Karaoke Forums

Just getting started with using a laptop... Very new at this.... and not too bright
I have put the discs in using Power CDG burner. What software would you use to view and play the songs? Also, how specifically do you get the video from the laptop to the TV so you can still view the song lists on the laptop screen? I'm assuming a video card.. but which one? I'm extremely new at this so be gentle. thanx

Does your laptop have s-video out? If so you need to set up the laptop connected via that out to a tv and extend your desktop onto it. a few other members can better explain how to do this.
As to software there are several ones out there and each have their pluses and minuses. You're gonna get a wide range of choices thrown at you. I suggest trying all the demos before making up your mind. I personally use Compuhost but it might be overkill for you as it has most of the bells and whistles one could want in a hosting program.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

I use this RF modulator to convert from RCA video to coax, and this VGA to RCA converter to get the video out of my laptop into the RF modulator. Total cost right around $100. The VGA to RCA box is good enough for karaoke but I would not watch a movie or sports program on it. It comes with a remote control, but you can do everything from the buttons on the device.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

DannyG2006 Appreciate the help!!!! I don't have an S video out on the laptop. But if I had that, just hooking up the S video to the TV would work or would I have to still split the signal somehow? Weighing the options!!!

Maybe you should post what kinds of video output connectors your laptop does have, and then you will get more useful suggestions.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

If the Laptop has VGA out, it would work, too. There is a VGA to VGA/RCA/S-Video Converter available at monoprice.com. (I use it myself)

You also have to make sure, that you "extend" the desktop to the second screen, that becomes available, not "duplicate" the screen.

The "PC-to-Video Component" I linked has the ability to zoom and display only a part of the screen. That's the main reason I bought them instead of other units. This way you can use a computer that does not have support for a second display. I put one into an installed system where the PC was pretty old and did not have two video connectors, and I did not want to mess with adding another one. Put the karaoke lyrics box in the corner of the screen, zoom the converter box in, save settings. done/done

Also you can power that unit with a USB connector or any common USB power supply. It is the nicest VGA to RCA/S-Video box I have used so far.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

Thanx for all the suggestions I have 3 USB, earphone jack and VGA. Also, you talk about desktops... is the laptop a bad way to go?

A laptop is better for a portable system than a rack-mount computer, unless perhaps you put the computer in a shock rack designed to protect it when trailering. Who wants to do that anyway though, then your computer and music is in your system and if you want to lend it out .. your computer is lent too.

If you were doing an installed system, I would suggest a rack mount PC or a regular tower or desktop style one, depending on cost and space. A laptop is more likely to get stolen or spilled on by hired-in KJs.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ