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Selecting The Right Karaoke Machine
There are a few things to consider when selecting the right karaoke machine for your purposes. Will it be incorporated into your existing stereo system, does it need to be easily portable, what type of media should it support, what features should it offer?Component Karaoke Machine
These are component karaoke disc players that may be added to a home stereo system in much the same way that a CD or DVD player is. The audio outputs are of the standard RCA connection type which will connect to your amp/receiver just like a standard CD player would. The graphics output (to display the lyrics on a TV screen) is also an RCA type connection that outputs a raw (not cable ready) video signal. If your TV does not have the RCA video plugin you will need to run the connection through a VCR or RF modulator. See Adding Karaoke To Your Home Stereo System for detailed information.
Most of the modern component karaoke machines are of the "multi-format" type. This means that they will play several types of discs including CD, CD+G, DVD, VCD, and often MP3. You could actually replace your DVD player with one of these. There are microphone inputs, with separate volume and effects controls, on the front of these machines. A good karaoke machine will also include a "digital key control" feature.
A karaoke machine is a great addition to a home stereo system. You should not perform karaoke through your small surround sound satellite speakers as they will very likely be damaged. Standard 2-way or 3-way stereo speakers are sufficient for practicing (low volume) use. If you plan on performing karaoke at parties, where increased volume is necessary, then you should obtain a set of karaoke PA speakers.
Some popular component karaoke machines and speakers:
All-In-One Karaoke Machine
These are actually self-contained karaoke systems. They include the player, amplifier, and speakers in a single unit. These karaoke machines range in size from small "boombox" types to large powerful units. Designed to be easily portable, they are great for taking to parties, outdoors on the patio, etc.. They also make excellent gifts for children and adults alike.
Some of these karaoke machines contain a built-in monitor for displaying the graphics and lyrics. Some support only CD CD+G discs and others have multi-format players. The right machine for you depends on what you will be using it for. For simply practicing karaoke at home, the smaller boombox types are perfect. For performing at parties, and other functions, a larger unit would be a better choice. The serious singer should opt for one that has the digital key control feature.
Some popular All-In-One karaoke machines:
