What kind of set-up do I need?

[SWLinPHX]

No, haven't tried burning yet Dave but really not sure I'll need to if I keep back up files of every song on another hard drive (I'm trying to convert all from disc!). But I do have a Pioneer drive in my PowerMac that burns and copies DVD's easily and also the separate Plextor USB/FW drive I mentioned buying (but never used).

Can you enlighten me on what you mean by "one of the good ones"? Were there many different drives put into MacBook Pros since their October 2008 release? What do the codes "HL-DT-ST stand for and how do people know what they're getting when they order or buy a MP Bro? Is there a separate article or discussion on the variances in MB Pro optical drives?

Interesting...

[dave]

it is rather random which drive you get when you get a new MacBook. They are mostly "Matshita" drives, but occasionally you'll get a "HL-DT-ST" drive. I have no idea what it stands for. Nobody knows why they're not all the same. There is no article on it.

The reason you want to burn is if you go OUT to karaoke, to a bar, you want to take a disc that has only your favorite songs, not an original disc.

[SWLinPHX]

Oh true, and I probably will. But also am hoping I can use iPod Classic or iPod Touch or iPhone etc. in the future for that too. Plus, I don't need to bring my own stuff now that shows have tens of thousands of songs on hand using computers instead of discs. I really want to be able to work on creating my own stuff as professionally as possible and bringing to shows. If you want to see a sample of some of my work let me know. I have no reference as I have not used Producer yet.

[dave]

You'll have more luck burning a DVD of your own stuff, most karaoke hosts have DVD players now, or should. But most are hesitant to plug an ipod into their video mixer. worst-case you can burn your stuff to a CD+G disc, and that's still a pretty good case.

[Sedge]

They are mostly "Matshita" drives, but occasionally you'll get a "HL-DT-ST" drive. I have no idea what it stands for.

They are LG drives - The HL is for Hitachi/LG, DT is for DaTa, ST is for STorage.

Here's a more complete explanation - http://club.cdfreaks.com/1289258-post2.html

[dave]

OMFG I'm STOKED to have that information!!! Wow Great Info!!

[Sedge]

[SWLinPHX]

You'll have more luck burning a DVD of your own stuff, most karaoke hosts have DVD players now, or should. But most are hesitant to plug an ipod into their video mixer. worst-case you can burn your stuff to a CD+G disc, and that's still a pretty good case.

I believe that. I guess I was unclear if I'd be able to convert a karaoke creation of mine into CD+G format from .mp4, etc. I know it can be converted to DVD, but that seems like overkill for such a small, basic video file. I guess I'd have to amass quite a few before I do that. Haven't read up on it yet, but does Producer save completed projects in CD+G-ready format? Also, does Producer use some sort of built-in masking to take out vocal channels or are you supposed to start with instrumentals? I know, I know... I will read up on all this, but I just wanted to know those two things real quick.

[dave]

it is not physically possible to convert ANY kind of movie to CD+G, you can only create them from scratch, they MUST be hand-tuned to the CDG format. Yes, this is exactly what Producer does. Any other video type can ONLY be converted to DVD, it's not overkill, it's a movie, which means high bit rate, which means DVD. No, Producer does not remove vocals, frankly that's illegal and sounds terrible anyway, you want to start with your own band and make the instrumentals, or use existing karaoke instrumentals.

[SWLinPHX]

Well there are some karaoke instrumentals that need the graphics (like the old karaoke CD's I have from the early 1990's), but don't knock all [vocal suppression] techniques. Some songs with lead vocals recorded entirely in the central channel [will suppress] unbelievable well, while the music and back-up vocals are loud and clear (almost like a karaoke track). It's not illegal to use this to make a file for your own purpose, any more than it is to rip a CD you own period. I am not selling these. Besides, my whole point was for songs in which there are no karaoke instrumentals available (and I'm not a multi-talented musician with access to a complete band, LOL).

[dave]

Yes, vocal suppression is rather an art form, i have an article about it.

[jfbiii]

I've been thinking about the iPod issue...I could do it pretty easily if I'm someplace with my PA but not so easy if I'm on the built-in one at my main venue. And frankly, I'd sooner plug that in for someone than mess with a DVD in my laptop.

[SWLinPHX]

The question then is, what is more likely: Someone to be running a DVD player or a CD+G player (or computer) with DVD capability or someone with easy access to both separate AUX video and audio inputs (or else using a Mac to connect the iPod to)?

[dave]

i think it's WAY more likely they'll have a DVD player.

[SWLinPHX]

Probably. And besides, you did say that I can convert my original .ktp files into CD+G's with Producer (if I understood you correctly) which any KJ can play.