To make maximum use of your system here are some of the hardware configurations that are possible for your Karaoke setup. You can even combine some of these for an even more flexible solution...

This is the setup most PC users will have. It's all you need if you are using your computer to practice or for small groups. It's not really suitable for professional Karaoke gigs. With one display you must use either a windowed Karaoke display to access the interface or switch to full-screen mode and use keyboard control. Not recommended for pro gigs.

This setup uses a special VGA to TV converter box and allows you to use a TV to display the same thing that is on the computer monitor (mirroring). The TV (or a projector even) would be used for the singer and could be located a fair distance from the PC system. You could run the TV output to a VCR to record the show or display promotional video while you are selecting songs or setting up so the audience doesn't see the player interface. Not recommended for pro gigs.

Note: Some video cards come with a "Video Out" or "TV out" as part of the card itself meaning you don't need a separate converter box.

This setup uses a second video card to give a completely independent video display. The second display could be another PC monitor or a TV when sent through a VGA to TV converter as above. This would be the minimum setup for a professional Karaoke gig. With this setup the program interface is on the main display and lets you add songs and monitor playback time etc. The second display is used for the lyrics and the singer/audience never sees the "behind the scenes" details.

Note:To install two video cards in one computer you usually require both AGP and PCI slots.

This setup uses a special "Dual Head" video card. Essentially a single card that has two independent video outputs. Works like the two-card setup above.

As above but the second output is run through a VGA to TV converter. This lets you monitor the output so you can see the same display as the singer.

Here are some of the tips and tricks to maximize your hardware setup.

• Windows 98, 2000 and ME support multiple monitors that make most of this possible. With two cards or a "dual-head" card you have two independent displays (primary and secondary).
• When properly set up all you need to do to use the second display is to drag the window (main interface or karaoke window) from one to the other with the mouse.
• Full-screen mode in WinCDG-Pro2 uses a special DirectX mode that can only be used on the Primary display. To make the karaoke display fill the screen on the secondary display you must use "maximized" mode.
• Any VGA signal can be sent to a TV or video monitor using a "VGA to TV" converter. These usually support both composite and S-Video outputs.
• S-Video gives you a sharper, higher-quality output.

Here are some examples of equipment that can be used to implement the setups mentioned above. Note: This is not an exhaustive list of and we do not endorse, nor are we affiliated with any of these products or companies.

Video Cards with TV outputs

Note: Video cards are sold in many different configurations. Please double-check before purchasing!

• ATI All-in-Wonder - Excellent feature-packed cards. Comes in several models (Pro, 128, 128 Pro, Radeon). TV tuner, video in/out.
• ATI Radeon 7500 - 3D card with TV out.
• ATI Rage Fury Maxx PC2TV - 3D card with TV out.
• Matrox Marvel - G400 and G450. The pioneers of dual-head technology. Good 2D support. TV tuner, video in/out.
• 3DFX Voodoo 3500TV - Nice 3D card with TV tuner, video in/out and FM radio.
• Asus V7100T - GeForce2 3D card with TV out.
• 3D Prophet II - Several GeForce2 models with TV out.
• Riva TNT2 - 3D card with TV out.

Dual-Head Video Cards

• ATI Radeon 7500 DualDisplayEdition - New card with great 3D and video capabilities, with flexible output configurations.
• Matrox Marvel - G400 and G450. The pioneers of dual-head technology. Good 2D support.

VGA to TV converters

• Adstech
• Antec
• AverKey
• MicroJack