Tuesday, September 25, 2007

CAVS Karaoke DVD-203G USB SuperCDG Player, Pros and Cons of the CAVS DVD-203G USB Tested on the Road

There has been lots of talk about the CAVS Karaoke Players so we thought we'd take the time to test one of the more popular models. The DVD-203G USB has all the usual features like 2 mic inputs with echo, programmable song ordering, numeric keypad to access any number song, parental control, digital Key control and Voice cancelling on multiplex discs but here we'll cover pros and cons on important points of interest.

CONS

Professionals will not use the supplied microphone. To my ear, as a professional I like to use high quality mics so the singers always sound their best. That being said, the average “consumer ear” may find that the supplied CAVS microphone sounds just fine.

There are no fancy video graphics like you see with the 12" laser discs. What you get is backup tracks of CD quality music with the song's lyrics on your monitor or TV

There are several ala carte extras to consider before buying a CAVS DVD-203G USB as follows:

1. The unit has two mic inputs but only comes with one microphone as was mentioned above. You might want a second for all those duets.

2. Most packages include 1 disc (up to 1250 songs) so if you want more discs they can cost between $70 - $200

3. The USB port is for an external hard drive which is NOT included so that will cost $100+ depending on the size but you could fit up to 100,000 songs or more on the bigger ones.

4. An Audio/Video cable is included but any additional cables for example; SVideo, Coaxial or Optical cables will have to be purchased separately.

5. In order to make your own SCDGs you need additional software for around $49 or a deluxe version for $69 from the manufacturer.

PROS

1. The CAVS DVD-203G USB is an average sized components which fits nicely into a home entertainment system or pro rack. It can replace an AC3 Dolby Digital DVD Player and/or 500 CD Carousel. It easily hooked up to my TIVO via the front side AV inputs (White-Red-Yellow RCA plugs) but those without TIVO should look for the same jacks on their VCR or right on the TV. You can also use an S Video connection or the RCA A/V jacks on your home stereo and TV combo. The professionals use the mixer and video directly to a video monitor or video patch bay to sync multiple TVs.

2. Plays every format: DVD/VCD/SCDG/CD+G/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3/JPEG/Kodak Photo CD

3. Excellent sound and arrangement Quality - We tested the Sweet Georgia Brown Magic Tracks with 1208 songs and the quality of the sound and the musical arrangements were excellent.

4. SuperCDGs can be played on your computer. Each retail disc comes with a self contained PC program which loads and plays the hundreds and thousands of songs allowing you to do a karaoke show with just your (DVD equipped) PC or Laptop.

5. It's possible to Make your own SuperCDGs from your old CD+G library or from your MP3 collection of non-Karaoke songs with the optional software.

6. With the CAVS DVD-203G USB Player you can also hook up to an optional CAVS 60, 160 or 250 Gigabyte hard drive for a whopping storage capacity of 100,000 songs.


For the Professional:

* Save Money from buying so many discs

* Save Time from changing discs between singers

* Save Pain from carrying hundreds of discs in cases

* Save the headache from dealing with scratched discs when you swap them out since the need to swap discs it virtually eliminated.

* Mix-Down allows you to make studio type output of your performance to an external recorder or computer

In Conclusion

The trade-offs do not outweigh the values. There were a few added costs for a hard drive and some additional SCDG discs but we now have an expandable system which plays SCDGs. With this unit, the only thing that sets the pros apart from the amateurs is the '7 Rules to Hosting a CAVS Karoke Party



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Marion Meadows "Players Club" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Marion Meadows has released his most recent CD entitled Players Club.

Players Club will grab your attention right from the start with the title track Player's Club and doesn't let go until the very last note of the very last song After 6:00, which is another great track by the way.

Players Club is a nicely varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist.

Marion Meadows is one of those musicians that has the ability to just bowl you over with his talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

While the entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are Wishing On A Star [track 3], Noche Privada [track 6], and Diggable [track 8].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 2, Sweet Grapes. It’s a great track!

Players Club Release Notes:

Marion Meadows originally released Players Club on Apr 27, 2004 on the Heads Up Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Player's Club

2. Sweet Grapes

3. Wishing On A Star

4. The First Time

5. Noche Privada

6. Suede

7. Romantica

8. Diggable

9. Step A Little Closer

10. Deska

11. After 6:00

Personnel: Marion Meadows (soprano, tenor & baritone saxophones); Douglas Myers (vocals); Matt King (baritone saxophone); Chip Shearin (keyboards, bass, programming); Mike B., Wirlie Morris (keyboards, programming); Gerard Gibbs (keyboards); Wayne Cotton, Freddie Fox, Darnell Taylor (guitar); Chieli Minucci (Spanish guitar); Mel Brown (bass); Jabari (drums). Producers include: Marion Meadows, Michael Broening, Chip Shearin, Wirlie Morris, LeRoix Hampton III.

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How To Choose The Best Mp3 Player and Headphones To Fit Your Exercise Routine

If you are like most people, you probably feel that any sort of extended exercising can get boring, whether it is walking, jogging or weight lifting. A portable Mp3 player is certainly a cure for those who don’t exercise because of lack of interest. Instead of carrying a bulky walkman or a CD player that skips, try investing in an Mp3 device to inject some excitement into your exercise routines or lack thereof.

Have a favorite CD? Load it on the Mp3 player and listen to it as you exercise. Better yet, my advice is to create a few categories. For example, have a rock category, a rap category, an oldies category etc. Most importantly, make a category of songs that really pump you up and “get your juices flowing.” Add any song that makes you feel like a speeding bullet and that you could leap a building in a single bound just by listening to it. Any song on the Rocky soundtrack or Final Countdown by Europe should be the base of this exercising category on your mp3 player.

So which Mp3 player should you choose? The smaller is most definitely better in this instance, but make sure to get at least 2gb of memory. You will be able to fit well over 400 songs with that size and will be able to make in depth categories with your favorite songs.

I would suggest looking at both the ZEN Nano Plus by Creative and the Apple iPOD Nano. Either one will move with you as you exercise. Another tip is to make sure that it comes with an armband strap that will allow you to move unhindered. They are comfortable and will allow your Mp3 player to be placed conveniently on your bicep. If that doesn’t interest you, you can also use the belt clip accessory that will allow the player to snap right into place on your workout pants or shorts.

The next issue is what ear pieces to choose while exercising. I would not use the ear piece that comes with either of the players that I have mentioned above. The earpieces are too small and they are not designed for activity. Yes, this will cost you more money, but this does not mean you should break the bank to purchase the best ear phones on the market. I encourage you to focus most of your Mp3 investment on purchasing the player that best fits your lifestyle. I feel as if Sony has the best designed headphones for activity. Sony carries a lot of them, so make sure to choose a pair that is lightweight, flexible and most importantly fits around your ears for increased comfort.

If running isn’t your interest, you can always purchase a speaker system for your music player. After you have loaded all of the music on your Mp3 player and are ready to do some dead lifts or heavily hit the bench press, the speaker system will allow music to be played through the speakers so you do not have to wear earpieces as you are exercising.

Brad Litwin is both a seasoned runner as well as an Mp3 aficionado. Visit his iPOD blog at http://www.myipodsforfree.blogspot.com iPOD blog for more information regarding Mp3 news, gadget and pop culture news.


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2006 Jeep Commander: 7 Passenger Trail Trekker

Jeep has finally done it. A 7 passenger trail rated Jeep is now available at a dealer near you. Long a maker of manly SUVs, the Commander holds true to form as it can easily be taken off road as well as down the highway. Unlike more pedestrian models, the Commander looks every bit the rugged vehicle that it is. For Jeep fans who need the extra room the Commander offers space not available in any Jeep since the Wagoneer was retired a generation ago. Let’s take a look at the 2006 Jeep Commander, the focus of this review.

So, why build a seven passenger Jeep? To give customers a choice, that’s why. With existing models able to carry only five passengers or less, the Commander meets the demand for a larger model. Instead of losing sales to GM or Ford, Jeep is now able to offer a vehicle that will keep customers from leaving for bigger and roomier models.

The Commander looks a lot like the Cherokee, which was retired in 2001 after an 18 year run. The boxy Cherokee was a favorite with many and the Commander successfully incorporates the Cherokee’s look and body style.

As it is, the Commander is not a huge beast. At just two inches longer than the Gran Cherokee, the Commander makes use of available space without adding a tremendous amount of bulk.

Key features of the Commander include:

# 3 engine choices: a 3.7-Liter V6; 4.7-Liter V8 MPI; 5.7-Liter HEMI® Multi-Displacement

# 2 transmission choices: a pair of five speed automatics

# 3 four wheel drive systems

# Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes

# 3 Sound Systems: AM/FM Stereo with CD Player and Changer Controls; an AM/FM Stereo Radio w/In-Dash 6-Disc CD/MP3 Player; or a DVD-based GPS Navigation System with 6-CD/MP3 Changer

# Leather trimmed or bucket seats

# Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags In All Rows

# The usual accouterments including air conditioning, bucket seats, power everything, etc.

Jeep gives owners the option of owning a traditional rear wheel drive Commander or 4x4 models. Base price for the entry level Commander starts at just over $28,000 while the fully loaded Commander Limited retails at just under forty thousand. Prices for the Commander are on par with those in its class.

I like what Jeep has done with the Commander and think that you will too. I am, however, holding my breathe as Jeep prepares to introduce its first non-trail rated model [sacrilege] next year; in the meantime the Commander carries on the Jeep tradition with much distinction and aplomb.

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Legal MP3 Downloads

Legal mp3 music downloads are becoming immensely popular these days, and one reason is because they allow many songs or audio to be stored while occupying a very small storage space.

Most music files are downloaded from websites on the internet. After these files are downloaded, they can also be copied to cd player or an mp3 player, by using a data transfer cable.

There are some websites that offer free unlimited music downloads. If you become a member of one of these sites, you will need to pay a small one-time fee, to download unlimited songs in the mp3 format. You may also find some of the sites that will charge you for each song that you download.

If you want to test the quality of the audio, these websites will most usually provide this service. One thing to remember is that just because you puchase a membership with one of these legal music download websites, you still do not have the right to download any copyrighted music.

You can legally share music, if you make sure to obey all copyrighting laws. Without proper permission, you will be breaking the law by downloading copyright music.

One reason free music downloads are being offered is possibly to be used as a product sample. With the option of free legal unlimited downloads, there is the opportunity to listen to an artists new release. This gives you an option of just downloading one song as opposed to having to buy the whole cd.

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Stereo Systems

Stereo systems are electronic devices designed to reproduce high quality sound on speakers. Stereo systems can be as small as a personal CD player, or as large as a night club system. Nowadays, using a stereo system is the latest to amplify your taste in music quality, as well as jazz up the aura of your domicile. However, before deciding to buy a stereo, it is recommended that you give consideration to the specific things that you want.

Stereo systems offer an all-in-one music package composed of stereo speakers, CD player, equalizer, amplifier and a receiver. Picking out the type of system you desire depends solely on your preference and on the type of room where it will be stationed.

Generally, there are three aspects you need to consider when shopping for stereo systems: the sound capturing quality, appearance and affordability. The size and appearance of the stereo is important, because its appearance can greatly affect overall sound quality. Affordability is another factor that you should take into account. Most quality systems are expensive, so you need to take the time to make sure that you are buying the right system to fully enjoy the money you risked.

Furthermore, reading reviews posted in audio magazines and on the Internet will be very helpful in choosing the best stereo systems. You can compare the prices of the stereos available. You can also go to a consumer electronics warehouse, if you are looking for a bargain. However, if you need a high-end stereo then you should visit any specialty audio shops.

Stereos provides detailed information on Stereos, Car Stereos, Stereo Speakers, Stereo Systems and more. Stereos is affiliated with Digital Video Recorders.


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No Bass Players Need Apply

My husband used to be in a band when I was in college. A group of people approached him one day, and told him that they wanted to help him and his band. It was a harmless offer but, something told me that they will create a load of problems. I started feeling this way when I observed that they had cut all of the bass players out of the pictures of bands they had hanging on their wall.

These people explained that bass players were worthless and no band needed them, when I asked them about this. Of course, I was stunned when they said this and wondered how they had come up with this stupid theory. At first I guessed that these people knew absolutely nothing about music. After all, people who have knowledge in music would never claim that bass players were not needed. Unfortunately, this wasn’t my only clue they were demented. These people also tried to convince my husband into insuring his hands, and one of their friends went on a rampage trying to break us apart. I felt like I had stumbled into some weird alternate universe when these people became involved in our lives.

They just wouldn’t waver in their belief that bass players were not needed, and it got more bizarre from then on out. There was a knock on my door one night at two in the morning. It turned out to be a male member of this ridiculous outfit standing at my door. He told me that there was an emergency and he needed to see my husband right away. We followed him half asleep and confused, down the hallway of our dorm apartment building. My husband told me that if this had anything to do with bass players, then he was going to punch him in the face.

This guy turned on his CD player and my husband’s band’s CD started to play when we got his apartment. My boyfriend and I looked at each other in confusion and I started to get really angry. The guy then pushed play on his VCR and a video recording of the same song played. It turned out that the emergency was that the song on the CD is slower than how they play it live. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I was unable to stop myself, and I asked him if was insane or just utterly stupid. My husband and I left angrily and went back to bed.

Fortunately, these people who believe that bass players were unnecessary were soon out of our lives. I didn’t have to worry about the fate of my husband’s bass player anymore. He must have been a target for their idiocy. I know that this was probably one of the most ridiculous things you had ever heard, but you have to consider that these people were really weird. Anyway, at least they helped me realize that some people just operate under a different set of rules altogether

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Bass Players. Visit our site for more helpful information about Sub Bass Monster Mp3 and other similar topics.


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How to Start Up an Online Streaming Radio Station

Quite often either due to a lack of FM frequencies available, cost constraints, or as a way of testing the waters before committing to a FM radio station installation, it is possible to start up an online streaming radio station rather than a traditional broadcasting station. An online streaming radio station can be as basic as a completely computer based system, where music is simply played back along with occasional station IDs. Alternatively you can opt for a more in-depth setup, which could include other equipment such as a mixing desk, microphones, music, audio equipment, compression gear, audio cables, cd player, phone in system, headphones, microphone stands, etc. As a minimum, the equipment you will require is computer with a high speed internet connection.

When it comes to how to start up a online streaming radio station you have available a wide range of options to choose from. You need to consider what format you want to broadcast, as well as the sound quality you want. The higher the audio quality, the more data you will use. Bear in mind that a stream radio station is in operation for 24 hours a day, every day of the month, so even on a rate of 24 kbps, this adds up to be quite a considerable amount of data being used. Note also, that if you are going to use your existing internet connection for downloading files whilst you are also streaming, to ensure that you have sufficient bandwidth available. If you run out of bandwidth, your streaming station may be affected.

When it comes to the equipment for your online streaming radio station, it is possible to get it set up with very basic equipment, which is not possible when setting up a station broadcasting on an FM frequency. For a somewhat more advanced, professional sounding streaming radio station, the equipment you may have in your studio could include: computer, automation software, mixing desk, microphones, device to take phone calls on air, CD player and compression equipment.

The monthly cost for keeping your online streaming radio station on the internet is also fairly low. Bear in mind that in most countries there are fees payable to the music licensing organisations to cover royalties for the music you play on air. Aside from this, your only other likely costs are going to be electricity, internet connection, stream hosting and website hosting costs.

The way streaming works is you run the station, play music, talk into the microphones, etc. This audio is then relayed into your computer and then sent from your computer to the stream hosting company server. When people listen to your station online, they are actually receiving the audio not directly from your computer, but rather from the streaming server. This approach substantially improves your performance and means your connection speed will not slow down when you have multiple listeners. When people want to listen to your station they simply go to your website and click on a link to activate the stream.

For further information on how to start up an online streaming radio station please visit http://www.themulcher.com or email radio@themulcher.com

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