Karaoke Forums

I have recently converted all of my karaoke tracks to MP3G. I have a very current computer but I'm sure that I will need to add a new sound and video card to make my computer compatible. Currently I run my karaoke player into my mixer amp with RCA Cables converted to 1/4" jack. So I will need to have an out on the sound board that can convert similarily. Also I have a HDTV that has all the hookups. I would either like to use RCA or S Video outs from the computer to the TV. Basically I'm looking for suggestions on what sound card and video card to purchase. I run Windows 7 & have 2 GB of RAM. This is just for home use and I will be using Just Karaoke by Triceasoft for the time being. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I would ideally like to snag both for under $100. Thanks in advance.

Mod could you please move this to Technical Forums. Sorry for the error.

@Jian edit: moved

You probably wont need a new video card, if you computer can do EXTENDED DESKTOP, which gives you the ability to run a "hosting" program while the 2nd screen shows only the lyrics.
http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-7/ex ... -displays/


For sound cards, you can use your internal one till, but getting a PRO AUDIO card should help to. I will let others comment on that.

So if i can do extended desktop I would have to get a vga splitter that goes VGA to VGA+a connection on my TV? Also I have a digital audio out on my desktop, but the mixer amp I am currently using is from the 80's and only has 1/4" inputs. I currently run RCA from player to a RCA-1/4" conversion cable. Im not sure how that will work out. I could take a pic of the back of my tower if it would help.

Your laptop should have an S-Video output or if newer, a DVI output (can get a cheap converter to S-Video), some even have an HDMI output - although those need a tv with an HDMI input as the converters to a basic signal are pretty pricey. If you have the other two, you connect that to the tv either directly or via an RF converter (again a cheap fix). Some can use the VGA as the second output, but many tv's do not have a VGA input forcing you to buy another converter for that output.

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Well I am using a desktop pc. I dont have a laptop. It appears the only video out on the pc is a single VGA Port. I was hoping to not have to purchase a video card but I may have too. Any ideas on the digital audio out and how to convert that to 1/4"?

If you have a desktop, even the cheapest video card now days (I have seen some for sale for like $30) would be more than adequate for today's KJ needs. Check out this page for a bunch of cards with two video out options. It depends on which bus you have but if you have PCI-X or PCI-Express, you shouldn't have any problem finding a card. If you have AGP slot, then you may have to look around a bit, like on eBay. Good luck.

As for the audio, I would go analog rather than digital to get the sound to your mixer.

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yeah if the vid card installed now is not dual output, sounds like it is not very state of the art.

I am guessing AGP

EDIT

BUT OP states that the PC is very current, if he shares more info we will know for sure.

I have purchased 3 new desktops within the last couple years that did not have dual video capable. Had to add a card to them, one was a higher end HP, the others were just cheaper machines.

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Interesting, I have not purchased a pre-built system since my old 386 Packard Bell from Montgamary Wards.

Even the cheap $30 vid cards I put in my moms build had dual out.

Typically when you buy a name brand desktop computer, the motherboard will have everything built in, such as Ethernet, video, audio, etc. This saves money for the computer companies since it's cheaper to buy everything in one motherboard. Also, it makes it easier to support since the drivers for one motherboard can update everything.

Those embedded video will typically have one video output, whether VGA, DVI or HDMI. The only way to get a second monitor going is to get another video card. But as I stated, even the lowest end card will do the job.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

its a new HP. Yeah ive found several cards that will work.. I just ran the audio out of the main audio out 3.5mm jack converted to rca converted back to 1/4" and it sounds fine for our purposes.

Why not just use a 1/8" to a 1/4" cable?

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Cause I would have to buy it...I already own the other components. I think I have everything figured out. Im purchasing a new video card. for the time being my 21 inch HD computer monitor will suffice. I appreciate the help everyone. I dont post often but Im a frequent troller of the boards. Ive read alot of post and there are several members of this site who I would trust whole heartedly with giving me suggestions, Jian and Lonnie are both in that group. Thanks again. I will be upgrading some sound equipment soon so I will be posting again in the near future.