Karaoke Forums

I see a lot of information here about Chartbuster and SoundChoice, but not much on other defunct labels. I've been disc FOREVER, since 1993. In December I purchased the 12,000 songs from Chartbuster AFTER inquiring several times about their streaming program for commercial applications (And never got an answer). Then after buying the 12,000 I saw their roll-out for streaming home and club and the buy as you go collection. But hey, I'm 12,000 digital now so I'm not complaining, but had I known there was a choice before the push to by the 12,000, I would have gone with the streaming. STILL.... I will say that of the 12,000 on the digital hard drive, I did already own on disc just over 6,000 of the songs. There is 'religious' and children's tracks I won't use in the digital 12,000 and approximately 270 songs not included [on discs that I own from Chartbuster] (I asked Greg but he never explained, licensing would be my bet), but nevertheless, I'm rambling.

MY QUESTION IS: I'm the disc guy, just now transitioning into digital on computer. I have 18 years worth of Sound Choice, primarily the 2000 and 8000 series, over 500 discs. And have a wealth of Chartbuster discs also. But I also have All Hits, All Star Karaoke, Amerising, Backstage, BCI, Big Hits Cool Tracks, DK, Dangerous, Disney, Essential, Helluva Disc, Honky Cat, Sweet Georgia Brown and over 30 other manufacturers that are "out of business", that I use throughout my various shows. Can I convert these over to hard drive? I've had the Chartbuster 12,000 digital now for three months and it's sitting here looking at me right beside the Vocopro media jukebox mk2, the PCDJ karaoke program and the Compuhost order form and I'm still confused where I left the cat food at. Any help here?

For your lost cat food: http://www.youtube.com/embed/9nndS22Qda0?rel=0

As for converting defunct manufactor's disc's... seems technically it would still be illegal. BUT someone would have to sue you over it and the company that can sue is out of business. I have converted my DK, SGB, and some odds 'n ends.. I'm not really worried.

BUT I'd like to hear an answer from someone more in the know..

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SoundChoice Certification coming soon!

The way I look at it and it makes sense, as long as you have an original disk for each digital song on your hard drive, there should be no issue.

I agree Sevarin. Same goes for SC, CB and the others... but they are naming HD users in lawsuits.... even though I guess, once you prove you are 1:1, they drop the suit. I don't have the time to worry over it. I'm waiting on my Cert from SB, and about to start the audit with SC... just to be safe. As for the others.. they are transferred and being used.. I am 1:1 and will always be so.

I sure wish we could play paid-for downloaded songs at show (I don't mean CB's unlock thing)

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SoundChoice Certification coming soon!

But then, I wouldn't be 1:1 would I?
1:1 receipt.....

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SoundChoice Certification coming soon!

The legality of the use those downloads is an opinion...not a fact.

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Birdofsong

Most sites that I've been to have something in the Terms of Use similar to this:
You may not exploit any Digital Download for any commercial purposes (including the sale of bundled Digital Downloads transferred onto Approved Electronic Devices).

This is from BuyKaraokeDownloads.com

I take that 'exploit.. for any commercial purpose' as meaning me being paid for a karaoke show.

I guess I could send some communication to them asking for permission..

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SoundChoice Certification coming soon!

Of course, me being me, I sometimes wonder if CB got permission from all of the publishers/owners to media shift their content- of for that matter what permissions were required. More research, I guess....

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

Just do not get rid of all those original discs - or play multiple shows and you'll be fine. You may want to consider the SC audits to remain legal standing with them.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Tricerasoft does not limit to home use. I read through their licensing materials and there were no such limitations. Tricerasoft is a reputable company. I've heard some questionable things about BuyKaraokeDownloads.com.

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Birdofsong

Thank you BirdofSong.. I too, didn't see any limitations for KJ's.. in fact it states "All Songs are sold for USE and permission for KJs, Enthusiasts, or Private/Home entertainment. " I take that to mean I can use it during my shows.
Thank you again!

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SoundChoice Certification coming soon!

Thought I'd post this from BuyKaraokeDownloads.com .. I wrote asking if purchased cdg were legal for use by KJ's in public venues. Their reply:

As per our Terms of Use (link is located on the homepage of our website), you may use the downloads in a public setting such as a DJ/KJ. Our songs are licensed via mechanical or statutory licensing provisions or are public domain.

Memberships or subscriptions are only applicable to New Releases for a six or twelve month period. This would include any songs added to our database starting from the current month forward. We can backdate any subscription. We add approx. 30+ or more New Releases per month which are current Pop, Country, etc. A "Download" button appears beside each song during your subscription period. All other songs in our database can be purchased individually between .99 and $2.49 w/o a subscription with 20% off for 5 or more songs. All you have to do is register and purchase.

Scott Round
BuyKaraokeDownloads.com

I don't have a membership with them, but I guess you can buy one for $249/six months which gives you all new releases for those six months.... you have to physically download within those six months..

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SoundChoice Certification coming soon!

Lisa, this sounds fishy to me. They require a lyric reprint license and a syncronization license. It doesn't sound like they have this. I would be very wary of this site, regardless of what they say. Can anyone else here substantiate this site?

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Birdofsong

I remember they used to sell almost ALL manus when they first appeared. Sound Choice tracks were the first to go.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

No, it just means that they SAY you can. I would think that if any karaoke producer could sell downloads with full licensing, they could also include a text file of the license ( or a statement assuming the responsibility thereof) for each track. This would keep the liability for their use on the producers' shoulders. If they won't, then said liability is all yours, and they couldn't care less. Will your source do that?

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

No, it just means that SC SAYS you cant. I would think that if any karaoke producer could sell discs with full licensing, they could also include a text file of the license ( or a statement assuming the responsibility thereof) for each track. This would keep the liability for their use on the producers' shoulders. If they won't, then said liability is all yours, and they couldn't care less. Will your source do that?

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