Hoster Lite

[Telecaster]

Ok
I hope this post will not be taken out of context.This is what I have experienced using Hoster Lite,and compared to around six other programs that play Karaoke files.
First off let me start by saying that Hoster Lite has the best user interface of all the software I have tried.It is definitely user friendly.
While I did have some issues with importing files I was able to open up my folder that has my zip files and load them individually into Hoster Lite and save them as a Playlist.This is really all I need as I am musician and use the tracks as Backing tracks.
I would like to see MTU sell things like Keychange,Slience before and afer a song,and other features as options to buy as it would cut cost and make the program even more user friendly.
The biggest downside i see to this program today is the "KEYCHANGE" feature.
When it is used to change a song to another pitch it has a "wobble" or "tremolo" effect.I am aware that this in some songs is unavoidable but Hoster Lite seems to not come close to another program I use that does not do that "wobble" or "Tremolo".The Problem with the alternate program is ....it does not have the interface even close to that of Hoster Lite.
It was suggested to me that it might be my netbook with its 1.6 atom processor and 1 gig of ram.
So I conceeded that and bought 2 gigs of ram and upgraded to Windows 7 as it was suggested that Windows 7 had no problems running Hoster Lite.
It is my Humble opinion that it is not the processor nor is it the ram,
Yes it could be some other part of the hardware,but its curious to note that the ALTERNATE program I use runs the KEYCHANGES fine...which makes me think it is a software issue with Hoster Lite.

PLEASE...these are my opinions I am satisfied with the product and hope that MTU will look at the Keychange feature as that is what will keep me as a customer.
Thanks for letting me rant

[ddouglass]

Are you setting the Keychange "on the fly" after starting the song?

Also what problem did you have with importing the zip song files?

Actually your better setup would have been to stay with XP (least amount of problems) and upgraded to the 2GB ram. With Windows 7 and 2GB you are running minimum requirement for that OS and memory amount. With XP the minimum is 1GB and with 2GB you would be better off.

Welcome to the MTU family.

[Telecaster]

Originally Posted by ddouglass

Are you setting the Keychange "on the fly" after starting the song?

Also what problem did you have with importing the zip song files?

Actually your better setup would have been to stay with XP (least amount of problems) and upgraded to the 2GB ram. With Windows 7 and 2GB you are running minimum requirement for that OS and memory amount. With XP the minimum is 1GB and with 2GB you would be better off.

Welcome to the MTU family.

Thank you for your input and the welcome
I have read a lot of post from you and your knowledge is valuable and apprecieated
Unfortunately it does not matter if I keychange on the fly or after starting the song ...the effect is there either way.
As for importing the zip files on the hard drive it created another file for each zip file I have in the folder I keep all my zipped files.I did notlike that as to me it is to much clutter so I went with opening Hoster then clicking on "koake" and loading each song into the main window of Hoster.After I was done doing the Changes I needed to do I saved the playlist.

[Telecaster]

Just for your information
I did every upgrade I could and tweaked my netbook "1.6 Atom Processor ,2 gigs of Ram,Windows XP,160 gig Harddrive",In an effort to combat the Keychange problem with no luck.Im pretty sure I could resolve this issue by getting a laptop suggested on this site.Problem with that is the Netbook is great fo what I do,
I would consider however your wisdom on what netbook will run Hoster with no trouble if you happen to know.
At this point I trust your judgement and best information on this issue.
I will not hold you responsible if it does not work as im sure your input would be a lot better than me beating around the neighbourhood computer stores trying to figure out what system to buy .....LOL

[Musicman51]

"Telecaster" as in "Fender" i presume. I have an american made ash tele...love it. Now, as far as your keychange "wobble". This has nothing to do with hoster lite..not a thing. It has to do with any computer. I have an old XP in my studio, which has a sound card with keychange. It's worthless. It's not hoster, it's the nature of the beast. Any keychange software on a computer is subject to that computers liability. I have tried most, with the same results. I very seldom have to change keys for a singer, but the few times i do, i don't see it as a problem. I'll tell you from experience. Hoster's keychanger is better then most. I had "Cake Walk" recording software i couldn't change keys with either. Tried different computers, same results. Again...not hoster's fault. JMHO

[ddouglass]

MTU is aware and there will be some more work done on the Keychange in the future. As Musicman51 said in is an inherent condition to some degree when trying to key change electronically to have some wobble. Varying degrees from machine to machine.

As for importing the zip files on the hard drive it created another file for each zip file I have in the folder I keep all my zipped files.

The older Hoster versions created a second complete copy of the ZIP file and adding a header to it making a file larger than what the zip file was. This was accomplished by de-zipping the file which is why it was larger.
The new version only adds a second small 256 byte file containing the header for Hoster and uses the original file to actually play the song. Thus instead of having twice as much space used it only adds 256 bytes per song you import to your hard drive space used. Thus saving space on the drive. That header is what identifies the song to Hoster for it to be added to the Songs Database making it much easier to look up quickly what song you want or someone requests.

You are using Hoster in much the same way Musicman 51 and a few others do for backing music. I don't know how much music you have but to me having them in a database would make it much quicker to load if you need to change up your show if they were imported.

Since you are the only one singing from these you could also use Keyrite (another MTU program) to create copies that are permanently key changed for yourself. Check it out and see if it wouldn't make things easier.

[Telecaster]

Thanks for the info people.
Yes Musicman the American Tele is what I have also.I also have a 1962 Flatop Gibson which I use to do my shows.I like the acoustic sound and it blends nicely.

As for the Keychange situation you can cut the pie any way you want it is not up to snuff but I trust MTU will keep kicking until they get it.
I think I did try Keyrite demo and it did the same thing on 2 different computers........