Invented in Japan, karaoke is one of the most popular forms of affordable entertainment in the world. It allows people to sing with instrumental music that's played on its music system. The karaoke singer is able to belt out songs and not have to worry about singing over the song's prerecorded vocals. The system also plays music at a lower volume, so that the singer's voice shines through.
Packaged on discs that are created to include a wide array of hit songs in various music genres, karaoke machines provide lyrics that let the singer and audience read along. The lyrics are displayed on a monitor during the playing of the song through the karaoke machine.
Keep in mind that discs played on karaoke machines are recorded with data that displays the lyrics on monitors. While the discs can be played on home and vehicle compact disc (CD) players, the poor quality of the images will be obvious. Karaoke machines that use video compact discs (VCD), though, present videos that offer higher resolution on the display monitor.
Digital Versatile Discs (DVD) that feature music and video boasting high resolution clips are specifically created with karaoke machines in mind. Some are more expensive than others, and not all songs requested by listeners are available on the DVDs.
Multiplex and non-multiplex are the two formats available for karaoke DVDs. The non-multiplex format comes with instrumental tracks and designed with experienced users in mind. The multiplex format features DVDs with vocals of songs.
These two formats allows for a wide range of services that allow listeners to enjoy both vocal and instrumental renditions of their favorite songs. The avid karaoke singer has the ability to compare between original tunes, and those that contain their personal touch.
CD plus Graphics (CD+G) discs can also be used on karaoke machines. They work in the same way that other formats do, but are used to present on-screen lyrics for tunes featured on the disc. The defining difference between the CD+G and other formats, however, is that the CD+G doesn't offer vocals. Because of this, they're preferred by serious karaoke performers. The CD+G is also much more expensive.