Karaoke Machines

Karaoke comes from two Japanese words meaning “empty” and “orchestra.” Basically, a karaoke machine is a device that will play the music but not the voice(s) of the original artist. The voice of the amateur singers are dubbed into the empty spots.

As with all modern electronic equipment, the machines come in a range of complexity varying from simple to unbelievably sophisticated. The most popular karaoke machines remove the voice, or reduce it, then electronically change the pitch of the music so any amateur singer can follow the music in his own vocal range without losing the original tempo.

The karaoke machines include a microphone so the amateur singer’s voice can be heard over a public address system. Also, many machines include a video screen so the audience and singer can follow along with the words. The words are highlighted with colors or with what used to be called the “bouncing ball” to help the singer.

Many of the less sophisticated entertainment systems attempt to remove the vocal tracks from regular CDs by a system called center removal. This is a quasi-karaoke track made by subtracting the left channel of a stereo system from the right channel. In most instances this system does not allow for adjusting the pitch. The Sega Saturn is an exception since it can adjust the pitch of the songs.

The karaoke machine comes in a variety of systems. Among the elderly Cantonese, the Karaoke VCD is popular. This machine plays the vocal on one speaker of a stereo and the music on the other. When the karaoke is desired, both speakers play the music only.

Karaoke on mobile phone is becoming popular in the U.S. This device is still developing so its popularity is unknown. Beginning in 2003, Karaoke on the Internet and personal computer began taking hold. The Internet gives the operator thousands of songs to choose from and the means of transferring them to his computer. Also, the Internet provides an unlimited audience.

Karaoke is popular world-wide. The progress of electronic development can only improve its popularity.