Karaoke with Laptop only???

[Rockrz]

Dumb question... what does compression do anyway?

Is that how the effects are implemented?

Also, is on board graphics capabilities found on the average laptop going to be enough to drive graphics? Or, is there an external graphics card that should be considered?

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by Rockrz

Dumb question... what does compression do anyway?

Compression helps keep a singer that is all over the place volume wise to a more consistent level. You set the compressor to a certain point (threshold) and if a singer gets over that point, the compressor automatically turns the singer down to stay under that threshold.

Is that how the effects are implemented?

No the effects are a separate section. You add effects via the effects knob on the channel you want effects on - primarily the vocals only in most karaoke.

Also, is on board graphics capabilities found on the average laptop going to be enough to drive graphics? Or, is there an external graphics card that should be considered?

If the laptop is capable of extended desktop (screen) then the onboard graphics should be fine.
Although you will need to figure out what outputs you have. Most older laptops have an S-Video output that kj's used for the 2nd screens, but todays laptops only have either VGA, DVI or HDMI outputs - so you will need to either convert the signal so older TV's can be used or if the clubs are using newer TV's, have the VGA, DVI or HDMI cables long enough.
Also I have heard (never had to try myself) that the HDMI outputs do not work as extended screen and still leave the main laptop screen working for host.

[kod]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Although you will need to figure out what outputs you have. Most older laptops have an S-Video output that kj's used for the 2nd screens, but todays laptops only have either VGA, DVI or HDMI outputs - so you will need to either convert the signal so older TV's can be used or if the clubs are using newer TV's, have the VGA, DVI or HDMI cables long enough.

Also I have heard (never had to try myself) that the HDMI outputs do not work as extended screen and still leave the main laptop screen working for host.

Lonman,

I misread your post on the mics and you are correct. I was only thinking about total mic outputs.

I tried using a HDMI output for my monitor, but it didn't work for me!

I just use my VGA output...

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by kod

Lonman,

I misread your post on the mics and you are correct. I was only thinking about total mic outputs.

I tried using a HDMI output for my monitor, but it didn't work for me!

I just use my VGA output...

Do you use an adapter or is the tv VGA ready?

[kod]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Do you use an adapter or is the tv VGA ready?

I use a 26" monitor, VGA ready...

[Rockrz]

Should be plenty of cheap flat screens around these days that take the older VGA connection.

I'll order one out of southern China built by them snuff dippin Chinese rednecks...

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by Rockrz

Should be plenty of cheap flat screens around these days that take the older VGA connection.

I'll order one out of southern China built by them snuff dippin Chinese rednecks...

Most of todays flatscreens have VGA input on top of almost every other input made.

[kod]

Originally Posted by Rockrz

Should be plenty of cheap flat screens around these days that take the older VGA connection.

I'll order one out of southern China built by them snuff dippin Chinese rednecks...

I bought mine (26" flat screen monitor [Asus]) a couple of years ago from Staples. I caught it on sale for $149.95...

Heck, no matter the brand, I think they are all made in China. At least, that's where the parts come from even if they are "assembled" in the USA...

[Lonman]

Using the VGA, you would need a converter or something to split out to the house TV's as well as the singer screen correct?