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Karaoke Information
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Karaoke Information

What is Karaoke?
Karaoke is an increasingly popular form of entertainment, which lets everyone be a star! Karaoke allows you to sing along with the soundtracks to your favorite recording artists. Having originated in Japan, Karaoke has now spread throughout the U.S. and the world. Millions now enjoy Karaoke at home and in clubs and restaurants.

Karaoke is a Japanese abbreviated compound word, which translates roughly as "empty orchestra." "Kara" comes from "karappo" meaning empty, and "oke" is the abbreviation of "okesutura," or orchestra. Karaoke is used to describe any sing-a-long track which displays lyrics on a TV or video screen. Usually, a music disc consists of vocals and accompaniment. Music discs in which only the accompaniment is recorded are called "Karaoke CD's or Karaoke Discs."

Do I need a special Karaoke player?
Yes. A karaoke machine is a CD player with the added function of "CD+G graphic output." This allows you to play Karaoke CDG discs in the player and connect the player to your television (or a video monitor) to see the lyrics of the songs as you sing them.

There are Karaoke players available from a variety of manufacturers. Phong Le Karaoke carries a full line of players, ranging from very economical all-in-one players to full professional DJ style systems. Please see the "Karaoke Players" section below for descriptions of different types of players.

What is "CDG"?
"CDG" or "CD+G" stands for "Compact Disc + Graphics". This is the most widely used format for Karaoke music. The discs are identical to standard CDs (compact discs) yet have the additional graphics track that allows you to read the song lyrics on a connected TV or monitor. As the soundtrack plays on your Karaoke player, the lyrics scroll across the TV in sync with the music, allowing you to sing along to any song!

Karaoke Players
Karaoke Players come in two types: portable and component style.

Portable players
The portable player is an all-in-one player that typically contains such features as:

• a CD player which has CDG capability
• a microphone (many players have inputs for two mics so you can buy a second mic and sing duets)
• a built in speaker
• a cassette tape player (which allows you to record both the CDG background music and your own voice using the microphone)
• a video connector which allows you to connect your player to your home TV (most newer TVs work fine. If your TV is older or does not have a yellow RCA connector, you may need to purchase an RF modulator for about $20)
• a pitch controller (to help your voice find the easiest range)
• an echo, or reverb controller (which enhances the sound of your voice)
• an external speaker jack (so you can play the music through a more amplified component system) and
• some player "packages" include assorted free Karaoke disks to give you a complete out of the box experience.

Setting up a portable player is easy. Take it out of the box, connect the video (and possibly also the audio) input/output cable from your player to your TV, turn on the TV and the player, put the CDG Karaoke disk in the top loader, plug in your microphone, push play and you're ready to sing! Put an audio cassette in the tape loader, push record and make a tape of yourself singing! What could be easier and more fun?

A portable system is a great home system and makes a perfect gift. They are also great for home parties, schools, retirement communities, social clubs, and small entertainment venues.

Portable Karaoke Players will play both audio CD and the CDG Karaoke discs. Most do not play Video CD (VCD) format or DVD format. Also, these players come in 120 volt and NTSC TV format so they work well in the United States, but may require adapters for other countries.

Component players
Component Karaoke players are similar to CD Players in size and function except that they have several additional features: two or more microphone inputs with separate microphone volume controls and a digital key and digital echo control. The component player does not have its own speaker or amp so it must be connected to your home or professional sound system to drive the sound. And, like the portable Karaoke players, the component player has a video out jack for connection to a home TV or to a professional monitor. The component player does not have its own audio cassette tape recorder so any tapes must be made using a separate tape recorder.

The component players are typically multi-disc systems, either carousel or drawer. The component system also has many programmable features that make it easy to cue specific discs and tracks. These features are important for professional Karaoke Jockeys. There are component players with 120/220 voltage switches and NTSC/PAL switch formats so they can be used in virtually any country.

Common Terms (aka Buzz Words)

Karaoke
A Japanese word meaning 'Empty Orchestra', which is used to describe any sing-a-long track which displays lyrics on a TV screen. All karaoke songs are recreated in the style of the original artist.

CD+G (CDG)
5" CD (standard CD size) with graphics which can appear on a TV. Words to the songs appear on a TV screen when the disc is played on a CD+G player and connected to a TV. A CDG Karaoke disk will also play in any standard CD player, except there will be no display of the song lyrics since a CD player cannot read the graphics track.

VHS Tape (video)
A standard VHS/NTSC video tape like you'd rent from a video store. Most Karaoke VHS tapes have videos in the background as well as the moving text like CDGs.

Cassette
This is a standard audio cassette. Most karaoke cassette tapes have the same song on both sides of the tape. One side has guide vocals and other just the background music. Many also include printed lyrics.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
5" CD format which can hold many types of media content, although most are movies. Most DVD players will NOT play CDG discs, even if they are DVD karaoke machines. Make sure the manual states that the machine reads the CDG format.

Video CD (VCD)
5" CD with video. Players play movies as well as karaoke videos with lyrics. This is not the same as DVD, although most DVD players will read VCDs.

Karaoke Jockey (KJ)
A person, similar to a Disk Jockey, who provides a total Karaoke experience in the home or business of a contracting third party employer. Typical Karaoke shows are 3 hours or more and are in a bar or nightclub, although KJs often perform for private parties, even for kids!

Key Control (digital key control, pitch control, key changer)
Raises or lowers all the notes to help you sing in your range. Digital key change affects only the pitch, not the tempo. A non digital key controller will slow or speed up the song tempo.

Multiplex (vocal coach, guide vocal)
Guide lead vocal is recorded on one channel with accompaniment on the other channel. Can be removed through balance control or multiplex button.

RF Modulator
Adapter that converts the signal from a Karaoke player through a cable connection to a non-video ready TV.

Speed Control
Changes the tempo of the music. This is usually a feature of cassette players. The increase of speed slightly raises or lowers the key of the music being played.

Vocal Reducer (vocal masking, vocal suppressor)
Reduces the level of vocal range on regular CD and audio cassette recordings, which results in an overall reduction in volume. A Vocal Reducer may also reduce instruments in same range.

Vocal Replacement (voice cancel, vocal partner)
Mutes the recorded vocal on multiplex recordings when you sing into mic and brings them back up when you stop singing.

Shipping

What are your shipping methods?

What are your shipping rates?

For equipment purchases,  it is a flat rate of $10.00. Unlimited quantity of equipment, shipping is still $10.00

For music purchases of CD+Gs, it is a flat rate of $7.00. For music purchases of DVDs, VCDs, Phim Bo, it is a flat rate of $10.00.

For a combination of equipment and music, shipping will be a flat rate of $10.00.

For C.O.D. Money Order payments (you pay the delivery person), shipping is a flat rate of $15.00.

How come your shipping costs so much? Many places give free shipping above $45.00. Why is there no free shipping?
Our shipping costs are really good. Many other companies sell their products with a really high markup. They are able to cover the shipping costs. However, we want our customers to be able to afford to buy. Meaning you will always get a better deal. We are always on sale. Many companies will put their equipment on sale for only a few weeks. We keep our prices. Once it drops, you will always be able to get that deal.

Do you ship to PO Boxes or to APO?
We do ship to PO Boxes or APO by United Postal Service for small packages. If you are buying equipment, a physical address is required.

Do you ship internationally?
No we are sorry. We only ship within the United States.

Do you ship to Hawaii and Alaska?
We do ship to Hawaii and Alaska but the shipping charges are different than standard. Hawaii and Alaska has different shipping charges because UPS only ships by 2nd day to these states making the shipping charge higher because our products are heavy. We will contact you for additional shipping charges.

How long does it take you to ship?
We ship same day as long as the order is placed before 5 P.M. Central Time. The average length of time until you receive your purchase is 3 days to a week from the shipped date. We will send you an Order Summary when you purchase. We will follow up with a Shipment Confirmation email with order status information when we have sent your product(s).

How long does it take to get my order?
Most orders placed on the Weekdays before 5 pm Central will ship the same day. Orders placed after 5pm Central or on the weekends will ship within 1-2 Business Days.

Saturday/Sunday/holidays are NOT considered 'business days'. (For example, if you select OVERNIGHT service on a Friday BEFORE 5pm , the package would be scheduled for delivery on the following Monday. If Monday is a holiday, the package would arrive on Tuesday.)

Saturday delivery is not available.

Please be advised that some orders may be held for address/billing verification. You will be contacted by email or phone if your order is held for those reasons. During holiday or special Internet sales or promotions, please allow extra time for processing. Most orders should ship within 24-48 hours during these peak times.

What forms of payment does Phong Le Karaoke accept?
We accept all major credit cards and money orders. We only accept money orders for phone orders. Money orders can be mailed to Phong Le Co, 14037 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77077. We also accept COD payments paid by money orders. NO CHECKS.

Tracking

I need my tracking information for the purchase that I have made.
Please check your email for the Shipment Confirmation. The email will confirm what day your purchase was shipped. Also on the email will have your tracking info where you can track your order through www.ups.com, www.fedex.com, www.usps.com.

Returns

What is your return policy?
Software and hardware can be refunded within 7 days of the purchase but you will be charged a 15% restocking fee. Defective software and hardware can only be exchanged for the same item within a 30-day period. After 30 days, hardware can only be repaired.

I have an item I'd like to return. How do I return the item?
Any item purchased from Phong Le Karaoke in its original condition and packaging with all merchandise tags attached may be returned for a prompt refund. (There is a 15% restocking charge for refunds.) In the instance, return product is missing items, you will be charged for the missing items accordingly.

If you would like to return an item by mail, please follow the directions below to obtain a Return Authorization number (RA#). Returns will not be accepted without an RA#:

1. Give us a call at 800.535.4232, or send an email to sales@shopmegakaraoke.com with your name, zip code and email address. Please let us know which item(s) you would like to return.

2. When we receive your call/email we will give you a Return Authorization number (RA#). Without an RA#, our warehouse cannot accept a return.

3. Mark the RA# on the outside of your return package. Also use the return label that we have enclosed with your purchase. We recommend that you send the return package to us using a traceable shipping method to ensure safe and documented delivery.

4. Once we receive your return we will promptly credit your credit card. You will be charged a 15% restocking fee if you want a refund.

I want to exchange an item. Do I have to pay shipping?
For exchanges, the customer handles all shipping charges.

Problems

What do I do if I have a problem with my order?
Send us an email at sales@shopmegakaraoke.com or give us a call at 800.535.4232. Please include all the information you can so we can respond, (order number, items ordered, items received, when the order occurred, how to contact you, etc.), as quickly as possible.

My question wasn't answered here. What can I do?
We'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have. Give us a call at 800.535.4232 or send us an email at sales@shopmegakaraoke.com.

How do I search for songs or products?
Please click on the HELP icon on the top right hand corner. Or click the LIVE HELP icon for to chat with a real live customer service agent.

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