing separated by commas OR i can turn them off altogether (to avoid the "what does DK, SC, CB, MM mean? which one is the best?") and let me pick
CH gives them name and key change, So does SongbookDB but there is a notes to kj space to add versions if they want a specific one and i have it turned off (customizable by me) or birthdays, first time singer, etc..
CH you must disconnect your phone from the WIFI to submit a song, SongbookDB they can stay connected to the bars free WIFI that they are already connected to and submit a song without changing anything or not connect to any WIFI and submit a song anyway.
CH gives you artist or title, SongbookDB searches both at the same time gar fri brings up Garth Brooks friends in low places
CH gives you artist or title, SongbookDB gives you genre search, decade search, language search, duets search or any combination thereof (only 1990's rock, only 1960's country, just 70's motown, only duets in spanish...)
CH gives you artist or title, Songbookdb gives you "just added" to show what has been added in the last 30 days.
CH allows them to put in a song, SongbookDB allows them to add songs to their favoriotes even when i am not running a show, it is available 24/7/365 on their phone (website or through my app) to see every song i have and make a favorites list to sing next time.
SongbookDB allows me to buzz the singers phone to call them in from the smoking patio when it is their turn (so they are in and ready when the other singer is done).

you said more professional.....which one give the more professional look?

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Paradigm Karaoke, The New Standard.......Shift Happens

You really shouldn't speak unless you know what you're talking about because you are incorrect in just about all you say. This is why I didn't want to say anything. It's one thing debating a product but don't try to justify how good it is or how it can do all these things that CH can't do when you have no clue what you're talking about. I've been using CH for many years and I can tell you it does everything you say it doesn't...except for the internet thing.

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

I looked into the CH request system and DIDN'T choose for several reasons

1) it only works while you're running it at your show. SongbookDB runs 24/7 as its web based. Singers can log on from home, and create their personal song list, and browse my song list any time they want. I know for a fact that people are logging on to it at other people's shows to show to the singers there, and when they are out with friends, and that has directly resulted in new singers at my shows. There's a HUGE value in that.

2) I used the CH kiosk at another KJ's show and found the interface to be bulky, too time consuming, and a bit particular when it came to adding the requests... especially the FIRST request as there was this whole multi screen process of selecting a user name.

I HATED that to use the kiosk I had to create a 'unique user name' WITH a number that I had to remember.I wasn't impressed, but to each his own.

When I KJ for Spirit Cruises where I'm doing a one time, CHARTER cruise where I've got 50 singers that I'll never see again, the CH process is just not appropriate, and far too time consuming.

3) You MUST use a windows based laptop or computer. An Ipad isn't even an option. At many venues, finding another place to set a laptop or a computer can be a challenge as table space is at a premium.

I find the iPad kiosk presentation to be very simple, and professional looking and I know from experience that my singers are less intimidated by the ipad than the full on laptop.... in my particular case, where space is a premium, a smaller size is preferred. The 'All in One' kiosk stand is waaaaay more convenient.

The interface is simple and easy and as far as 'ads' go, they aren't 'pop ups' They are KJ/ DJ related little boxes. Hardly a major issue. I don't care for them, but it doesn't impede the operation of the service in any way.

Singers just walk up, enter a request are prompted with a 'sing' icon, there's a pop up, and on that same screen they need only enter their name, and any key changes, and then done. No need to 'create a user name' or go through any kind of 'log on' process at the kiosk itself.

When logging in from their PHONES the process is as simple as hitting the FACEBOOK icon, agreeing to the terms and then DONE. No need to create a 'user name'.

I only paid $169 w/shipping for my refurb ipad 2, and the kiosk stand was $75. Also less expensive than another full laptop or computer.

And I AM a CH fanboy. I've been using that software for 8 years, and love it. Not a fan of their kiosk system, but if it works for you, great. Songbook DB works great for me, for the reasons I listed.

The fee is $14 a month. I'm a full time Dee jay and karaoke host, and haven't found it to be a financial burden, and the customer service is spot on awesome.

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

The only time a user would have to create a password is that he/she can log in and view/select songs from their History. They're given the option to create a user login. If they choose not to, they can just come up and use any name they want. No last initial or number is required. Anyway, I'm glad that the Songbook DB is working out for you.

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

And is that really worth paying a subscription for? Do they really need to be "connected" to you 24/7?

If someone wants to see my song book all they have to do is go to my website. My complete book is there in PDF form. They have access to it 24/7 and I'm not paying anything per month to allow them to do so. They can print anything they want, including song request slips!

I'm not saying that Songbook DB is a bad thing but I can't justify paying for something that you can easily provide for free. I give my customers all the tools they need on my website.

So, by comparison your customers can see your songbook at any time, and so can mine. The only advantage you have is that they can make lists and print them out. In my case, they can print out individual pages. But, if a customer can't take the time to write down the songs they want to sing, that's pretty pathetic. How lazy have we become?

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

I use a WinBook that cost $56 (open box) and $69 reg. sale price at MicroCenter. I also use my own kiosk software "Karaoke Songfinder"

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To be fortunate enough to derive an income from a source as fulfilling as karaoke music has got to be as close to heaven as we can get here on earth!

You have a free website that allows downloads? Please, do tell.

Can they download the PDF to their phone?

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

I have a PDF file available from my emails that I send out every week. They are available in 6 different forms:

Oldies by Artist
Oldies by Title
Country by Artist
Country by Title
Newer Pop by Artist
Newer Pop by Title

During special occasions they can get a PDF of:

Christmas Songs
Halloween Songs
Irish Songs
Show Tunes ( I have some Show Tunes in with the "Oldies" PDF)

It is real easy to keep the song books up to date because these songs are actually in a folder by the song book name and I just point my Song List Generator to the folder and create a songbook. When I get new songs I sort them into the appropriate folders be it "oldies", "country", "newer pop" and "misc".