|
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...
Single Display
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.
Single Display, Mirrored on TV
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.
Dual Card, Dual Display
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.
Dual-Head card, Two Displays
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.
Dual-Head card, Two Displays, One TV
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.
Tips and Tricks
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.
Equipment
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!
Dual-Head Video Cards
VGA to TV converters
|
