playmaker29
Hey Virtual DJ users and technicians, I’m currently testing out the Demo on several of my PCs and am getting varying results. So far, I must admit that I am very impressed with the product except for a couple of small issues. Unfortunately, they are only small from a programming sense and are quite large from a DJ sense. So large that I will not be able to purchase the software without finding a work around or having these problems fixed, on to the problems…
#1 There is no onboard Key Changer. I have read in the forum of a downloadable Key Changer for Karaoke, which is what I will use it for. However, there is no skin to make this effect super easy to get at. Worse, the threads tend to suggest that it is a buggy effect. I can’t have buggy when I’m doing a karaoke gig. We currently do 10 to 12 karaoke shows a week and use PCDJ with the karaoke module. PCDJ’s karaoke module kicks azz. When will an integrated Key Changer be available for Virtual DJ?
#2 Now I’m in trouble, I confessed to being a PCDJ customer. One of the best features of that software is the text we can use to list the next Karaoke singers. Although, Virtual DJ’s lack of this feature won’t break the deal, it would be nice. Once again, I’ve read about the Strip Club text effect that is also reported to be buggy. When will Virtual DJ have and integrated Text feature specifically for Karaoke users?
#3 As a PCDJ customer most of you are aware that I can not play videos, yet. They are working on a module for this but it has been in development for a very long time. (I currently play videos between songs with VLC) I love how your video system worked on a couple of my PCs. However, I found that it only worked with my ATI cards and not my NVIDEA cards. I also found that my extended monitor had to be set to 800 X 600. Anyhow, my main video problem is that I have all my video media in mpeg, vob, and m2v, depending on when I ripped them from the DVDs. Lately, I only rip in vobs and those work fine, in Virtual DJ, on any of my systems. Also, on two of my systems the m2v work great and on another they don’t work. I added the m2v extension using Windows MediaPlayer video decoder. The interesting thing is that on the systems that it works with I have Windows MediaPlayer 9 installed. On the system where it doesn’t work, I have Windows MediaPlayer 10 installed. When will Virtual DJ allow me to add decoders to the decoders list so that I could use the VLC or elecard decoders for my media?
Now that I’ve listed the problems; I do want to give you guys props. I would really, really, really love to use your software. The visual wave from is off the hook when compared to PCDJ. I have a good ear, but with the visual waveforms my DJs were going nuts in the shop. Moreover, PCDJ does not let me nudge the mix when it shifts out of sync. It was a little sloppy with the mouse but it sure beats only being able to use pitch control. Lastly, having dual video and karaoke decks is huge. We currently can only mix music; with Virtual DJ we can mix karaoke and videos. As you can see, I want to use your software. I just can’t convince my karaoke customers that the should sing in the natural key of the songs. Moreover, do I really have to re-rip 3 years of DVDs? Lastly, it would look bad if we had to take a step back and start calling out the singer’s names on the microphone. The onboard Text is horrible; it doesn’t go away when the karaoke song starts.
For the record, I have a Bachelors’ in MIS, so feel free to get a little technical, but not too much
Eager in Wisconsin,
Mat
#1 There is no onboard Key Changer. I have read in the forum of a downloadable Key Changer for Karaoke, which is what I will use it for. However, there is no skin to make this effect super easy to get at. Worse, the threads tend to suggest that it is a buggy effect. I can’t have buggy when I’m doing a karaoke gig. We currently do 10 to 12 karaoke shows a week and use PCDJ with the karaoke module. PCDJ’s karaoke module kicks azz. When will an integrated Key Changer be available for Virtual DJ?
#2 Now I’m in trouble, I confessed to being a PCDJ customer. One of the best features of that software is the text we can use to list the next Karaoke singers. Although, Virtual DJ’s lack of this feature won’t break the deal, it would be nice. Once again, I’ve read about the Strip Club text effect that is also reported to be buggy. When will Virtual DJ have and integrated Text feature specifically for Karaoke users?
#3 As a PCDJ customer most of you are aware that I can not play videos, yet. They are working on a module for this but it has been in development for a very long time. (I currently play videos between songs with VLC) I love how your video system worked on a couple of my PCs. However, I found that it only worked with my ATI cards and not my NVIDEA cards. I also found that my extended monitor had to be set to 800 X 600. Anyhow, my main video problem is that I have all my video media in mpeg, vob, and m2v, depending on when I ripped them from the DVDs. Lately, I only rip in vobs and those work fine, in Virtual DJ, on any of my systems. Also, on two of my systems the m2v work great and on another they don’t work. I added the m2v extension using Windows MediaPlayer video decoder. The interesting thing is that on the systems that it works with I have Windows MediaPlayer 9 installed. On the system where it doesn’t work, I have Windows MediaPlayer 10 installed. When will Virtual DJ allow me to add decoders to the decoders list so that I could use the VLC or elecard decoders for my media?
Now that I’ve listed the problems; I do want to give you guys props. I would really, really, really love to use your software. The visual wave from is off the hook when compared to PCDJ. I have a good ear, but with the visual waveforms my DJs were going nuts in the shop. Moreover, PCDJ does not let me nudge the mix when it shifts out of sync. It was a little sloppy with the mouse but it sure beats only being able to use pitch control. Lastly, having dual video and karaoke decks is huge. We currently can only mix music; with Virtual DJ we can mix karaoke and videos. As you can see, I want to use your software. I just can’t convince my karaoke customers that the should sing in the natural key of the songs. Moreover, do I really have to re-rip 3 years of DVDs? Lastly, it would look bad if we had to take a step back and start calling out the singer’s names on the microphone. The onboard Text is horrible; it doesn’t go away when the karaoke song starts.
For the record, I have a Bachelors’ in MIS, so feel free to get a little technical, but not too much
Eager in Wisconsin,
Mat
geposted Mon 03 Apr 06 @ 9:41 pm
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
Hi...
I'll try answer as best I can ;)
1. The Keychanger made by one user (plugin here) works fine, and skins can incorporate the knob/sliders for the changing of values for the plugin. In fact, there is a pretty good chance the new default skin has such effect knobs in the skin ;)
Also, anyone can make a dedicated karaoke skin, and make features there for that use. Unfortunately, its not made yet, but if you ask at the plugin forum, I'm sure someone will... :) Skin SDK is open, and all users can make skins...
But, to add to that.. the world of profesional effects are first of all in the form of VSTs. All great music programs support VST, including VDJ. You can get all from free keychanger VSTs to some that might cost.. Go to VST forum here, and see if you can get some free good keychangers :) I'm sure there are several.
2. Your not in trouble for having PCDJ ;) In fact there are quite a lot former PCDJ users here..hehe.
Virtual DJ have a native built in text on screen feature, that does not need a plugin. You can simply write what ever you want, and it will appear on the screen.
The Strip Club plugin have been fixed and works fine now (its next dancer, so a bit cheesy font..hehe.. but I can ask for a remake of it, to be more suited for next singer).
And as with skins, Effect SDK is also open for all users, so most effects can be user made, and if you need such a plugin, its probably very easy to make. I'm sure some of the effect develpers will help you out there:) we are a good community of users, that help eachother.. .
3. Some Nvidea cards have been reported to have issues. Usually an update of drivers fix that. Myself, I have ATI and video works damn good :) Search technical forum for Nvidea card, and you can find some tips to that issue. VLC decoder might be added, will ask Dev Team about it, as the little program seem to run almost any video. You can change decoders in the extention settings in VDJ, but using Windows Media Player decoder is usually best. Regarding the Media Player 10 issue, I would try to reinstall the decoders on that PC, and even WMP10. It should work fine ....
Anyways, we are a good community of users, and we usually figure out the solutions for anyone that should run into problems :) I'm sure we can have Virtual DJ running super smooth on your pc's too...
I would like to add to your considiration, that Virtual DJ 4 is soon to be released, with many great new improvements (such as a brand new sound engine), that will make a lot of things work smoother and better, and sounding a lot better too :)
And, Virtual DJ have so far given all upgrades and updates for free to all customers.. Thats GREAT compared to other software, that charge more money each time an upgrade comes around :)
Hope that answered your initial questions, but dont hessitate to ask more ...
Regards
Rune
I'll try answer as best I can ;)
1. The Keychanger made by one user (plugin here) works fine, and skins can incorporate the knob/sliders for the changing of values for the plugin. In fact, there is a pretty good chance the new default skin has such effect knobs in the skin ;)
Also, anyone can make a dedicated karaoke skin, and make features there for that use. Unfortunately, its not made yet, but if you ask at the plugin forum, I'm sure someone will... :) Skin SDK is open, and all users can make skins...
But, to add to that.. the world of profesional effects are first of all in the form of VSTs. All great music programs support VST, including VDJ. You can get all from free keychanger VSTs to some that might cost.. Go to VST forum here, and see if you can get some free good keychangers :) I'm sure there are several.
2. Your not in trouble for having PCDJ ;) In fact there are quite a lot former PCDJ users here..hehe.
Virtual DJ have a native built in text on screen feature, that does not need a plugin. You can simply write what ever you want, and it will appear on the screen.
The Strip Club plugin have been fixed and works fine now (its next dancer, so a bit cheesy font..hehe.. but I can ask for a remake of it, to be more suited for next singer).
And as with skins, Effect SDK is also open for all users, so most effects can be user made, and if you need such a plugin, its probably very easy to make. I'm sure some of the effect develpers will help you out there:) we are a good community of users, that help eachother.. .
3. Some Nvidea cards have been reported to have issues. Usually an update of drivers fix that. Myself, I have ATI and video works damn good :) Search technical forum for Nvidea card, and you can find some tips to that issue. VLC decoder might be added, will ask Dev Team about it, as the little program seem to run almost any video. You can change decoders in the extention settings in VDJ, but using Windows Media Player decoder is usually best. Regarding the Media Player 10 issue, I would try to reinstall the decoders on that PC, and even WMP10. It should work fine ....
Anyways, we are a good community of users, and we usually figure out the solutions for anyone that should run into problems :) I'm sure we can have Virtual DJ running super smooth on your pc's too...
I would like to add to your considiration, that Virtual DJ 4 is soon to be released, with many great new improvements (such as a brand new sound engine), that will make a lot of things work smoother and better, and sounding a lot better too :)
And, Virtual DJ have so far given all upgrades and updates for free to all customers.. Thats GREAT compared to other software, that charge more money each time an upgrade comes around :)
Hope that answered your initial questions, but dont hessitate to ask more ...
Regards
Rune
geposted Mon 03 Apr 06 @ 10:53 pm
JeremK
dj-in-norway got faster than me, it took me quite a long time to read everything ;)
geposted Mon 03 Apr 06 @ 11:50 pm
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
your too slow ;) hehe ..
geposted Tue 04 Apr 06 @ 1:00 am
PCGumshoe
As a KJ who uses this software (exclusively now), I started with Hoster, looked at PCDJ and jumped here...
I didn't like PCDJ's limitations and complexity that I didn't need.
Hoster, over all, is the best karaoke software.... sorry to say that, but it is... that company has shifted all their energies into that software. For all the things that it does GREAT, there are things that make it suck... for example not being able to mix from karaoke to video or music. They now support video, but it is not in the same window as the karaoke. Also, their keychanger is great.
I was the one that reported that the keychanger here MAY have some problems on sound quality... I'm still testing that. However, it should be noted that the changer is in semitones, not 1/2 steps... so technically, you could do 1/4 steps (Which really don't exist in Western Music, but bring on the Indians!)
I recommend this software to everyone, and people come over and ask me about it. I've loved the forums here, never really got flammed by a user which was constant in other forums (karaoke egos and all...).
If you're considering a switch, this is it. Dedicated staff and users and all around well rounded program that has endless possibilities.
I didn't like PCDJ's limitations and complexity that I didn't need.
Hoster, over all, is the best karaoke software.... sorry to say that, but it is... that company has shifted all their energies into that software. For all the things that it does GREAT, there are things that make it suck... for example not being able to mix from karaoke to video or music. They now support video, but it is not in the same window as the karaoke. Also, their keychanger is great.
I was the one that reported that the keychanger here MAY have some problems on sound quality... I'm still testing that. However, it should be noted that the changer is in semitones, not 1/2 steps... so technically, you could do 1/4 steps (Which really don't exist in Western Music, but bring on the Indians!)
I recommend this software to everyone, and people come over and ask me about it. I've loved the forums here, never really got flammed by a user which was constant in other forums (karaoke egos and all...).
If you're considering a switch, this is it. Dedicated staff and users and all around well rounded program that has endless possibilities.
geposted Tue 04 Apr 06 @ 4:20 pm
playmaker29
Thank you DJ In Norway and PCGumshoe…
I will have to look into the skins, I’m not a programmer but I do have a lot of technical experience as an Information Systems Director and owning a digital DJ service. I could probably make a skin to fit my needs and share it with the community.
As for the video issues, it will always be a challenge in this industry. I’ll play with the codec latter today on the system that’s not playing the m2v files. It simply says error at load. If I conclusively figure it out, I’ll post what I did.
I really think that a player that can let you manually choose the codec would have significant advantages over any other. I have to admit that VLC is some of the simplest yet reliable software I’ve ever used. I’ve yet to find a file it couldn’t play. Using their collection of codecs would be really nice.
Overall, this software takes a little tweaking to work on our current PCs but it certainly works quite well. I may continue to do our live shows with PCDJ and wait for the release of 4.0. In the mean time, I think we’ll have to pick up a copy of 3.4 for the office. I could use that to get our DJs to a comfort level.
For the record, we have six systems with two PC in each system. They are all very similar to this:
Shuttle Form Factor Case SG45s
2 GB DDR PC133
120 GB WD & 400 GB WD
Sound Blaster Audigy 2
ATI Radeon 9550 with 250 MB Onboard
Microsoft Explorer Mice
Virtual Indestructible Keyboards
KDS 15” LCD Displays
Windows XP Pro SP2, PCDJ, & VLS
Thanks,
Mat
I will have to look into the skins, I’m not a programmer but I do have a lot of technical experience as an Information Systems Director and owning a digital DJ service. I could probably make a skin to fit my needs and share it with the community.
As for the video issues, it will always be a challenge in this industry. I’ll play with the codec latter today on the system that’s not playing the m2v files. It simply says error at load. If I conclusively figure it out, I’ll post what I did.
I really think that a player that can let you manually choose the codec would have significant advantages over any other. I have to admit that VLC is some of the simplest yet reliable software I’ve ever used. I’ve yet to find a file it couldn’t play. Using their collection of codecs would be really nice.
Overall, this software takes a little tweaking to work on our current PCs but it certainly works quite well. I may continue to do our live shows with PCDJ and wait for the release of 4.0. In the mean time, I think we’ll have to pick up a copy of 3.4 for the office. I could use that to get our DJs to a comfort level.
For the record, we have six systems with two PC in each system. They are all very similar to this:
Shuttle Form Factor Case SG45s
2 GB DDR PC133
120 GB WD & 400 GB WD
Sound Blaster Audigy 2
ATI Radeon 9550 with 250 MB Onboard
Microsoft Explorer Mice
Virtual Indestructible Keyboards
KDS 15” LCD Displays
Windows XP Pro SP2, PCDJ, & VLS
Thanks,
Mat
geposted Tue 04 Apr 06 @ 5:44 pm
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
Your PC specs seems good for running VDJ :)
I hope we do get a dedicated karaoke skin real soon... Hopefully it will be made by someone.
Regarding the VLC codec support, I'll pass that request along to the Dev Team.
Today VDJ will (in theory) play any file that Windows Media Player plays, using the WMP decoder.
But as we all know, PC's have "personalities", so try a reinstall if one of your PCs have an issue...
I use video and karaoke on a smaller spec system than you, and it runs very good here:)
But as we seem to get more karaoke users, I think its time to add some good new feature for you:
- next singer (plugin or nativily)
- new keyshifter plugin (I'll talk to the developers, maybe we can get the correct steps for karaoke)
- karaoke skin
All three should be very easy to make for any user :)
Regarding VDJ 4.0 soon to be released, you will have free upgrade for that if you do get 3.4 for one of your PCs :) One real good thing about VDJ has been the fact that all upgrades and updates have been free for our customers so far ... where as other dj software charge money each time a new version comes around...
Dj-in-norway
I hope we do get a dedicated karaoke skin real soon... Hopefully it will be made by someone.
Regarding the VLC codec support, I'll pass that request along to the Dev Team.
Today VDJ will (in theory) play any file that Windows Media Player plays, using the WMP decoder.
But as we all know, PC's have "personalities", so try a reinstall if one of your PCs have an issue...
I use video and karaoke on a smaller spec system than you, and it runs very good here:)
But as we seem to get more karaoke users, I think its time to add some good new feature for you:
- next singer (plugin or nativily)
- new keyshifter plugin (I'll talk to the developers, maybe we can get the correct steps for karaoke)
- karaoke skin
All three should be very easy to make for any user :)
Regarding VDJ 4.0 soon to be released, you will have free upgrade for that if you do get 3.4 for one of your PCs :) One real good thing about VDJ has been the fact that all upgrades and updates have been free for our customers so far ... where as other dj software charge money each time a new version comes around...
Dj-in-norway
geposted Tue 04 Apr 06 @ 5:53 pm
low-fat-al
-- "Lastly, it would look bad if we had to take a step back and start calling out the singer’s names on the microphone."
Do you not use a microphone to talk to a crowd anyways...?
I at one time used the PCDJ KJ plug-in too... but ... I would still call out the singers on the mic anyways..
I haven't done a regular karaoke gig lately so... maybe it's a new trend to not use the mic to let them know... can't expect everyone to be staring at a screen the whole time waiting for their name.
Sorry thought that was funny and a bit strange for a DJ to think it wouldn't be professional to use a microphone.
Do you not use a microphone to talk to a crowd anyways...?
I at one time used the PCDJ KJ plug-in too... but ... I would still call out the singers on the mic anyways..
I haven't done a regular karaoke gig lately so... maybe it's a new trend to not use the mic to let them know... can't expect everyone to be staring at a screen the whole time waiting for their name.
Sorry thought that was funny and a bit strange for a DJ to think it wouldn't be professional to use a microphone.
geposted Wed 05 Apr 06 @ 1:17 pm
playmaker29
Good point on calling up singers. I often call them up because they frequently are too into their darts, billiards, or drink. However, a lot of my shows are karaoke, song, karaoke, song. It makes life a lot easier when the next singer is standing next to you before the filler song is over. You then have the ability to loop out, cut in or even fade into the karaoke track without the dreaded "dead air". Having or not having the text feature doesn't make or break the software, but it sure is nice :-)
On another note I've isolated my m2v problem down to Windows Media Player 10. I upgraded one of the PCs that was playing m2v to Media Player 10 and immediately after the reboot the m2v files started to error out. Unfortunately, I have system restore turned off on all these PCs so I am unable to roll-back to 9. It's not a big deal. I'll format and reinstall. I’ve done it a million times with PCDJ.
I have just one last comment before this thread dies. I've worked with a lot of different software and can tell you this one is the closest I've found to what I've always wanted in a program. Now if I can just convince a group of programmers that the rights click should be eliminated from DJ/VJ/KJ software. Eliminating the right click would fulfill my dream of ditching the mouse, keyboard, and DAC. We can use touch screen monitors at gas stations, restaurants, and self-checkouts...why not DJ?
Anyhow, I've got $150 US that says this could be fun.
Mat
On another note I've isolated my m2v problem down to Windows Media Player 10. I upgraded one of the PCs that was playing m2v to Media Player 10 and immediately after the reboot the m2v files started to error out. Unfortunately, I have system restore turned off on all these PCs so I am unable to roll-back to 9. It's not a big deal. I'll format and reinstall. I’ve done it a million times with PCDJ.
I have just one last comment before this thread dies. I've worked with a lot of different software and can tell you this one is the closest I've found to what I've always wanted in a program. Now if I can just convince a group of programmers that the rights click should be eliminated from DJ/VJ/KJ software. Eliminating the right click would fulfill my dream of ditching the mouse, keyboard, and DAC. We can use touch screen monitors at gas stations, restaurants, and self-checkouts...why not DJ?
Anyhow, I've got $150 US that says this could be fun.
Mat
geposted Thu 06 Apr 06 @ 12:22 am
DJ_whiteDVL
Yeah I must admit that having touchscreens would kind of rule to hit play directly on the skin which would eliminate the use of using an external controller like a dual cd deck. Although the right click is sometimes useful for analyzing, etc. You should check out DJ Cyder's blog for some picks of his rig with the custom mousepad he uses ;)
should give you some good ideas
Best Regards
DJ White Devil
should give you some good ideas
Best Regards
DJ White Devil
geposted Thu 06 Apr 06 @ 12:33 am
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
and you could always get a midi controller, playmaker29 ;)
Some of them look damn nice too... would make you loose the mouse and right-click ;)
But touch-screen sounds fantastic too ;) might come in the future...
Some of them look damn nice too... would make you loose the mouse and right-click ;)
But touch-screen sounds fantastic too ;) might come in the future...
geposted Thu 06 Apr 06 @ 1:41 am