Host without Hoster?

[nanakate]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and relatively new to kj/dj-ing (5 years)- but I would like to add my 2 cents worth, if ya don't mind. I know you all have more experience and knowledge about the equipment than I do. I started as a back-up dj for my partner. He's the expert - I'm in it for fun. The money is just a bonus for doing something that I love to do!

1st - to answer the original question, if I had a system failure as described, I would have to call in reinforcements. I would not be able to run the show myself. I have a partner and several other dj/kjs on call for emergencies like this. Luckily, I've never had a reason to call them (yet!),
but the show would go on without me.

I don't have the equipment to run without my computer. My partner and I bought all the discs and the players when we started, but sold the equipment several years ago when we bought Hoster. We kept all the discs, to be legal, but I couldn't haul them to every gig if I wanted to. We have all the music loaded onto external hard drives. We each have several laptops w/Hoster loaded, so the hard drives can be used on any of them. I implemented that when I started having problems with my old computer, and it has come in handy several times.

A question tho - I purchase karaoke songs from Tricerasoft and other internet sites regularly. When you buy the gift pkgs. you're paying under $1 for each song, and I find it more cost effective than buying entire discs for the occas. song they ask for that I don't have. If a customer asks for a song I don't have and I have an open internet connection, I can download it immediately and have it ready for them to sing in 10 minutes or so. I've been doing this for awhile - 1000s of songs and dollars. My question is - how would I prove that I bought these songs, if it ever became necessary? I don't want to be accused of being one of those kj/djs who have a library of pirated music!

Thanks for the help.
Kathi

[bryant]

Kathi,
Feel free to put a "NO" vote in.

Don't know how to prove ownership unless there is some kind of internet receipt for the discs, i imagine?

[bobcox- with the Lord]

use your printer, or save to computer, (your order.)
also credit card trail.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by bobcox

use your printer, or save to computer, (your order.)
also credit card trail.

That's what I thought, but wasn't sure, as I buy all my discs on CD's. Very expensive, but I still purchase every request.

[stublack]

I can't believe I got sucked into this hypothetical crap.
All I can say is I've never cancelled or givin up a show and hopefully i'll never be forced to.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by stublack

I can't believe I got sucked into this hypothetical crap.
All I can say is I've never cancelled or givin up a show and hopefully i'll never be forced to.

Sheesh, you're right, though, it IS all hypothetical, but not necessarily crap. I think most of us generate these polls just to see if there is a portion of us that may think like them.

For example, what I would do in this hypotheitical situation, which is not even likely, but could happen if my main computer was sent away for repairs for a couple of weeks and the backup laptop was left at my daughter's house out of town. And I had four or five days to make a decision on what to do.

Basically, I would do this. Find another KJ to take my place, instead of setting up all kinds of stuff (cd players, karaoke machine, cd's, and cdg's and putting on a standard; so-so show like all the other Disc guys do around here. I would offer that night to one of those guys, upon approval of the bar owner. That way, I've helped someone out, kept up my loyal attitude, and didn't go backwards in time and look like another so-so.

I mean, with all the backup contingencies I have, that may only happen once in a lifetime.

And, upon my surprise, and compliments to MTU, a 1/3 of us seem to think this way. I found that interesting.
Not crap.

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by bryant

Basically, I would do this. Find another KJ to take my place, instead of setting up all kinds of stuff (cd players, karaoke machine, cd's, and cdg's and putting on a standard; so-so show like all the other Disc guys do around here. I would offer that night to one of those guys, upon approval of the bar owner. That way, I've helped someone out, kept up my loyal attitude, and didn't go backwards in time and look like another so-so.

Just out of curiosity what make the computer show so much above par than a disc based show? I've never understood that personally. I like the computer for ease, but I can actually do just as good of a show with my discs. I use the computer as a player, nothing more.

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Just out of curiosity what make the computer show so much above par than a disc based show?

NO DISCS!
Jim

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Just out of curiosity what make the computer show so much above par than a disc based show? I've never understood that personally. I like the computer for ease, but I can actually do just as good of a show with my discs. I use the computer as a player, nothing more.

This forum is to help folks who use MTU products. The above statement was made, along with others which can lead folks to believe that:

1. they must have there disc as a back-up to Hoster. (Which implies that you don't trust Hoster and it's not reliable. )

2. running a karaoke show with Hoster isn't any better than running disc. (I'm sorry but after four years of using Hoster up to six nights a week, I just don't see this one. )

I have found that both of these point are not true. Hoster is an awsome program and is in the process of revolutionizing Karaoke Hosting as we know it.

I asked about the size of your rig to make the point evident to the community that when a Karaoke Host is hauling around as much gear as you do. it's no problem to throw your discs in the van, not that there is anything wrong with it. What is easy for you, (since I work alone without a trailer, anything over 50lbs. is not easy to move) is not feasable for me. Folks who choose to run lightweight rigs and choose not to bring their discs to every show shouldn't be made to feel like they are doing something wrong.

Lonnie, "Just because something works doesn't mean it's the best way to do it or that everybody has to do it that way." Please use these boards to promote the use of MTU products and uderstand that "there is more than one way to skin a cat." I don't believe this is happening with mallace intent but a little respect for MTU should be employed when posting on their board, in my opinion

I'm not picking on you brother, I just want the folks to buy Hoster with the uderstanding that it is a very reliable program and that no disc means NO DISCS! Thanks for the helping me make these points clear.


Jim

[George]

deleted

[stublack]

If you come out here and give your opinion and state what you would do in a near impossible situation is pretty interesting. But to be slammed and criticized for what you say is crap and not very interesting.

[muzicman144]

Originally Posted by stublack

If you come out here and give your opinion and state what you would do in a near impossible situation is pretty interesting. But to be slammed and criticized for what you say is crap and not very interesting.

I agree with Bryan, But don't know where you are coming from. I didn't see his message as slamming anyone, nor did he say anyone's opinion was "crap". Maybe you can explain!!
just an opinion
Muzicman

[George]

Originally Posted by stublack

I can't believe I got sucked into this hypothetical crap.

Maybe his assessmant wasn't so far off after all, considering the turn this thread took.

[George]

Originally Posted by George

Maybe his assessmant wasn't so far off after all, considering the turn this thread took.

correction:assessment.

[hwheeler43]

I have been to several disc run shows. They work fine. I think hoster is just easier for keeping up with the rotation and less work for the KJ. I wish I knew as much about sound as Lonman. My shows are pretty good, but hey we could all sound better eh.