Info-Authority: Karaoke

Karaoke was invented over 30 years ago in Japan, and has since become a popular form of entertainment. In karaoke, amateur singers sing along with a pre-recorded track of music where the original singers' voices have been lowered or removed. To prompt the singers, the lyrics of the song typically scroll across a television screen.

Karaoke combines two Japanese words meaning “empty” and “orchestra,” referring to the presence of pre-recorded music. It is said to have been invented in the city of Kobe, and is a typical activity for Japanese businessmen. Karaoke began spreading to the rest of the world over 20 years ago, and can be found today across America.

Karaoke Machines

A karaoke component may be added to your existing home stereo, or you may perform with a portable karaoke machine. Karaoke machines generally consist of a monitor, audio mixer, microphone and applicable software known as a CD G. A CD G is the acronym for a compact disc plus graphics. The graphics provide the lyrics, which scroll across a monitor or video screen. The compact disc provides the music, generally recorded by independent studios with the permission of the original manufacturer of the song. Because the songs are recorded by independent studios and not the original artists, the interpretation may vary from the original recording.

The use of a portable karaoke machine allows the entertainment to be available in a variety of locations. It is not uncommon to have an entire restaurant or bar to be built around karaoke performances. However, if the singing may be disturbing to other patrons or businesses, karaoke bars may employ the use of karaoke boxes. Karaoke boxes are acoustically isolated, soundproof rooms that may be rented by groups or individuals in order to sing without disturbing the neighbors.

Karaoke Singing

Generally, it is an accepted fact that the karaoke singer may be off-pitch or off-tempo -- indeed, this is part if the fun and entertainment of karaoke singing. Anyone is encouraged to sing, and, no matter the sound, the atmosphere is usually lively. Karaoke listeners are known to be generous and supportive.

Karaoke has become such a popular pastime that there are even local, state, and national karaoke contests. Contestants are judged on a variety of qualities, including vocal performance, stage presence, and appearance. Prizes can include trophies, reoccurring appearances, or even large cash amounts.

Although karaoke is not considered a violation of copyright or trademark laws, copies or recordings of karaoke performances cannot be given away or sold without the written permission of the manufacturer.

By Barbara Poelle




	Karaoke Karaoke was invented over 30 years ago in Japan, and has since become a popular form of entertainment. In karaoke, amateur singers sing along with a pre-recorded track of music where the original singers' voices have been lowered or removed. To prompt the singers, the lyrics of the song typically scroll across a television screen. Karaoke combines two Japanese words meaning “empty” and “orchestra,” referring to the presence of pre-recorded music. It is said to have been invented in the city of Kobe, and is a typical activity for Japanese businessmen. Karaoke began spreading to the rest of the world over 20 years ago, and can be found today across America. Karaoke Machines A karaoke component may be added to your existing home stereo, or you may perform with a portable karaoke machine. Karaoke machines generally consist of a monitor, audio mixer, microphone and applicable software known as a CD G. A CD G is the acronym for a compact disc plus graphics. The graphics provide the lyrics, which scroll across a monitor or video screen. The compact disc provides the music, generally recorded by independent studios with the permission of the original manufacturer of the song. Because the songs are recorded by independent studios and not the original artists, the interpretation may vary from the original recording. The use of a portable karaoke machine allows the entertainment to be available in a variety of locations. It is not uncommon to have an entire restaurant or bar to be built around karaoke performances. However, if the singing may be disturbing to other patrons or businesses, karaoke bars may employ the use of karaoke boxes. Karaoke boxes are acoustically isolated, soundproof rooms that may be rented by groups or individuals in order to sing without disturbing the neighbors. Karaoke Singing Generally, it is an accepted fact that the karaoke singer may be off-pitch or off-tempo -- indeed, this is part if the fun and entertainment of karaoke singing. Anyone is encouraged to sing, and, no matter the sound, the atmosphere is usually lively. Karaoke listeners are known to be generous and supportive. Karaoke has become such a popular pastime that there are even local, state, and national karaoke contests. Contestants are judged on a variety of qualities, including vocal performance, stage presence, and appearance. Prizes can include trophies, reoccurring appearances, or even large cash amounts. Although karaoke is not considered a violation of copyright or trademark laws, copies or recordings of karaoke performances cannot be given away or sold without the written permission of the manufacturer. By Barbara Poelle Related Links: Wikipedia - Karaoke Wikipedia definition of karaoke.