Karaoke Machines
Karaoke is here to stay, and it's coming soon to a rec room in your neighbourhood! Karaoke machines have become the hottest addition to family games rooms around the world, following on their huge success in nightclubs and bars. Advances in technology have made karaoke machines very affordable and easy-to-use.
Before you buy, however, you owe it to yourself to learn a bit about the options available. Personal karaoke machines can cost as little as $50, but as with so many things, you get what you pay for.
The karaoke market is divided into portable and component systems. Portable systems resemble a "boom box" with microphones attached, and are somewhat limited in the types of discs they play. High-end portable karaoke machines often have a small video screen attached that displays lyrics.
Component systems may cost hundreds of dollars, but they typically include dual microphones, an amplifier, a VCD player and a video monitor.
When choosing a home karaoke system, look for one that offers the most flexibility. The most useful machines play many different kinds of discs, and can be quickly hooked up to computers, TVs and even video game consoles.
Your choice will be directly related to the type of disc you choose. CDG discs are music CDs with a graphics element that allows song lyrics to be displayed on a screen. VCD karaoke discs are a step up, and are used with VCD players that are attached to your home TV screen.
Other important factors to think about include the wattage (power) of the system, and the disc packages available. Many systems now offer Multiplex discs, which double as ordinary CDs with all your favorite songs when played on a conventional CD player.