Forum: General Discussion - Topic: Karioake Using VDJ - What's the best way to Start?

I have been DJing for over 20 years, but now that I am using Cue (VDJ) on my laptop, I am toying with the idea of adding Karioake (assuming Cue can support it).

I know I would need another monitor and special karioake files for my laptop. Can you configure Cue to display the karioake lyrics on the second monitor and still retain your normal 2 deck view on your laptop screen at the same time? Also, where would I find the right type of karioake video files/discs, and could I purchase them already ripped for my laptop?

Yes, if your computer/laptop has been configured for dual display (Extend desktop option in Control Panel -> Display) then you can do this.

Your Cue skin will be displayed on your normal monitor and your video output on the second display (Go to CONFIG -> Video, untick windowed and select your external display in the drop-down list.)

NOTE: You will either need MP3+G Karaoke files or video Karaoke.

I put this to gether a while ago, this question gets asked a lot, so here goes...


Setting up Dual Monitors for Video or Karaoke Use in Virtual DJ

Setting up Dual Monitors in Windows Vista:

1. Connect your laptop to your external monitor
2. Right Click on your desktop and select Personalize
3. Open the Display settings window (at the bottom)

Next arrange the two monitors to the setup you have. Monitor 1 would be your laptop’s display and Monitor 2 is your additional display. So, for example, if your laptop is on the left and the monitor is on the right, drag the two boxes around so that Monitor 1 is on the left and Monitor 2 is on the right.

Most Vista laptops have VGA but many have DVI or even HDMI like mine. HDMI is the best since it is the highest quality (1080P) and it also provides sound (not that we need it for our use).

Extending The Display:

1. Select Monitor 2 in the visual or from the drop-down menu
2. Check the box besides “Extend the desktop onto this monitor”
3. Just hit Apply. The screen should flash and you are done!

You should now be able to drag a window, this web page for example, from one screen onto another. If you would like to move your Start Menu onto the other display, just drag it onto the other screen. (Right-click and unlock the Taskbar first!) Also note that sometimes Vista messes up the resolutions, so if one of the windows looks horribly wrong go back to the Display Settings and manually drag the bar to the correct resolutions for each monitor. If your machine is using either the NVIDIA or ATI control panel, I suggest using that to configure your setup instead of using the default Vista Display Settings.




Windows XP

Setting up Dual Monitors in Windows XP:

VGA Connected Cables

Hooking It All Up:

Turn off your desktop and plug in the second monitor into an available head slot. Once plugged in, start-up your machine and continue to proceed with the following steps. Note: The following procedure will work for most persons; however slight modifications to the procedure may be necessary for certain individuals.

1. Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Display
2. Select the ‘Settings’ Tab in the Display Properties Window
3. Select the Secondary Display from the drop-down menu
4. Once chosen, check ‘Extend My Windows Onto This Monitor’

After applying the settings your second monitor should now rather be an extra screen instead of a duplicate image of the contents on you main display. You should now be able to drag any window from your main screen right off the edge onto the second display. I also recommend dragging around the two monitor icons found in the Display Settings to match the actual physical positioning of your two monitors.

Multiple Monitors will also work for laptop users. Just plug in a monitor into your laptop’s video output. Place your laptop beside the secondary monitor. Then to set up just follow the same steps 1-4 given above.




I have a music group here at VDJ.com called "Karaoke Madness" http://www.virtualdj.com/musicgroup/Karaoke_Madness__/index.html Check it out and join if you'd like






DJ RuDe

Great help on the connection process! I really love this forum with all the knowledgable people who want to share their expertise.

I think I need a basics course on Karoake file formats (at least ones run from a PC). I am assuming they all display lyrics synchronized to the music, but I have no idea where to start acquring the right files.

Is it cheaper to download files from the web or purchase karaoke discs and then rip them myself? If I buy the discs, what type of discs do I get, and what type of format do I rip them to? What is the difference between ones that say MP3 backing track vs. ones that say Karaoke vs. CD+G? What are the advantages of one file format over the other (are some smaller in file size or higher in quality)?

Frankly, as I am accustomed to using MP3 song files, I am hoping that there is an MP3 Karaoke file version out there that won't overload my hard drive space..