Getting Started With Computer Karaoke

How To Play Karaoke Mp3+g Zip Files On your Computer.

This page will help you get started with some basic information about playing karaoke zip or mp3+g files on your computer.
Most karaoke music that has been ripped from a Cdg is in mp3+g format and compressed into zip files for storage.
Example: Sc8690-05 - Tammy Cochran - Angels In Waiting.zip - Sc8690-05 is the disc and track number respectively and of course then the artist and song title.

Inside the zip file is a mp3 file and a graphics file.
In order to play the mp3+g you will need to extract it or use a plugin that will allow you to play the zip file directly (See below ) .
Please note that when playing extracted files they must be kept in the same location (folder) on your computer otherwise they will not work.
Also take care when renaming mp3+g files as the file names must match (except for the file extension) as well in order for them to work.

What Software Do I Need?

Popular Zip programs to unzip Mp3+G files include: Winzip, Winrar, and Pkzip.

Winamp & Cdg plugin -
Winamp is a free media player and along with the Cdg plugin is the preferred method for playing karaoke files on your computer.
With Winamp and the cdg plugin alone you can play your unzipped mp3+g karaoke files.

Install Winamp and then the Cdg plugin and your on your way!
Just double click the mp3 of your mp3+g to enqueue song in winamp. Cdg plugin window will open automatically.
.
Download Winamp - Cdg plugin

To play karaoke zip files without having to extract them you will need special software.
Below are a few choices that I recommend.

>>~ Gateway151 Karaoke Zip File Player ~<<

With this Karaoke zip player you can play zipped mp3+g karaoke files. Also features drag and drop capabilities.
Queue media files into the play list. play, pause, and stop buttons to control playing the selected song.
Repeat and shuffle options. Key changer to control pitch. Song time display. Save and load karaoke play lists.

In order to use The Gateway151 Karaoke Zip Player, you must have Winamp and a CD+G Plug in installed on your computer
as seen above. Gateway151 Karaoke Zip Player also uses the pacemaker plug in as seen below.
**Special thanks to Deborah R. for authoring this great program!**

Download the Gateway151 Karaoke Zip Player - Gateway151 Homepage

PyKaraoke

PyKaraoke - Python Powered Karaoke
PyKaraoke is a free karaoke player for Linux, FreeBSD, Windows and GP2X.
PyKaraoke is written in the Python programming language.
It was originally developed on Linux, but thanks to its portability it also works on other systems including Windows Vista.

Note: PyKaraoke is different as you dont need Winamp or the Cdg Plugin.

CDG MP3+G OGG+G playback - Play standard CDG karaoke files.
MIDI .MID .KAR playback - Play MIDI format karaoke files.
MPEG playback - Play karaoke songs and movies in MPEG format.
Playlist - Queue up songs, sit back and enjoy.
Searchable song database - Easily find your songs from the main screen.
Search inside ZIP files - Play MP3+G and MIDI files wrapped in ZIP files.
Download PyKaraoke - PyKaraoke Homepage

Sax & Dotty’s Karaoke Zip Player - (Optional)
Allows you to play Mp3+G zip files on your Computer without having to extract them.
Note: Sax & Dotty's will not seem to work with the latest version of winamp or at least not on windows Vista.

Required Components:
This Application uses Winamp and Cdg plugin.
Download Sax & Dotty's Karaoke Zip Player

Winamp Pacemaker plugin - (Optional)
Song Tempo/Pitch Controller. Control music tempo and pitch independently of each other.
That is, with PaceMaker it's possible to: Speed up or slow down the music tempo without affecting the music key (pitch)
Change the music key (pitch) without affecting the tempo Change the music playback rate
as if a vinyl record was played at a higher or lower rate than rated.

Required Components:
This Application uses Winamp and Cdg plugin
Download Pacemaker plugin

Karaoke Plugin For Windows Media Player

Media Center Karaoke Plug-in
Media Center Karaoke Plug-in is designed for Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition.
Media Center users can use this plug-in to select audio channels when playing VCD or DVD,
can display lyrics included in WMA or MP3 music files, can remove vocals from the song, can also control microphone connected to the PC.

Main page