How to Buy a Karaoke Machine

A karaoke backgrounder

Karaoke, a Japanese word meaning "empty orchestra," is a form of entertainment that allows people to sing along to music tracks while following the lyrics, typically broadcast on a TV or video screen. The songs don't play with recorded lyrics; the singing is supplied by karaoke participants. Originally popularized in Japan, karaoke was sung in bars and at parties.

Early karaoke machines were expensive and heavy, but users could pay a small fee to sing karaoke at a bar or restaurant, or the venue rented the equipment and supplied the entertainment for free. Home karaoke machines are now widely available, and much more affordable and portable. Some enthusiasts sing with others and perform in contests. Kids especially enjoy karaoke, and it's great entertainment when hosting a children's sleepover.

How you plan to use the karaoke machine should figure heavily into the price you'll pay. At the very least your unit should include a CD/CD+G player and at least one microphone. Many inexpensive karaoke machines can play CD+Gs, the CDs with graphics (hence the "G") that allow singers to view scrolling lyrics. A CD+G sampler disc is often included. Some machines also play DVDs and MP3s, or have songs built right into them.

The karaoke machine should also be TV-ready with outputs that work with newer televisions, allowing singers to read the lyrics on the TV while they sing. Some units include a small built-in monitor for scrolling lyrics, and many can be plugged right into your home stereo system for better sound quality. The sky's the limit on upgrades, but one that most people seem to want -- no matter how inexpensive the machine -- is a second microphone for duets.

Your investment doesn't stop with the machine, however; you'll also need to buy the music itself. Plan to spend $10 and up for pre-recorded CD+Gs that feature collections of newly released music.

Things to keep in mind when shopping for a karaoke machine:

• How pro do you want to go? Karaoke machines can be purchased for less than $50 for home use, and for more than $3,000 for professional karaoke singers or serious karaoke enthusiasts. For parties at home, the sweet spot is about $250.

• Decide if you want scrolling lyrics. Some reviewers on Amazon.com are disappointed with their karaoke machines because they don't come with scrolling lyrics or the ability to plug the machine into a TV or stereo. Check before you buy.

• Music costs extra. If you purchase an inexpensive machine that comes equipped with a "music library," you might find that the included tracks are children's songs or poorly synthesized remakes.

• Look for multiple music format compatibility. Choose a machine that supports a variety of formats, such as CD+G and MP3.

• How important is portability? If you plan to bring your karaoke machine to parties and events, make sure you choose one that's portable. Look for a unit that you can easily carry and fit in the trunk of your car.

• Setup should be easy. A karaoke machine with multiple outputs may take time to set up and use. If you plan to use your machine for fun at home, a plug-and-play option is your best bet.

• iPod integration is available. If you need integration with your MP3 player or smartphone, some karaoke devices include iPod docks or connections.

• What's your wattage? According to The-Karaoke-Advisor.com, if you plan to use your karaoke machine only at home, 20 watts should be sufficient. If you want to use it in public or at a big party, look for a unit with a minimum of 80 watts.

• Use caution when ordering karaoke machines online. Some of the best deals can be found on the web, but a number of online reviews say machines arrived with components missing or didn't work out of the box. Items may be lost or damaged during shipping, so be sure to set up and test your karaoke machine as soon as it arrives. Only order a karaoke machine from a retailer with a clearly defined return/exchange policy.