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Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
https://mail.karaokescenemagazine.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13524		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Partydjz [ Thu May 08, 2008 5:03 am ]
Post subject:  Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
The idea is to have a cheap laptop(s) that hold the word document or other file that contains the searchable data base to your song listings, no more printing, updating is simple and painless, and if you consider the cost of printing books it's cost efficient as well, not to mention the time consideration.

Obviously there's some draw backs, "No drinks on laptop", lol, but considering the cost of printing and constantly updating books it might work better.

Haven't tried it yet but I'm going to, if you were working a busy nite club you could network the laptops and take the song requests via the "terminals".

Any thoughts?
Author:  Nlouch [ Thu May 08, 2008 5:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
Such kiosk systems exist - using touch-screen and so on.

Great in theory but only really valid IMHO for specific karaoke clubs/bars.  Places where patrons respect the equipment.

Plus, I find that sometimes people like to just browse the book for inspiration, which on-screen would be less usable.
Author:  Partydjz [ Thu May 08, 2008 6:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
I'd set the database up in the form of web pages, click to browse, titles, artist, click to search, enter keywords, etc.  the web pages would be easy to create, incorporating the database would be more difficult, and making them "interactive" would be somewhat tricky as well.   A web page in a "form" style would allow the user to submit his request to the host computer.

I think people use the books as a "crutch" because that's really all they're used to seeing.
Author:  TTowntenor [ Thu May 08, 2008 7:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
I don't consider a book a crutch & would leave any place that did not offer them.  Part of my experience going to a karaoke show is to sit & peruse what the kj has.  Every book is different from show to show & may actually find something by sitting down & taking the time to look.  If you want me sitting at your kiosk all night, then I think that would create problems.  Technology is great and all but I will never support a bookless show!
Author:  Karen K [ Thu May 08, 2008 8:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
Amen, TTT. First thing I look at at a new show, too - won't go to a show where I have to sit at a computer and type...I do that all day!

Maybe books are considered "old school" but as I've noted before, they often are a link to a lot of socializing, reminiscing, and great conversations. In this case, I believe high tech isn't the best.

k
Author:  Flipper [ Thu May 08, 2008 8:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
PartyDJ  I'm confused.....In another thread you said you gave up being a KJ after 15 years and you only DJ, but now you are saying that you are considering adding laptops to handle your karaoke requests. So which is it?
Author:  jamkaraoke [ Thu May 08, 2008 9:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
You really need to do a study on the cost effectiveness of using a Laptop versus traditional books.   In general I can't see Laptops or any other hand held device taking the place of the "BOOK" in the foreseeable  future.

I think it is really club specific and also AGE dependant....most singers that I've run across might not be use to using a laptop - especially with the onboard mouse pads or roller balls.
Author:  Randy J [ Thu May 08, 2008 10:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
I think there will begin to be a transition... there will be shows with books AND a kiosk / laptop AND website where people can go with their smart cell phone

Cater to all types of customers!

Personally, when I look at a book OR sit at a laptop kiosk, I draw a complete blank! Especially when there is a song playing. I carry a list of songs I like to do (currently about 100) and add new songs when inspired (usually listening to the radio in the car)

As to the OP question... YOU GOTTA HAVE BOOKS. If you want to add a kiosk to the mix, I'm sure some of the younger people will use it.

I've been to one show where the KJ had a laptop for browsing / search. Not one person used it.
Author:  ericlater [ Thu May 08, 2008 11:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
I have found that the only way to keep the cost of re-printing books down, keep the weight of the books manageable, minimize the number of books needed and to help when there is confusion about how to spell and find something in the books, everyone is made aware that my wife has an inventory of every song on her laptop.

Her laptop is not for public access, but only for inquiries of my wife.  My wife knows how to use the search engine so as to maximize the likelihood she'll find the song if we actually have it.  While I can accomplish that on my show computer, I've learned that involving myself in such matters detracts from everything else I am trying to do.

Next, and most exciting, I have purchased and just completed setting up a new slim line desktop (Lonovo) computer for a kiosk.  I had previously set up an old computer to do that but it failed on me shortly after I had it up and running.   Additionally I purchased (quite inexpensive) a waterproof keyboard for it. (EDIT: I paid $14 at CompUSA, saw same keyboard on close-out at Radio Shack on 5/13 for $10)

And not only can my data base be accessed easily on this computer, I've set it up to allow access to a one-minute sample of any song, with graphics.  I'm waiting to see if this works out (in the long term) as well as I am hoping that it will.  My unscientific poll/survey says it will be a significant plus for my show.  I'm still concerned about how user friendly it will be.  while my wife will be able to explain its use, I would hope most people will find it to be self-evident based upon the information provided to them at the Kiosk.

If it doesn't work out, I will then have ended up with a backup show computer should my laptop fail!

PS:  I use the term "kiosk" to denote a free-standing facility that doesn't rely on anyone's permanent presence to operate it.  The kiosk computer is not networked.  I like the idea of using a desktop unit because it is easier to secure (both the computer and the monitor) than a laptop.  I couldn't figure out any system that would work in all environments to prevent the laptop from "walking".  I know that anyone who is determined could probably unsecure the desktop, but having enough time to do that and then walk away with it in front of everyone (it's quite bulky and won't easily fit under a coat or other garment) is much less likely than with a small laptop (and my wife's laptop, for example, is kinda small)
Author:  exweedfarmer [ Thu May 08, 2008 11:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
Kiosks are great.  No slips, no books, no rotation to worry about if you're using a hosting program.  I used books and kiosks for years and once the folks got used to the idea of kiosks the books sat gathering dust.  It's a lot easier to click than to write.

I don't know about laptops though.  They might have a tendency to walk away.

If you do use a kiosk, I strongly suggest that you use software that does not allow the user to shut down the kiosk program.  This will prevent tampering.
Author:  Partydjz [ Thu May 08, 2008 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
Flipper, you are correct, I should have made it clear that I'm not gearing up for nite clubs, just private parties.  I can see getting back into the clubs in the future but not the immediate future.  Still I think it's a viable alternative to printed books, I suppose you'd have to make a very gradual transition if you're working busy clubs, in other words, still have the books available, even if they're not completely up to date.

In my experience at a party rather than a nite club it's not a constant flood of singers, it's a much slower pace, good for us older guys.

I appreciate the input here, you guys make some valid points, many people are laptop novices and probably wouldn't sing if that was the only media available.

Many times I've found myself looking up songs for people anyway, I guess they're literary challenged or something.
Author:  karyoker [ Thu May 08, 2008 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
To throw a different light on the subject. I have a search function on the site  link With the filters each decade list can be used for a memory jogger. They can search our data base DJ KJ or spanish.

Most venues now either offer WIFI or are in an area where it is available They can search on a laptop at the bar or at home and make request lists. One night a bunch at a table were turning in requests by using text messenging on a cell phone.
Author:  Flipper [ Thu May 08, 2008 8:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
PartyDJ thanks for the clarification :wave:

I have researched the possibilities but I like to travel light and like a setup that is minimal in terms of space and size of load. Books seem to be the best bet at this time for my show. If i could find something that was compact (other than a laptop) and could use a rubberized roll up keyboard I would be willing to give it a try.
Author:  Nlouch [ Fri May 09, 2008 4:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
I have a half-written app that I stopped developing for various reasons.  It has an interface very similar to iTunes:

3 lists at the top: Genre - Year - Gender (M/F/Duet)

Below that are the songs, with all details pulled from ID3 tags (I use MP3+G files).

The 3 lists perform real-time filtering on the tracks shown.  There is also a text-entry search box (working in conjunction with the filtered lists) that searches title and/or artist.

Further development would have been a username login system so singers could record what they had sung previously, ratings, requesting to the DJ function.

I MAY look at continuing, but seeing as I programme all day - I get bored of doing it in the evenings :(

Also, would need to look into how Compuhost accepts requests.
Author:  mckyj57 [ Fri May 09, 2008 5:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
Nlouch @ Fri May 09, 2008 7:34 am wrote:
Also, would need to look into how Compuhost accepts requests.

CompuHost has a kiosk application coming, according to a guy who claims to be a beta tester for them.

I have written one that allows any web-connected computer to log in, maintain their account, edit their current playlist including key changes, and maintain a rotation. But it is too cumbersome for real use, as it relies on a an application server that is too heavyweight for the typical laptop running Windows.

If it could be on a web server, and then communicate to a Windows machine over the network to forward the requests, it would work fine. But network connections are not routine at bar venues (yet).

If I could get an API from CompuHost or MTU, I could make it work great. But those guys are not interested, not in the least. They just don't want to mess with third parties making tools compatible with their stuff. There is Winamp, of course. But I hate Winamp for that purpose, and that is about the only thing that is readily available to use.
Author:  exweedfarmer [ Fri May 09, 2008 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
Or, you could just run the data out the COM port through some dollar store speaker wire like I did.
Author:  DannyG2006 [ Sun May 11, 2008 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
jamkaraoke @ Thu May 08, 2008 12:38 pm wrote:
You really need to do a study on the cost effectiveness of using a Laptop versus traditional books.   In general I can't see Laptops or any other hand held device taking the place of the "BOOK" in the foreseeable  future.

I think it is really club specific and also AGE dependant....most singers that I've run across might not be use to using a laptop - especially with the onboard mouse pads or roller balls.

In the long run it will save money once you'e have several additions to your books, a $25 used computer you picked up on ebay or a local tag sell is all you need. It need only run windows 98.
There is a free viewer that coupled with Fast Tracks(to create the database the viewer uses to allow acess to the songs).  Although you might have to rethink how many tables you need to set up to run your shows.
Author:  Nlouch [ Mon May 12, 2008 3:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
Quote:
If I could get an API from CompuHost or MTU, I could make it work great. But those guys are not interested, not in the least. They just don't want to mess with third parties making tools compatible with their stuff.


Totally hear ya.  It's a good app but incredibly closed.
Author:  knightshow [ Mon May 12, 2008 8:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
DannyG2006 @ Sun May 11, 2008 8:29 pm wrote:
In the long run it will save money once you'e have several additions to your books, a $25 used computer you picked up on ebay or a local tag sell is all you need. It need only run windows 98.
There is a free viewer that coupled with Fast Tracks(to create the database the viewer uses to allow acess to the songs).  Although you might have to rethink how many tables you need to set up to run your shows.
you know, I've heard a couple of folks talk in line like this... and I've been pretty diligent about searching for such devices... and I have YET to have seen ANY $25 used computer! LOL! Working or NOT!
Author:  ericlater [ Mon May 12, 2008 8:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone use laptops instead of karaoke books
It may be hard to justify getting a computer solely as an auxiliary or replacement to song books.

Yes, it can be done dirt cheap if you get an old computer and a bulky old monitor, but I wouldn't use an old monitor and I already had one.  Instead, I purchased a lightweight flat screen, and those run about $150.  

I estimate that I'll reduce my printing by at least 4 books a year (half of my books) at a savings of about $40-$50.  So, using an old computer, I think the cost can be offset in 4-5 years.

IMO, one must decide if the convenience to the customer is worth the expense and effort of setting up the computer for every show.  I wouldn't do it if the only savings were for printing.
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