CDG - Compact Disc + Graphics
Ever wondered what is CD+G? Well let me try to explain.
CD+G is an extension of the compact disc standard that can present low resolution graphics along side the audio data on the disc when played on a compatible device.
This is the standard format for nearly all English Karaoke discs.
What is CD+G format?
CD+G are commonly used in karaoke machines to play audio and display graphics onto a screen.
Unfortunately we cannot use ordinary CDs for Karaoke machines as they will not work correctly.
All that you will hear is the audio of the song but you will not see the lyric instrumental video which ultimately defeats the point of Karaoke.
Having said that, if you are only after the audio and you don't want the lyric video by all means you can give it a try.
Using a special format called CD+G will however work perfectly and you will get both audio and lyric visual.
You can also use CD+G on TV, PC or Laptop.
Country Hits CD+G
Super Hits CD+G
What is CD+G? - Answers
The 'G' in CD+G means graphics so this format lets you play audio of the instrumental (CD) and the lyric visual (G).
CD+G is totally adequate for Karaoke, but if you are wanting an actual video then you would need VCD (Video Compact Disc).
Not every Karaoke machine will play CD+G so if you want to have CD+G as your audio & instrumental video source you should find a Karaoke machine that already has CD+G player built in.
If you already have a Karaoke machine that does not have a CD+G player and you are wanting to use CD+G discs, there are ways around this.
You can get your machine to play instrumentals by pairing your smart devices e.g. Mobile Device, Laptop or Tablet using Bluetooth or an Aux connection.
You can also use the Aux connection to a CD player to achieve the same result.
Simply connect your CD player to your Karaoke machine Via the Aux-in, or Bluetooth if it has wireless connection.
What is CD+G? - Explained
Put your CD+G disc into the player and away you go!
Most karaoke machines that do not have built-in CD+G player will have an option to connect one externally as explained above.
If you are unfortunate enough not to own a karaoke machine at present and you are still wanting to use CD+G discs, don't worry as there are a few methods that you can still use.
For karaoke to work you will need the following:
- 1Microphone
- 2Mixer
- 3Speaker
- 4Screen for lyric video
- 5Song software
- 6Connection cables
Hosting a last minute Karaoke party without a Karaoke machine need not send you into a panic as it can easily be achieved, believe it or not.
What is CD+G alternative.
Firstly you will need a basic instrumental sound track & a screen to display the lyrics.
When you have these you are well on your way.
Start by bringing Youtube up on your Smart Tv, Laptop or Tablet and search for a song +'Karaoke'.
If your Tablet or Laptop screen are small then you can use a HDMI cable to let your device be mirrored onto the Smart Tv screen.
Next you will need mics, but to ensure your singing can be heard and is acceptable quality you will require speakers and a mixer.
The Mixer combines instrumental audio & mic output and plays it through your speaker/s.
Now that you have everything you need for your DIY Karaoke machine party, you simply have to connect it all together.
- 1Connect the mic to your mixer - wired mics generally use XLR cables & most mixers will have ¼" TS & XLR inputs. If you have wireless mics, connect them via Wi-Fi or Bluteooth.
- 2Connect the speaker/s to the mixer - usually requires XLR cables.
- 3Connect mixer to audio & video device Via Bluetooth or any other wireless connections. If wired - normally USB or RCA connection.
- 4Connect audio/video device to Tv screen using HDMI cable. This can be done wirelessly with Smart Tv.
That's it for now Folks!
Everything you will need to know about - What is CD+G format and how to set-up Karaoke when you don't have a machine.