Karaoke channel is a video on demand service available through cable in 30 million homes that offers a catalog of popular karaoke songs. It also features songs in a variety of foreign languages. Its online karaoke hub allows users to download and share songs. In addition, the site also includes a number of other resources for karaoke singers.
Karaoke has been a popular pastime in many cultures. In Japan, it is often called hitokara and is considered one of the best forms of self-expression. It is especially popular among teenagers and women. It is common for a family to spend their weekends at karaoke clubs where a karaoke jockey (KJ) provides music and announces song titles. Alternatively, families will often sing together in the privacy of their homes. In some cities, karaoke is popular in traditional restaurants. These are known as mahjong-karaoke rooms where elders play mahjong while young people sing karaoke. In Taiwan, karaoke bars are called KTVs and are popular forms of entertainment.
While the karaoke phenomenon is not new, it has risen to new heights in popularity and scope. There are a number of companies now offering karaoke systems and software for home use. Some offer a dedicated karaoke mode that removes the vocal track from regular audio CDs. Others, like the Pioneer karaoke system used in Australia, offer a function that converts stereo recordings into a quasi-karaoke track by subtracting the left channel of the music from the right. The resulting mono track is easier to sing along to.
A number of mobile phone manufacturers now offer karaoke apps for their devices. Some offer a simple interface that provides the user with a selection of songs to choose from and a small display for lyrics. Others have developed more advanced karaoke applications that offer a range of effects, tempo controls and pitch adjustment options. Some even provide a voice-training function to help improve singing skills.
The karaoke community is growing online with the proliferation of social networking websites and karaoke-specific sites. A large number of the latter feature an array of user-submitted karaoke tracks to select from. In addition, they provide a forum for users to showcase their performances. Karaoke has also made its way into mainstream films and television shows. For example, Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film Lost in Translation featured a karaoke scene with Gwyneth Paltrow and Bill Murray.
Aside from its robust sharing functionality, the Karaoke Channel app’s heavy emphasis on becoming a paid member is a turn-off for some potential users. The app also restricts non-members from listening to the full recordings of songs performed by other members – users are only allowed to hear 30 second snippets. The app is also not compatible with other karaoke platforms, which could limit its potential market. Despite these concerns, the Karaoke Channel app is still a great choice for those who enjoy karaoke and are looking for a convenient way to get started. Its streamlined interface and optimized for TV screens make it easy to use and perfect for hosting karaoke parties.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.