PCGumshoe
Okay, so by nature I am a KJ and have worked with other programs. I’m going to attempt to do a comprehensive guide on HOW to convert CDG to .zip or .cdg.
A few things to know ahead of time. If you have been a KJ for any time and have attempted to copy or make your files compatible with your computer there are certain manufacturers who have tried to thwart your efforts.
Rest assured that IF you have made the investment in the disks and own them, that a single copy is NOT going to land you in jail no matter WHAT Sound Choice says!
This guide comes to you from a post on how to get Virtual DJ to play karaoke tracks. Although some of the information MAY not be applicable in time (or now) I will try to validate WHY certain things should be done a certain way.
I'm a CONVERT from HOSTER by www.mtu.com Although this is a good piece of software, the company is OVERBEARING with regards to how many times you install it AND they are not really that aware (yet) of the fact that GOOD KJ’s also DJ between singers.
First, you SHOULD (I'd say, MUST but can't confirm it and if you can successfully bypass it, more power to you) have an original non-pirated copy of Windows XP installed on your system.
Second, you need to download Windows .NET Framework to the current version.
Third, go to http://www.activeaspsoftware.net/default.aspx?p=home and download "MP3+G Toolz" from the website (only from this website and get the current version - it is currently free and as of this writing the current version is 4.0.1.5). Install the software.
Once installed, Place a CDG in a CD Player (or DVD player) that CAN and WILL read the CDG subcodes. (You have almost a 100% chance that your CD/DVD player will read this if the label on the front says PLEXTOR - TRUST ME! and a MUCH lessor chance if it isn't. Other labels that MAY read the sub-code include anything with a Sony engine or a pioneer engine)
Once the CD is in the tray and the tray is closed, right mouse click on the cd/dvd player and select "MP3 Toolz .NET4"
Click on the "OPTIONS" tab in the lower left corner.
At the top you will see blue underscored links saying "General," "Zip Compression" and "Audio Encoding/Ripping", first go to the "ZIP Compression" tab and change the compression to "5 - Default Compression" I recommend this for compatibility issues. I have NOT tried to confirm that there are any issues with Virtual DJ however other programs will NOT read compressed files that have been compressed at 9 MAXIMUM.
Next, select the "Audio Encoding/Ripping" and change to AT LEAST MP3 and 192 Kbps
Once you have done that, then CLOSE MP3+G Toolz. (This is VERY important because the changes will NOT take effect until you close and re-open)
Open it again by right mouse clicking on the CD/DVD drive that reads CDGs. Select, Convert CDG to ZIP. If the CDG is NOT (I repeat) not a SOUND CHOICE numbered after 8700 or Made in the last 3 or 4 years, you should be able to get a complete RIP of the CDG, however, if you CDG is a SOUND CHOICE in the 8700 range (I have the exact numbers if you want them) it may have a logo that says "MEDIA CLOQ" on it or what looks like a WEIRD WORM. These CDs MUST, MUST, MUST, be sent back to Sound Choice with your mailing address and $5.99 (I think) shipping and handling for a replacement. (Sound Choice use this form of “copy protection” in VIOLATION of the intended use and a subsequent lawsuit required them to replace these CDGs with a NON-Media Cloq version but please confirm that the disk has NOT been pulled from the market, otherwise you won't get it back, stupid copyright/and other laws!).
If your disk is NOT a MEDIA CLOQ CD, you should end up with between 5 and 18 or more NAMED zip files in the folder you assigned it too.
Now, MP3+G Toolz uses www.kjpro.com numbering system. So if you are NOT sure how to label the disc, go to their website... Generally, Sound Choice Disks start out as "SC” with four numbers (i.e. SC88090) Pop Hits Monthly Pop are PHM followed by the year and month (Or vice versa) Top Hits Montly Pop (Used to be the same owners as PHM but a bitch fight split the company) will be THPXXXX similar numbering system. In time you will know that THP and PHM have their own numbering system. THP will use the last half of the tracks as the performance tracks (i.e. with NO vocal) whereas PHM will use the first half of the tracks.
It should be noted that in order to get the named files you MUST have an active internet connection on the computer copying the disks.
Additionally, be aware that recent Sound Choice CDs and other big name manufacturers use a form of copy protection called a “multi-session” CD. These CDs will have an extra 16th track if there are only 15 real tracks an the last track will be less than 20 seconds.
Although I have NOT tried this with MP3+G Toolz, it should work. When you are attempting to copy one of these CDs, when it gets to the last track, let’s say 15, after a while it will get hung on the track. Simply press the “EJECT” button on the CFD drive and this should still yield your last track, but will give you a software error. Ignore the error and check to see if the last track was copied by playing it in Virtual DJ.
I have found that MP3+G Toolz does have some problems with naming files (Which is available in the options area) and I have had to use a program called “Flash Renamer” to fix any problems. However, when all is working correctly, if you assign the correct www.kjpro.com number, you should end up with as many files as track with corresponding CORRECT names. Personally, I will copy EACH CD into its own folder. Should I (or the software) make a mistake with the disk, it is far easier to rename the files then the titles if each CD is in a lone folder. If you did everything correct, you should end up with as many files as tracks and they should look like this: SC8801-01 THIS ARTIST - THAT TRACK.ZIP
There is a program out there, for free, that you can take and create a text file (and ultimately an Excel file) of all the files you have. Once you have done this, you can create a song book!
I've been doing this for some time and if you need any help let me know. Again, if you have ANY questions on the above, let me know... I know this too well.
Once you have a .ZIP file (or an .mp3 and .cdg) it is just a matter of loading the .zip or the .cdg into Virtual DJ. If you DO use the ZIP format, please make sure you ADD the .zip extension to the "EXTENSION" tab in Virtual DJ and assign the karaoke reader.
Now I have to say this, Virtual DJ DOES NOT read ALL CDG converted to MP3+G formats depending on certain manufacturers. I'd be willing to talk to any of the staff about at least TWO Specific brands of CDG that do NOT play in your player... it has NOTHING to do with Virtual DJ except that not all CDGs are recorded the same. I CAN provide samples that I have ripped from my CDGs.
Good Luck!
A few things to know ahead of time. If you have been a KJ for any time and have attempted to copy or make your files compatible with your computer there are certain manufacturers who have tried to thwart your efforts.
Rest assured that IF you have made the investment in the disks and own them, that a single copy is NOT going to land you in jail no matter WHAT Sound Choice says!
This guide comes to you from a post on how to get Virtual DJ to play karaoke tracks. Although some of the information MAY not be applicable in time (or now) I will try to validate WHY certain things should be done a certain way.
I'm a CONVERT from HOSTER by www.mtu.com Although this is a good piece of software, the company is OVERBEARING with regards to how many times you install it AND they are not really that aware (yet) of the fact that GOOD KJ’s also DJ between singers.
First, you SHOULD (I'd say, MUST but can't confirm it and if you can successfully bypass it, more power to you) have an original non-pirated copy of Windows XP installed on your system.
Second, you need to download Windows .NET Framework to the current version.
Third, go to http://www.activeaspsoftware.net/default.aspx?p=home and download "MP3+G Toolz" from the website (only from this website and get the current version - it is currently free and as of this writing the current version is 4.0.1.5). Install the software.
Once installed, Place a CDG in a CD Player (or DVD player) that CAN and WILL read the CDG subcodes. (You have almost a 100% chance that your CD/DVD player will read this if the label on the front says PLEXTOR - TRUST ME! and a MUCH lessor chance if it isn't. Other labels that MAY read the sub-code include anything with a Sony engine or a pioneer engine)
Once the CD is in the tray and the tray is closed, right mouse click on the cd/dvd player and select "MP3 Toolz .NET4"
Click on the "OPTIONS" tab in the lower left corner.
At the top you will see blue underscored links saying "General," "Zip Compression" and "Audio Encoding/Ripping", first go to the "ZIP Compression" tab and change the compression to "5 - Default Compression" I recommend this for compatibility issues. I have NOT tried to confirm that there are any issues with Virtual DJ however other programs will NOT read compressed files that have been compressed at 9 MAXIMUM.
Next, select the "Audio Encoding/Ripping" and change to AT LEAST MP3 and 192 Kbps
Once you have done that, then CLOSE MP3+G Toolz. (This is VERY important because the changes will NOT take effect until you close and re-open)
Open it again by right mouse clicking on the CD/DVD drive that reads CDGs. Select, Convert CDG to ZIP. If the CDG is NOT (I repeat) not a SOUND CHOICE numbered after 8700 or Made in the last 3 or 4 years, you should be able to get a complete RIP of the CDG, however, if you CDG is a SOUND CHOICE in the 8700 range (I have the exact numbers if you want them) it may have a logo that says "MEDIA CLOQ" on it or what looks like a WEIRD WORM. These CDs MUST, MUST, MUST, be sent back to Sound Choice with your mailing address and $5.99 (I think) shipping and handling for a replacement. (Sound Choice use this form of “copy protection” in VIOLATION of the intended use and a subsequent lawsuit required them to replace these CDGs with a NON-Media Cloq version but please confirm that the disk has NOT been pulled from the market, otherwise you won't get it back, stupid copyright/and other laws!).
If your disk is NOT a MEDIA CLOQ CD, you should end up with between 5 and 18 or more NAMED zip files in the folder you assigned it too.
Now, MP3+G Toolz uses www.kjpro.com numbering system. So if you are NOT sure how to label the disc, go to their website... Generally, Sound Choice Disks start out as "SC” with four numbers (i.e. SC88090) Pop Hits Monthly Pop are PHM followed by the year and month (Or vice versa) Top Hits Montly Pop (Used to be the same owners as PHM but a bitch fight split the company) will be THPXXXX similar numbering system. In time you will know that THP and PHM have their own numbering system. THP will use the last half of the tracks as the performance tracks (i.e. with NO vocal) whereas PHM will use the first half of the tracks.
It should be noted that in order to get the named files you MUST have an active internet connection on the computer copying the disks.
Additionally, be aware that recent Sound Choice CDs and other big name manufacturers use a form of copy protection called a “multi-session” CD. These CDs will have an extra 16th track if there are only 15 real tracks an the last track will be less than 20 seconds.
Although I have NOT tried this with MP3+G Toolz, it should work. When you are attempting to copy one of these CDs, when it gets to the last track, let’s say 15, after a while it will get hung on the track. Simply press the “EJECT” button on the CFD drive and this should still yield your last track, but will give you a software error. Ignore the error and check to see if the last track was copied by playing it in Virtual DJ.
I have found that MP3+G Toolz does have some problems with naming files (Which is available in the options area) and I have had to use a program called “Flash Renamer” to fix any problems. However, when all is working correctly, if you assign the correct www.kjpro.com number, you should end up with as many files as track with corresponding CORRECT names. Personally, I will copy EACH CD into its own folder. Should I (or the software) make a mistake with the disk, it is far easier to rename the files then the titles if each CD is in a lone folder. If you did everything correct, you should end up with as many files as tracks and they should look like this: SC8801-01 THIS ARTIST - THAT TRACK.ZIP
There is a program out there, for free, that you can take and create a text file (and ultimately an Excel file) of all the files you have. Once you have done this, you can create a song book!
I've been doing this for some time and if you need any help let me know. Again, if you have ANY questions on the above, let me know... I know this too well.
Once you have a .ZIP file (or an .mp3 and .cdg) it is just a matter of loading the .zip or the .cdg into Virtual DJ. If you DO use the ZIP format, please make sure you ADD the .zip extension to the "EXTENSION" tab in Virtual DJ and assign the karaoke reader.
Now I have to say this, Virtual DJ DOES NOT read ALL CDG converted to MP3+G formats depending on certain manufacturers. I'd be willing to talk to any of the staff about at least TWO Specific brands of CDG that do NOT play in your player... it has NOTHING to do with Virtual DJ except that not all CDGs are recorded the same. I CAN provide samples that I have ripped from my CDGs.
Good Luck!
Posted Fri 11 Nov 05 @ 7:12 am
viajero
UP DATE OF THE PREVIUS QUESTION: OK WE NEED A .KMA PLUGIN TO PLAY A HOSTER CONVERTED MUSIC FILES
Posted Fri 13 Jan 06 @ 6:16 pm
PCGumshoe
Hello Viajero,
In response to your question regarding hosters kma files, no there is not yet a conversion tool MTU (the creator of Hoster) claims that there should be an update to Microstudio that will allow you to convert kma files back to CDG... They didn't say specifically if it would be to a disk, or a bin file on the computer.
Personally, I've owned all their software packages and I prefer to use Microstudio to convert my CDGs to BINs and then use the aforementioned conversion for MP3+G.
I was told that the tool to convert KMAs would be added to Microstudio sometime in the first or second quarter of this year. I can check the email from the president, but that's what my recollection is.
Unfortunately, I like VDJ a lot more than Hoster now, but I can't use the two programs with video at the same time otherwise one or both crash. Consequently, I can't wait and am converting all the disks that are already in KMAs to MP3+G.
For me, that is only abou 250 CDGs... I can appreciate how difficult 2000 would be.
I hope this helps.
In response to your question regarding hosters kma files, no there is not yet a conversion tool MTU (the creator of Hoster) claims that there should be an update to Microstudio that will allow you to convert kma files back to CDG... They didn't say specifically if it would be to a disk, or a bin file on the computer.
Personally, I've owned all their software packages and I prefer to use Microstudio to convert my CDGs to BINs and then use the aforementioned conversion for MP3+G.
I was told that the tool to convert KMAs would be added to Microstudio sometime in the first or second quarter of this year. I can check the email from the president, but that's what my recollection is.
Unfortunately, I like VDJ a lot more than Hoster now, but I can't use the two programs with video at the same time otherwise one or both crash. Consequently, I can't wait and am converting all the disks that are already in KMAs to MP3+G.
For me, that is only abou 250 CDGs... I can appreciate how difficult 2000 would be.
I hope this helps.
Posted Fri 20 Jan 06 @ 10:23 am
viajero
REGARDING THE CRASH OF HOSTER AND OR VIRTUAL; TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM JUST DESABLE THE VIRTUAL DJ VIDEO BEFORE YOU MAXIMIXE THE HOSTER AND WALA THE PROGRAMS COEXIST WITH NO PROBLES... THE ONLY THING IS THE PEOPLE DURING THE PERFORMANCE DONOT UNDERSTAND WHY YOU SHUT THE MUSIC OFF DURIN THE CHANGE FROM ONE PROGRAM TO OTHER...
JORGE.
JORGE.
Posted Fri 29 Sep 06 @ 1:42 am
modooalot
Hello there,
I am pretty new to the VDJ and have in the past used Sax and Dotty for Kjing. I have gone through and added my files into the search database. All my files are converted to digital files. The challenge I am having is getting the sound choice CDG zipfiles to load. It is strange, some of the soundchoice load fine, the others act like they are loading in the database. If I do a search they show up in the directory, but when I try to play them, they won't load and I get an error in the player window. I don't know what to do, I have a lot of soundchoice files. HELP.
Monique
I am pretty new to the VDJ and have in the past used Sax and Dotty for Kjing. I have gone through and added my files into the search database. All my files are converted to digital files. The challenge I am having is getting the sound choice CDG zipfiles to load. It is strange, some of the soundchoice load fine, the others act like they are loading in the database. If I do a search they show up in the directory, but when I try to play them, they won't load and I get an error in the player window. I don't know what to do, I have a lot of soundchoice files. HELP.
Monique
Posted Sat 21 May 11 @ 8:39 am
Moderation staff
Please don't bump an old topic from 2006.
Please also don't post the same message or question more than once. You have already asked this question in the following topic: http://www.virtualdj.com/forums/147683/x/
[Old topic closed.]
Please also don't post the same message or question more than once. You have already asked this question in the following topic: http://www.virtualdj.com/forums/147683/x/
[Old topic closed.]
Posted Sat 21 May 11 @ 1:34 pm