Differences Between Karaoke File Formats

By Tom Rose

Karaoke is more popular than ever and millions of fans around the world are jumping on the bandwagon for the most popular revolution in personal musical entertainment to come along in decades. After all, who doesn't dream of being a famous singer? With Karaoke, even the least talented crooner has a chance for that big "moment" under the spotlight when everything comes together.

But when it comes to choosing the right Karaoke file format, most of us don't have a clue as to which type is the best. This article will explain the differences between the 7 most popular formats. Hopefully this will allow you to make the most intelligent choice for your progression as the next great Karaoke legend!

These days most Karaoke music files can be found on a few different types of digital compact disc. In the past, Karaoke music was in the form of cassette tape. But that format quickly gave way to the wider range of options, higher audio/video playback quality and ever increasing storage capacity which compact discs and their compatible Karaoke machines offer.

In addition, computer based Karaoke file formats are gaining in popularity. These include iPod downloads, DivX software platforms and the enhanced MP3+G format. However, the overwhelming majority of Karaoke songs available for purchase are of the CD and DVD type. Because of this fact, computer or Internet-based Karaoke file formats will not be covered here.

The 7 most popular compact disc Karaoke file formats are: CD, CD+G, CDGM, VCD, DVD, SCDG and NEO+G.

CD Karaoke Files

CD Karaoke files are no different than the traditional CD format. Their popularity has waned due to the fact that no lyrics to songs can be viewed as the CD plays. The only advantage Karaoke CD files offer is they can be played in a standard CD player and require no specialized equipment. It’s important to note here that most compact disc Karaoke file formats can also be played on standard CD or DVD players. However, to gain the full advantage of the various CD or DVD-based Karaoke formats, a compatible machine must be used.

CD+G Karaoke Files

CD+G Karaoke files (also known as CDG or CD Graphics files) must be played on a compatible CD+G Karaoke machine. The CD+G acronym stands for "Compact Disc PLUS Graphics" and, as the name implies, allows the user to display synchronized graphics, in the form of "follow the bouncing ball" lyric content, through a standard television monitor as the song plays. This format is the overwhelmingly popular standard for most Karaoke music and has been since the early 1990s. CD+G files do not contain any lead vocals but may include background vocals in the same form found on the original recording.

CDGM Karaoke Files

CDGM Karaoke files (also known as Multiplex, CDG Multiplex and CD+Graphics MultiPlex files) offer an enhanced advancement over CD+G Karaoke files in that they contain two versions of each song. One version is without lead vocals and the other includes lead vocals. This is the meaning behind the "multiplex" designation. CDGM Karaoke machines have a switch, or front panel control, will allows the operator to choose between the two formats at any place in the playback. The main limitation to this format is capacity. Usually half as many songs can be stored on a multiplex disc because both versions are available.

The main advantage to this multiplex feature, however, is allowing the singer to rehearse the song along with the original vocal style and structure. Also, it can help the hesitant or less confident singer, who may not be totally comfortable singing solo, in a live performance. Lastly, this format is popular for the KJ (or Karaoke Jockey) who offers an audience the chance to hear songs as closely as possible to their original form when willing participants have to be induced into singing in front of a crowd. CDGM Karaoke files must be played on a compatible CDGM Karaoke machine.

VCD Karaoke Files

VCD Karaoke files (also known as Video Compact Disc or Video Disc files) are an MPEG-1 video version of the CD+G format and are mainly used in Asian countries. There they are popular because of the enhanced video quality which allows the "music video" format in addition to the lyric content display. This adds to audience enjoyment and participation. VCD Karaoke files do not contain lead vocals but may include background vocals in the form of the original song. There is no multiplexing. VCD Karaoke files must be played back on a compatible VCD Karaoke machine.

DVD Karaoke Files

DVD Karaoke files (also known as Digital Video Disc or Video Disc files) are an enhanced version of VCD Karaoke files and are gaining in popularity due to consumer familiarity with DVD functions and advantages. DVD Karaoke files offer menu-driven options that offer greater ease of search and playback features. The storage capacity is greater and the video and audio quality is of the highest quality. DVD Karaoke files may be played back on a standard DVD player, but in order to enjoy more advanced Karaoke features, such as direct microphone input, multiple connections to home entertainment systems and more Karaoke-based menu options, DVD Karaoke files should be played back on a DVD Karaoke machine.

SCDG Karaoke Files

SCDG Karaoke files (also known as Super CDG files) offer outstanding storage capacity. Approximately 1000 songs may be stored on a single disc because of superior compression technology. In the interests of space saving, SCDG song files generally don’t offer multiplexing options, but that is an open ended option which more manufacturers have begun to offer according to user need and desire. Super CDG Karaoke files must be played on a compatible SCDG player.

NEO+G Karaoke Files

NEO+G Karaoke files (also known as NEOG files) offer the widest range of advanced menu options, high quality video and audio playback as well as high disc capacity. NEO+G discs resemble standard CDs in size, but offer options usually found in the larger video disc formats. These include advanced search features such as screenshot content tables, song "reserve" for later playback and "in-song" fast forward and rewind. In general, NEO+G Karaoke files do not offer multiplexing options and the players do not have a front panel selector. NEO+G Karaoke files must be played on a NEO+G compatible machine.

Hopefully this article may have cleared up some of the mystery surrounding the various Karaoke file formats you will find when you’re deciding on which style is just right for your needs. Whether you merely want to use the simplest format or the most complex, one thing is certain across the entire spectrum of Karaoke file formats available on the market…

Karaoke is FUN!