)
or menu command. PowerKaraoke includes the wizard that can assist you in converting
MIDI Karaoke files into CD+G tracks. You may invoke it using Import MIDI
Karaoke Wizard button ()
or menu command.
The wizard has two steps – first you need to select the input (MID or KAR) file and the WAV file it will be converter into. When this is done, you need to adjust the recording levels of the soundcard.
Note: You may convert several MIDI Karaoke files at once using Batch MIDI Karaoke Convert command.
The idea behind the KAR to CD+G conversion is that PowerKaraoke plays back the MIDI file and records the output into a WAV file. Then it imports the lyrics and the synchronization from a KAR file. To make sure that recording process is successful, select the output and input level to avoid overdrive and, at the same time, setting the volume level not too low.
After you select Finish the file will be converted – the time needed to convert a file is equal to its playback time.
Troubleshooting
To use MIDI import you need to set the input and output settings of your soundcard.
Some soundcards do not follow the Windows Mixer specifications correctly and
therefore volume slider and automatic setting is not possible in PowerKaraoke.
You have to do the following: run MIDI Import Wizard in PowerKaraoke and when
you reach the second dialog box (Render), open Windows mixer (double click on
the speaker icon near the clock on the task bar), select Options/Properties
and choose Recording. Now you need to select MIDI as an input (if MIDI is not
visible here make sure it is checked on the Option/Properties dialog box). Then
return to PowerKaraoke and proceed with the convertion.
Unfortunately some soundcards do not allow MIDI to WAV recording. The solution
might be wire-loop to link the output of the soundcard to the input. It should
not degrade the sound, but it is the last resort.
You may also take a look at MIDI software synthethisers. A lot of information about them can be found here: http://www.harmony-central.com/Software/Windows/software_synthesizers.html
After file has been successfully imported the lyrics and the soundtrack should appear in PowerKaraoke window.
Now you are ready to create CDG file.
Now you are ready to create your first CD+G track. To do this press F2, click Create CD+G file button (
) or select Create CD+G file from Master menu. Create CD+G File dialog box will appear allowing you to adjust various settings before writing the file.
If you want to write this track to a CD, you need to select BIN as the output type. Selecting CDG output type will allow you to preview the result in Power CD+G Player.
You may select the font that will be used for the song, vertical and horizontal text alignment, define color for text and sweep, enable text effects, and choose the maximum number of lines per screen.
You may also select the text display mode. Choosing Page by page will result in the standard paged display. Overwrite will disable the screen erasing and the new words will overwrite the already sang. And Scrolled mode will generate the long flow of text that will move upwards with the highlighted line always in the middle.
If you would like to add a picture at the beginning or at the end of the song, check the appropriate check box and use corresponding Settings button to select the picture file. More information on displaying pictures consult Displaying pictures section.
After you have adjusted select OK button. If Open in Power CD+G Player when done option has been selected, the created CD+G track will be played back after it is ready.
Power CD+G Player can be used to play the tracks you create with PowerKaraoke or tracks read from any CD+G CD to a hard disk. It is automatically run after CD+G is created in PowerKaraoke.
The user interface is very simple. Tape controls can be used to pause, resume, and start over the playback.
If you click the Full screen button (
) Power CD+G Player will use entire screen to display CD+G graphics. Press any key to return back to the window mode.
If you decide to change anything in your song, you may save it and then come back to it. PowerKaraoke stores its information in PKD (PowerKaraoke Document) files. These files contain lyrics and synchronization, but they do not contain the soundtrack. So if you want to reedit the song make sure to keep the soundtrack file.
PowerKaraoke offers a wide range of tools to make your CD+Gs unique and professional. Even more possibilities are available with PowerKaraoke Plus. Please consult the on-line help system to learn more.
Please see this link to learn how to burn CD+G discs.