The files in this newsgroup are meant to be used for standard karaoke cdg
discs and occasional vcd karaoke tracks. As a rule we don't deal with .kar,
midi or other types of karaoke music, designed to be played only on
computers. If you deal with .kar & midi karaoke try newsgroup alt.karaoke.
Other newsgroups of interest might be alt.binaries.karaoke and
alt.music.karaoke
There is no moderator for this group so we ask you to be on your best
behavior!
We don't want to be meanines but: The primary purpose of this newsgroup is
the transferring of files. While we don't mind an occasional "how do I do
this?" We are not a hardware and software support group. PLEASE READ YOUR
SOFTWARE/HARDWARE DOCUMENTATION OR VISIT THEIR APPROPRIATE WEBSITES TO SOLVE
YOUR PROBLEMS FIRST!
========================================================================
INTRODUCTION / CONTENTS SUMMARY:
- GETTING STARTED / HELP SITES
- HARDWARE & MEDIA CONSIDERATIONS
- HOW TO'S / INSTRUCTIONS
- SOFTWARE / APPLICATIONS
- MISC HELP, SITES & SUGGESTIONS
========================================================================
GETTING STARTED:
GREAT SITES FOR MORE HELP, INFO & SOFTWARE LINKS:
Here's a small list of site where you can find software and information
pertaining to karaoke.
http://www.karaokeplayground.co.uk/
All things karaoke --- excellent site!
http://www.ezkaraoke.com
A great site with tutorials, message boards, software and other information
you'll need to get started!
=========================================================================
HARWARE & MEDIA CONSIDERATIONS
CDG COMPATIBLE BURNER (HARDWARE)
The list used to be small be has grown too large to post here. For a very
extensive list visit http://www.ezkaraoke.com Mouse over Karaoke Stuff and
go to CD+G Drive List. (Thank You Master of Muppets
for providing this information.)
URL addition http://magicland.com/karaoke/drives.htm
This is the same page without having to mouse-over and select. People using
browsers other than IE (like me) might have problems getting to the drop
menu. I would keep the original URL and instruction though because there are
other points of interest on the homepage. (Thanks for the tip Norman!)
In some cases you MIGHT get away with a different type of burner ...
http://www.karaokeplayground.co.uk/help/noncompatibleburner/noncompatibleburner.htm
===============================================================
HOW TO / INSTRUCTIONS
- How To Download
- Processing the Downloaded File
- Burning the Karaoke Disc (CDG format)
- Preparing Songs for Uploading
- File Formatting
- How To Upload (Post)
- Posting Etiquette
- Reposting
- Requests
HOW TO DOWNLOAD:
You'll want to go to the Software / Applications section of this Karaoke
Help /FAQ to get the information and link to download a decent News Read and
Posting Utility. Ideally you'll want both utilities to download and upload
(post) using an encoding method called yEnc or else you will have problems
and other questions. Just go get them now, before you do anything else!
Posted files often get posted in "parts" in order to keep the filesize
smaller, making it easier to download. If you do not have a utility that
supports yEnc and or does not combine the parts, it will be more
complicated, but you can do the following: Right click and select Combine
and Decode or Join Sections (or something like that). This will download
the song and combine it into 1 file with either a .zip or .rar extension.
Zip is more popular because of MP3Toolz.
We can't cover every newsreader program available but 2 of the most popular
are MS Outlook and Forte' Free Agent (Agent is preferred version 1.93 or
better). To download, hi-light the parts to whichever song you want,
multiple songs can be hi-lighted. With Agent 1.93 or better, it will
automatically combine the parts during the download process.
Pay attention to where the song is being saved at, you'll have to do a bit
more processing on it before it can be burned to CD. Often you can edit
your program settings or preferences to change the default location as well
as other options like the type of default encoding. Make sure all the parts
are there, (you could easily be missing 2 of 19 or 7 of 28 and not realize
it), or you'll end up with a song you can't use.
PROCESSING THE DOWNLOADED FILE:
You probably want to play the file before comitting it to your library or
burning it to CDG. Check out the recommended software in this document for
playing karaoke files because you can preview them wither before or after
unzipping and converting them to another format for burning to disc.
Find the file/files you've just downloaded and extract them using your
favorite compression program, (i.e. winzip, winrar, ultimate zip, netzip,
will all work). If you installed MP3+G Toolz version 3 (or better) and
WinAMP with the CDG plugin, you can play the file even before unzipping it!
Just right-click on the zip file and choose play in WinAMP.
A Karaoke CD will hold, on an average, 15 - 18 songs so you'll probably want
at least that many songs before you try burning a CD. When you uncompress a
song you'll find 2 files inside, an .mp3 file and a .cdg file. The .mp3 file
holds the music for your song and the .cdg file stores the graphics. Right
click on the FOLDER where you extracted your file/files. If you installed
MP3+G Tools correctly you should see the menu item - MP3+G Tools - MP3+G to
Bin. Click on this. The toolz will convert your .mp3 and .cdg into one
file with a .bin extension. You'll also end up with a file with a .raw
extension. The .bin file is the one you want. Files with the .mp3 .cdg and
.raw extensions can be deleted.
BURNING THE DISC (CDG FORMAT):
The .bin file is the only format (currently) that can burn it to CDG
compatible disc media with a compatible burner and software (All these
things MUST be compatible or you wont get graphic display)
Check the information in this document for compatible hardware (burner)
media (disc)and software.
PREPARING SONGS FOR UPLOAD:
Newsgroups do not handle files with a .bin extension. Karaoke files burned
from CD's have a .bin extension and will have to be converted into MP3+G
format before being uploaded. If your song has already been converted into
an MP3+G format you'll have 2 files, an .mp3 and a .cdg. Zip up these files
and they're ready to send. Please make sure the files have proper formatting
(continued below).
If you're file is still in a binary format, (.bin) it will have to be
converted. Right Click on the FOLDER where the .bin file/files are stored
and find the menu item: MP3+G Toolz - Bin to MP3+G - Run this program. Toolz
will convert your .bin file into 2 files, an .mp3 and a .cdg Once again,
right click on the FOLDER where you're .mp3 and .cdg are and select the menu
item MP3+G Tools - MP3+G to Zip. The results should leave a .zip file ready
to be uploaded.
**** FILENAME FORMATTING ****
NOTE: Users appreciate a little extra effort when processing these files.
Properly formatted names make it much easier when downloading.
1. Here's why - If the files haven't been renamed, (especially the .cdg and
.mp3 files), you may end up with 2 files named of track01.mp3 and
track01.cdg If you download a second song that hasn't been renamed you end
up with another track01.mp3 and track01.cdg - Two songs one name... The
first song will be overwritten. Important!!! The .mp3 and .cdg files must
have the same name or MP3+G Tools will not process them!
2. If you have a .bin file rename it using one of the following formats
Manufacturer, Disk & Song # (SC7501-01 SD063-08 etc.) Artist and Song
Title. The end results will look something like this:
SC7501-01 - Elvis Presley - An American Trilogy
When you process the .bin file with MP3+G Toolz it will automatically name
the new .mp3 and .cdg files with the new name. In fact, if you have MP3Tooz
version 3, all you need to do when you rip your bin files is make sure it
has the proper disc and track code and it will rename the entire file with
the Artist and Song Title information during the zipping process --a real
time-saver -- Cool!
ALSO NOTE:
Often overlooked is the placement of hyphens. Please ensure the above format
INCLUDING hyphen placement! Again, it make formatting or renamiing -- if
necessary, much easier. The most importan part of the file name is the disc
code which indicates the manufacturer, disc and track, as in SC7601-01.
Please, Please adhere to Karaoke Song List Creator (www.airwer.com) database
codes whenever possible.
HOW TO UPLOADING (POST):
Songs must be compressed using the process explained in Preparing for Song
Uploads prior to uploading.
Because of the many news programs available we won't go into specifics on
uploading. Please read your software's documention. Forte' Free Agent is
fine for uploading one file at a time. I highly recommend yEnc Power-Post
for uploading... for 2 reasons... First it's free! Second it splits your
compressed file into file size segments that you can repost if someone 's
server dropped a part of the file ---this saves time and bandwith (keep in
mind some users are still on dialup or have banwith limitations). Large
files do not transfer well in newsgroups, that's why you see these songs
divided into smaller parts. Keep in mind though, I recommend splitting a
song in 7-12 parts, the program's default settings are usually sufficient.
If you'll follow the newsgroup you'll find complete songs of 7-12 parts
while songs with 20 or 30 parts are often missing segments and sometimes
take hours or even days to get all the parts through a news server.
POSTING ETIQUITTE:
DO be absolutely sure of your disk info before you post it. There have been
quite a few songs posted that do not match the disk info given. Do not make
up your own disk info. Look it up in one of the
databases.
DO use only the zip format as all the naming and utility programs work only
with zip.
DO allow a day or two before requesting or posting a re-post. Many times,
missing parts will show up later. This way, the group is not flooded with
reposts of files that are still on the servers.
Do not flood the group with multiple postings of the sames request! If
there is no response to your request, wait at least 3 days before requesting
again.
Be nice to others. This may go without saying, but please no flaming... we
are here to help each other. You will draws more bees with honey...as they
say... you catch the drift :) And often people who post are more likely to
recieve better service, due to that fact that they are not always "taking".
This is a group where sharing is encouraged :)
REPOSTING SONGS:
When you are reposting a seg (or an entire file) in
Power-Post, here's a tip that will save you tons of grief.
When you originally make the post for the first time, after it has posted,
save it to your history (keep it in there for at least three weeks, as some
Usenet servers actually go back that far).
When someone requests a repost of segs, select it from your history, re-cue
up the missing segs. DO NOT change any header info. If, ten days later, you
decide to repost the same file in its entirety, again,
select it from your history and DO NOT change any header info. Adding words
like 'REPOST" screws things up --
The reason: reposting this way will integrate your newer post right into the
older post on servers that still have the original post, EVEN IF the
original post has already rolled off your server. If the
original post has rolled of your server, it'll show up as a new post. On
servers where the original post is still there, it'll integrate itself right
in with the original post, automatically "fixing" and broken posts with
missing segs.
REQUESTS:
You'll probably have better results if you reqest a specific disc or a few
songs. People who are filling these requests go through a lot of time and
effort. If you start requesting a bunch of songs, (in this group 8 or more
is a bunch!) You're less likely to get your songs. Request 4 or 5 then
request 4 or 5 more. Request either songs or artists. If you have a
specific song it helps if we have as much of the following info as possible:
Song Title, Artist and if possible Manufacturer and Disc #. A typical
Subject / Header is to use:
REQ: or REQUEST: -- then the song you are requesting. Many of us prefer you
to include the manufacturer's code from one or more choices of disc - it
makes it faster and easier for us to find AND we are more likely to respond
at all.
FULLFILLING REQUESTS: As a courtesy, if you're going to fulfill someone's
request reply to their request message and state you're going to fulfill the
request. This will prevent 2 or 3 people all trying to fulfill one request.
It saves us all time and keeps extra traffic out of the newsgroup. A typical
Subject / Header is to use:
ATTN: <username> Filename etc
Often posting utilities with automaticall put in the filename for
you ---check your programs settings.
=================================================================
SOFTWARE / APPLICATIONS:
There are a number of things you'll need to download, compile and burn
karaoke cd's.
Ideally, you need the following types of applications:
1) Newsreader compatible with binary files and preferrably yEnc format (eg
Forte's Agent 1.93 at
2) Posting Utility for multiple posts... again, preferrably with yEnc
(download yEnc Power-Post at
3) Program which can rip CDG disc into ".bin" format (eg CDRwin)
4) A Zipping Program for properly zipping and unzipping files (eg MP3+G
Toolz or Winzip etc)
5) File renaming utility (MP3+G Tools also does limited renaming)
6) Program which can play cdg and/or bin format Karaoke files (for error
checking etc) (eg KaraokeBuilder or WinAMP etc)
7) Karaoke Song List Creator Database for accessing the correct disc code
info and song availability
8) Optionally, an FTP client like CuteFTP, for accessing some of us who have
a server, where you can trade files.
9)MP3+G TOOLZ (Added Memos)
The above Topics are discussed in detail below....
1) Newsreader compatible with binary files and preferrably yEnc format (eg
Forte's Agent 1.93 at http://www.Forteinc.com). There are other utilities
out there if you want to search the Internet
2) Posting Utility for multiple posts... again, preferrably with yEnc
(download yEnc Power-Post at
http://www.fileserver.fsnet.co.uk/YencPower-Post.zip )There are other
utilities out there if you want to search the Internet
3. CDG BURNING SOFTWARE
Again, not all software burning programs will burn CDG Discs. These
programs are some of the more popular for burning karaoke CDG Discs. Also
keep in mind that your disc media must be compatible with your burner AND
CDG formats or you will have scrambled video display
CDRWin:
One of the more popular CDG burning softwares
http://www.goldenhawk.com
Dart Karaoke Recorder:
http://www.dartpro.com
DiscJuggler:
Good software for only copying karaoke cd's
http://www.padus.com
Microstudio:
Will play CDG discs (or files ripped to your hard drive with their
software). Will also copy and burn compilation discs --including copyright
protected dics such as sound choice and Top Tunes. Optional plugin for Vocal
Eliminator and Key Changer (separate products). They also have other Karaoke
software but it's all on the expensive side.
http://www.mtu.com
4. ZIPPING/UNZIPPING (COMPRESSION or ARCHIVING) PROGRAMS
winzip, winrar, ultimate zip, netzip, will all work but most of us use MP3+G
Toolz because is has some excellent features and is multi-tooled!
MP3+G Toolz
You'll need this installed on your computer before you start doing anything
else! This free program will, among other things:
a) convert your downloaded and uncompressed files into a .mp3 and .cdg
format necessary to play the songs using alternate computer CDG PLAYING
software such as WinAMP (with CDG Plugin --listed further down with other
players)
b) convert your downloaded and uncompressed files into a .bin format
necessary to burn the
song to a CD (CDG).
b) rename .bin and .zip files using the proper disc code format as per the
Karaoke Song List Creator (www.airwer.com) database
c) clean up poorly formatted filenames (some exceptions)
There are a few other handy toolz also, we'll go into that later. Download
MP3+G Toolz from
http://www.activeaspsoftware.net/default.aspx?p=Product%2fprod&a=e&N_ProdID=3
5. RENAMING UTILITY
Karaoke Song List Creator from www.airwer.com is excellent for renaming your
BIN files.
A utility called RENAME IT is included with the Karaoke Essentials Package
or search for a similar utility on the net. Many times I have needed this
tool to cleanup poorly formatted filenames. Hopefully people will pay
attention to proper formatting of filenames (discussed latter in this FAQ)
Another excellent utility which you need anyway, is MP3+G Toolz (FREE). It
will clean up poorly formatteed filenames, rename a .bin or .zip file
6. KARAOKE PLAYERS
There are a few ways to play Karaoke files ---depending on what format the
file is in. For example, Once you download a zip file you may want to check
it prior to converting it to a .bin file (for burning to CDG). Depending on
which software you want to use, you can play the karaoke file either in itse
mp3/cdg format or the converted .bin format See the following software
options.
WinAMP with CDG Plugin (FREE):
WinAMP Classic
http://classic.winamp.com/
CDG Plugin
http://classic.winamp.com/plugins/ (find the search box on this page and
type in CDG)
Microstudio:
Will play CDG discs (or files ripped to your hard drive with their
software). Will also copy and burn compilation discs --including copyright
protected dics such as sound choice and Top Tunes. Optional plugin for Vocal
Eliminator and Key Changer (separate products). They also have other Karaoke
software but it's all on the expensive side.
MP3+G Toolz (FREE):
Version 3 Allows you to play mp3/cdg zipped file -- as long as you have
WinAMP with the CDG Plugin. Very Cool -- no unzipping needed!
Karaoke Builder:
Great software for playing your downloaded karaoke music. Will play the
mp3+gs before you compile them to a .bin file! Also gives you the ability to
edit your music.
http://www.karaokebuilder.com
WinCdg:
Popular cdg burning and playing software. You can download a free, (and very
limited) player for playing your karaoke discs.
http://www.tyrannosoft.com
Dart Karaoke products will burn your download music to disc and play .bin
files from your hard drive.
http://www.dartpro.com
Microstudio:
Will play CDG discs (or files ripped to your hard drive with their
software). Will also copy and burn compilation discs --including copyright
protected dics such as sound choice and Top Tunes. Optional plugin for Vocal
Eliminator and Key Changer (separate products). They also have other Karaoke
software but it's all on the expensive side.
http://www.mtu.com
7. Karaoke Database
Karaoke Song List Creator from www.airwer.com is the best for accessing the
correct disc code info and song availability.
8. FTP client software
Optionally, an FTP client like CuteFTP from http://www.globalscape.com, for
accessing some of us ABSK members who have a server, where you can trade
files.
9. MP3+G TOOLZ (Added Memos):
Once you've processed a couple of files using these toolz you'll have a
better understanding of each menu item. One feature I would like to mention
is the Unzip Folder Option. When you have a number of zip files that need
to be extracted you can right click on the FOLDER and select Unzip Folder.
This will unzip all .zip files in the folder and automatically rename the
internal .mp3 and .cdg files to the name of the original .zip. So, if the
Zip Files is named SC7501-01 Presley, Elvis - An American Trilogy then the
extract .mp3 and .cdg files will also carry the same name.
MP3+G TOOLZ version 3 require Microsoft .NET Framework v1.1 to be
installed. Download it from their website or as an optional / recommended
update from Microsoft. You will need to restart Windows and enter the
configuration Wizard of Microsoft .NET Framework and enable full access to
the MP3+G TOOLZ application (this allows it to work properly, including
updating itself to newer versions)
===============================================================
MISC HELP, SITES & SUGGESTIONS
WHAT ARE THOSE VCD FILES?
A large amount of karaoke DJ's use both cdg and vcd file formats using a
single vcd player that will decode both cdg and vcd formats
Most video tracks are basically the same as cdg tracks except instead of the
basic 16 colour graphics you get a full video in full 16 million colours but
the main differents instead of a zip file of 3 to 6 megabytes you are
looking at 30 to 60 megabytes.
Some burning points to add:
When burning vcd's for karaoke use only use Nero 5.0 or above because it's
the only software that burn's discs in away that allows you to select the
tracks in the same way as a normal audio or cdg tracks
Also one other point is that around 80% of DVD players will play VCD format
discs but very few DVD players will play cdg graphics
You can get more information on VCD (mainly karaoke)
http://www.karaoke.sing.nu/mail
You can get more information on VCD (mainly films)
http://www.geocities.com/rwvong/vcdfaq.html#what
NEWS SERVER issues
Some News Servers may not provide complete posted files. A problem may arise
with message propagation between one server and another. Try a different
server.
You can get a free account at Teranews or Bubbanews. You just pay a one time
small setup fee and then you get 50MB per day for free from then on.