![]() |
|
Hoster Help Post Hoster questions, tips and suggestions here. |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Hi there.
I have a friend who has been pretty successful running karaoke shows for a number of years. Lately, he's been getting pretty tired of lugging around 1000's of CDs to every show, so he's looking into running his shows from a laptop computer. He already plans on getting an external HD and Plextor CD-RW (or DVD+RW) for all of his music, so HD space isn't a concern, as well as playing his customers' CDs. I've told him about the usage of laptops vs. desktops at other shows I've been to, as well as reading lots of forums about this topic, but he's definitely convinced of using a laptop (to save space). So there's no convincing him of using a desktop. ![]() I've seen the system requirements for Hoster and found some interesting laptops out there that might run Hoster. My big concern is with the S-video output. Some chips will drive multiple monitors (a.k.a. extended desktop) fine; others will only use "clone mode" or some similar variant. With my friend's setup, he needs to be able to do the following : 1. Run the Hoster program from the laptop LCD 2. At the same time, have the karaoke song/video file output to a TV using the S-video port Sorry to make that point a bit obvious; I've heard of some KJs who don't do this and have some rather funky setups. ![]() What I'm curious to find out is what kind of laptops KJs who run Hoster are using these days (make & model number, please). The system doesn't have to be brand-new; I just need some recommendations on a system to try and get for this guy. Any suggestions? Sorry about making this post so long. ![]() Thanks in advance! ![]() Jon |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Got to the mtu store and check out their laptop setup it is ruggedized, and a steal. Loaded with hoster and ready to go. I recommend theirs over anything on the market today. And with it you can use the internal dvdcd drive instead of lugging around an external plextor.
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
gduns:
Thanks for the reply. However, as I've stated previously, my friend can't afford the MTU laptops right now. Plus, he doesn't mind lugging around the CD/DVD and hard drives. At least it's lighter than lugging around a few thousand CDs. Yes, I know, my friend is crazy. ![]() Looking at those laptops, though...I almost want to buy one. ![]() Any other suggestions? Jon |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
I have two Dell 8100 Laptops from Ebay.
about $300.00 15" lcd s-video 512 ram they work great. have used them for a long time. and the price is right.
__________________
Test Machine #1 Windows XP-PRO SP3 Dell 4700c P4 3.2 GHz 2 Gigs pc2-ddr 4200 Ram seagate 320 Gig SATA Hard Drive 107 Gigs free Internal Sound Card NEC 6650a Internal DVD/RW Slimeline Jaton Nvidia 8400GS-Ex 512 Megs Ram On Board All windows Updates |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
billyo :
Wow! Those are some powerful systems! But you do bring up a good point...does it seem like the 7-pin S-video issue is common with all of the Dell laptops? Or is it just with a few laptops where the manufacturer is trying to make a few more dollars by trying to get consumers to get their S-video adapter? bobcox : I just talked to a couple of KJs in my area, and they've all told me that they started off with a Dell Inspiron 8100 laptop before moving onto a new tower system. So it sounds like the Dell 8100 might be a winner (at least in regards to price). Thanks very much for the info, guys. Let's keep this going. What other systems do KJs use and/or recommend? Jon |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Hello! Just got off the phone with Dell cancelling my order for a killer E1505 system but no one there could tell me about the dual display & what was needed. Even had one of the tekkies go to the MTU website to look. Have been doing karaoke the old fashioned way for 6 years & NEED to upgrade to computer. Help!! I'm not a computer tekkie so pls. explain in easier to understand terminology. Dell kept telling me I couldn't do this with a laptop but needed a desktop with routers, etc.. HELP!!!
|
#8
|
||||
|
||||
You can do it with almost any Dell. I have had several, had bad luck with them all, esp. their video cards. Seems like always one of them was in the shop for repairs.
Now use a SFF Shuttle as you can see, that is a miniature Desktop PC, works very very well, and use Dell as backup, but STILL don't trust it. If you go laptop, I advise another brand. Hope this helps.
__________________
|
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
i like the 8100 and now the 8200 laptops, i also have a 9300 17" i would not part with. but as ststed above small form factor computer is very nice. i use compaq evo and hp d530 the d530 is 12'x13"x31/2" and is very upgradeable. you can use 2 harddrives (sata or ide ) 2 full pci slots and a half height agp. buy it on Ebay for about $250.00.
__________________
Test Machine #1 Windows XP-PRO SP3 Dell 4700c P4 3.2 GHz 2 Gigs pc2-ddr 4200 Ram seagate 320 Gig SATA Hard Drive 107 Gigs free Internal Sound Card NEC 6650a Internal DVD/RW Slimeline Jaton Nvidia 8400GS-Ex 512 Megs Ram On Board All windows Updates |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
i have 3 dell laptops an old inspiron 1000, which needed an adaptor to run a dual display, a E1505 which you need a 7 pin s-video to rca cable and a E1405 for my back-up..same thing 7 pin s-video to rca cable , i had a hard time getting the dual display to work at first, i had to change the resolution since i got that done never had problems with the laptops anymore , all you have to do to have a dual display on e1505 /e1405 was to go on your control panel, click on setting and click display, you'll get to boxes 1 and 2 click on 2 and check extend monitor .. click apply then ok.. re-start your laptop ,you should be all set..make sure the tv/monitor is turned on before you hook- up the rca cable to your tv.monitor.. Last edited by billyo; March 24th, 2007 at 12:01 PM. |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
"all you have to do to have a dual display on e1505 /e1405 was to go on your control panel, click on setting and click display, you'll get to boxes 1 and 2 click on 2 and check extend monitor .. click apply then ok.. re-start your laptop ,you should be all set..make sure the tv/monitor is turned on before you hook- up the rca cable to your tv.monitor.." a shorter route to adjust these settings is R click on blank area of desktop select properties > then settings >then click on display 2 and select extend desktop> then apply and OK....should not really have to restart for these changes to take effect.... |
![]() |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|