Karaoke Forums

Hello,

My wife and I are thinking about opening a karaoke studio in our town. Ideally, we'd like to have 1 large room and 8 or 9 smaller, private rooms. For the private rooms, we are thinking of having a CAVS JB-199 Server that feeds JB-199s in the rooms. The large room would have its own separate setup.

I've been doing a ton of research, but I have a couple of questions...

1. Does this seem like a good setup, or does anyone have a better recommendation? The karaoke studio that we frequent has a Taijin (http://www.tjmedia.co.kr/taijinwow/english/product.asp) player in each room, and we really enjoy it, but the CAVS systems seem better suited for our needs -- i.e. easily update-able, ability to control background video, are in English, etc.

2. Would this be legal? We'd like to do everything as legally as possible (pay BMI/ASCAP/SESAC fees, only buy/download legal versions of songs, etc.) So, theoretically, if we bought our music only from legal sources, would we be breaking the law by only having 1 copy of the songs on the server while feeding the music to multiple rooms. Or, would it be better to buy separate copies for each machine and forget the server entirely?

We will definitely be hiring a lawyer to make sure everything is good to go, but any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

you'll have to contact ASCAP and the other agencies for their rates on what it would cost.

I'm no fan of CAVs... you could probably set up a server system for far less of headaches (considering the reputation of CAVs with sync issues, etc.).

Best of luck!

I have used Cavs units and would only suggest using them if you convert your own library of songs from CDGs to the machine. The cavs unit is a work horse and will work like a charm in this type of situation. If you don't want to mess with a conversion yourself there are places that will do it for you. There is a place called karaoke kandy Store I know that used to do it.

The problem with using their preprogrammed songs is like Knightshow said they are a bit out of sync. Not to mention they aren't the best quality.

I used the JB199 for about 3 yrs with no problems at all. I switched over now to a different system.

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As for your second question -

If you bought your own songs (CDGs) and converted them to the machine you should be fine legally. Keep your CDGs and receipts as backup.

Of course you'll want to pay BMI/ASCAP/SESAC fees. If you don't contact them they'll be on your doorstep asking for money soon after you open anyway.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

Cool! Thanks for the replies!

Babs, just curious...

Why did you stop using the JB-199?
And, what are you currently using?

Thanks again!

I'm not really sure how to respond to the server legality issue as the whole format shift issue is still in "hot debate" but that aside I would say as long as your system will only allow a specific file to be performed by only one performer at a time, then you would not need to have a separate discs for each room.

My reasoning here is you can have songs loaded to several drives but they cannot be used simultaneously on the same evening somewhere else. i.e. KJ's will multiple units cant preload 3-4 different systems and have them working all at the same time. It would require them to have separate libraries.

Your application is all in one place but in different rooms so it would be interesting to see what the "Legal Eagles" would say about this one. Common sense says it should be o.k.
The problem is getting an absolutely clear definition of what is or what is not legal.

The fact that you consulted an attorney shows you are trying to do the right thing.

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

I'll Pm you.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]