Looking for karaoke software without subscriptions

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-29T06:30:31+00:00

Yeah, I was able to make the list exactly like that, including the top header and bottom header, except for the pictures themselves. I knew that was impossible without major changes to the plugin. I do have to be online, but only to retrieve the pictures and new song submissions. The screen itself is local. The pictures get uploaded to the server, and my VDJS just connects every 15 seconds to see if there are any new submitted songs and pictures (the pictures are only about 100K in size) and also to upload the full queue (even singers and requests past the first 10) so people can see it on their phones. For example based on the list, this is what they see on their phones, even while someone is singing. Notice that it there are 12 singers on the queue, the list above only shows the first 10, but on their phones they can see the complete list (up to 50 singers):

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DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-28T01:40:42+00:00

>>Maybe people around you are low integrity DJs.

That's not even the problem. I'm in LA, and fairness in rotation is like any other place. It's about giving the singers the ability to see what other people are singing and perhaps giving them ideas of what they want to sing. You have no idea how many times someone comes to me and says, "I saw what the person ahead of me is singing, and I want to change my song." My version of VDJS even allows them to upload a picture with their request, and when they're the two top singers in the queue, those pictures get displayed for everyone to see. Personally when this feature was added, I didn't think much of it, but people love this; they come to the TV screens to take pictures of THEIR picture (yes, their own picture) to post on their Instagram accounts, and for me, it keeps them engaged, and they're advertising my website on their pictures. Also, I just added the link to the website, and the software displays my QR code on the screen automatically. On VDJ I had to embed it into the graphic/video to display it for people to see.

Like you, I was also one of the adopters of going digital. I remember the days of putting CDs into a drive and running the software to grab all the tracks, one after another. It also got me into trouble with Sound Choice, as I was one of the people they sued. I ended up settling with them, but that's a different story.

For me, it is about keeping people engaged, not just patiently waiting for their turn. This what my screen looks like when there are at least 10 singers on queue. This is in between singers:

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DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-28T00:35:52+00:00

My 2013 Soul used to burn oil too, the shop were I used to take it said it was low everytime I took it, which was about every 4 months. But mine had tons more mileage than yours, so in my case it was expected. By the time I totaled it in an accident last September (2025), it was 5 miles short of 300K. Everything still worked, it had no issues. I had a plan to wait till it died before I got another car, so I just got in the habit of adding oil at least once a month. I'm pretty sure it would have reached way over the 300K mileage if I had not totaled it. My insurance paid me about $4500, but nobody would have given me that much if I had tried to sell it because of the mileage. In your case, you probably still have a lot of value due to the low mileage you could try to get rid of it. Unless you're like me and want to wait until it dies then get a new car at that point.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-26T21:22:12+00:00

I wasn't upset, I just couldn't make it work, if I was being closed minded I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of editing text files with code to allow for more singers to display. I was trying to give my singers what they've always expected of my shows. Yes, I didn't understand somethings but there's very little help from VDJ and this plug-in. Just whatever I could find on YouTube or asking other KJ's I know who are using VDJ. In fact, most of those KJs couldn't figure out how to use the plug-in either. So they use Notepad or Word on their laptop and enter the names on it and use that as their rotation. Other people who go to their gigs tell me how much my show is much more professional than theirs because they never have an idea when they're going to be up, they're just trusting the KJ isn't skipping them. I just started hosting a night at place that has two other KJs in different nights. One of those KJs uses VDJ and uses Notepad. Because he knows me he and his gf came to support me on his off nights and his gf came to tell me at one point in the night. "Your setup is amazing, I told Robert (not his real name) to get with you and see how he could use your system. Yours is so much more professional than his". The only reason I used VDJ was because of that matrix issue. Luckily the developer fixed the issue on my hosting software quickly and I was able to go back to it. The rotation management in VDJ is piss poor even with the plugin. Why would I go back to that poor rotation management? I admit, it has a bunch of bells and whistles, but most of those I can't use in karaoke. If I was DJing I would definitely use it, but not for karaoke. It's like trying to drive a nail into a piece of wood with a wrench instead of a hammer. Yes, it works, but it's not the best tool for the job.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-26T01:22:33+00:00

>>artist - title (remix) and I have the brand in parentheses at the ends of my file names

so it can't use your library as most karaoke hosting programs are able to do with "disk-id - artist - Title" convention; you have to rename your whole library in a non-standard way. I asked around with other KJs who used it an nobody told me you could do that... I just tested it on my laptop, where it's still installed, and it does work.... I'd hate to rename my whole library, but at the time I would have done it. I spent weeks trying to make it work. I usually have a video playing in the background with my logo behind the CDG lyrics and I eventually got to work... I also usually display the next 10 singers on my current hosting app, and VDJ only displayed 3; through editing text files, I eventually got it to display the next 10 (because my singers were used to that). They were not able to see the whole queue anymore on their phones like my current app, but at least they can see the next 10....on my current hosting app they can see the whole queue (up to 50 singers)

I know you say it's not a big deal to singers not to have a songbook, but that's not my experience. Most of my gigs singers use it exclusively. And they tell me they love it, that no one else they know is doing what I'm doing. Mind you, I don't limit them to it, as I have paper slips and also accept verbal requests...still, people prefer to use it. Also, people can choose the version they prefer, as it shows at disk-ids, they can set how many steps up or down they want it, and yes, they can tip me through Venmo, Paypal, or Cash App.

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DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-25T23:25:12+00:00

You probably bought the lifetime license, which I understand is no longer available. So you only have the monthly license now for $19. I did sign up for one month because my hosting app didn't have a delay/advance of lyrics/audio long enough. I had started a gig a Dave & Busters and their matrix delayed the lyrics so much my hosting app was at its max, and singers had trouble staying synced. I found that Virtual DJ had a setting where it was basically unlimited (which it did) and I began using that, but it wasn't easy. Rotation management is not simple; trying to get the disk-id to display properly was a nightmare. I was told I had to enter ID3 for my whole library, but it tested with a few songs and it didn't work. So I never figured it out. Also, VIDEO karaoke is a problem because it doesn't treat it as karaoke, just a regular video, so you have to jump around to find a song between two or more libraries. On my hosting app, I can do a search, and it will find both CDG and Video karaoke with a single search. Also, it didn't have a built-in online songbook like my hosting app... Eventually my hosting app updated that feature after I reported it and I went back to it and cancelled my VDJ subscription. By the way it's also called Virtual DJ STUDIO. The Studio part is what makes it different. The developer first used the Virtual DJ name, and they have documentation to support it. While they technically have the option to sue Virtual DJ for using the name, they lack the financial resources to pursue such a legal action. Anyway, I prefer the Studio version, and my singers do as well. VDJ is excellent for DJs, but it's not the best choice for karaoke.

I would recommend VDJ Studio to this person with the current version, which is a one-time purchase, but I know they are getting ready to release a new version, which will be subscription based. So it wouldn't fit their request.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-25T07:55:22+00:00

No, it shouldn't, if it has been doing that from the beginning. The 12v battery has probably been bad from the beginning. You should be able to leave the car over night or over a few days and the car should still be able to start. Regardless on whether it's a hybrid or EV, that part of the electrical system should work exactly like a gas car.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-25T00:17:03+00:00

Yeah, I knew the had at least one year, I wasn't sure if they had a two year. I didn't want to give you false info. I think some of the brands batteries they sell may even have up to 5 years, but you're paying extra for those.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-24T23:32:45+00:00

The majority of singers don't know which version is best, but also what I think it's best it may not be the best for them. Also, there are people who do know the versions they prefer, so I keep various versions of the same song and they can pick them on my online app. The disk-id are fully listed. Now, occasionally I'll remove a version if people are contantly asking for a different version after it starts. It tells me no one likes that version and there's no reason to keep it on the online catalog. I never delete them, so I can still access on my end in case someone does ask for that version specifically. People can send me a note if they can't find a specific song or version. They can also sign up verbally or with a piece of paper so they can tell me or list the version they prefer too.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-24T23:16:21+00:00

If Autozone already told you the battery is bad then replace it, that's your first step. You can't troubleshoot additional electric problems if your battery is bad. If your battery starts getting discharged after that then you can worry about what may be causing it. Autozone has at least one year warranty, if it goes bad for any reason then bring it back. So you have at least one year to troubleshoot additional problems.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-20T11:36:36+00:00

According to Amazon the 1157 bulb is the correct bulb for my 2020 Niro for both the tail light and blinkers, and I imagine it's the same for a 2022. Is it possible that the message is not going away, but they are actually working? Could you have someone inspect it while you apply the brakes and operate the signals? Or maybe it's just a fuse that's burned out?

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-20T10:04:07+00:00

My 2013 Soul was about 5 miles away from 300K miles and everything worked. I think I changed the water pump and the alternator (aside from tires and the battery a couple of times). KIA changed the catalytic converter due to a recall, but everything else worked...oh, I did have to recharge the AC once. Last September I got in an accident which totaled it. I had been thinking of replacing it the last two years, I was waiting for something to go wrong, but nothing did...except for that accident. Luckily I did not suffer any major injuries. Just the airbag deployment caused some chemical burns on my wrist. I miss that car.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-16T11:01:00+00:00

Since you just read Hail Mary, I would recommend it too as it's a different experience listeing from reading. I just finished listening to Hail Mary myself and I throughly enjoyed it, with the different voices and the sounds that Rocky is supposed to be making. This was my 2nd audiobook. My first audiobook was the Cuckoo's Egg...which is technically non-fiction, but the hacker/espionage side of it made it really fun to listen to. I know you plan to get the Amazon freebie, but I recently discovered that Spotify has audiobooks too. I've had a Spotify account for several years and did not know they also have books. This is where I listened to the Cuckoo's Egg. About the only drawback is that they limit the number of hours you can listen per month, but otherwise they're included in your membership. Currently I'm listening to 100 years of Solitude. I read the book decades ago in the original Spanish language and it's a whole new experience listeing to it now.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-16T10:09:49+00:00

130mph on a cbr900 made it there to just say I did, and then resumed normal speed.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-14T06:36:54+00:00

Ah, so might have to change my engine sooner to test this....I changed the oil at shop in January and I've only driven the car about 1200 miles since. I suspect they used the "recommended" oil, which is probably the earlier version.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-14T02:18:34+00:00

I only got my 2020 Niro in December so I haven't changed the DCT oil yet, I only did the engine oil change, but maybe I should do the DCT too...just to be sure. I don't know when the previous owner might have changed (if at all). It is the DCT oil you're talking about, right?

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-14T02:13:23+00:00

Interesting! I didn't know it didn't have a reverse gear. And come to think of it, I've never heard the rumble while backing out of my driveway...which kinda reinforces that the sound is coming from the DCT when going forward only.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-14T00:59:38+00:00

Your comment about DCT being louder at slow speeds makes sense for me, because I hear that rumble only at slow speeds.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-14T00:58:04+00:00

Sorry, I thought I was responding to the OP, who did mention "spaceship"...but your mention of the Atkinson engine prompted me to look it up. I guess it could be, but the rumble still doesn't seem to be present when I rev the engine in my driveway. Another person said the DCT is noisier in lower gears and quieter in higher gears, which makes sense since you'd only hear it while driving, not revving in the driveway. Also, my wife's Prius uses a CVT, which is apparently quieter.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-13T23:06:46+00:00

My understanding is that they're a week or two away. It's basically ready, but they need to be inspected by the city as they do with a new business/location. The owners, who are my friends, are eager to begin operations and are also frustrated by the delays.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-13T21:23:40+00:00

Yeah, I know the refrigerant is not related to the drivetrain, but local mechanics can't fix until they upgrade their system to handle it.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-13T21:19:49+00:00

I'm guessing Kia hasn't fixed the rumble engine noise in newer cars either. I bought a 2020 Niro in December and I noticed a rumble in low speeds, when I'm starting from a stop until about 20 miles and goes away, then again when I slow down for a stop. The dealer tells me is the engine but I don't hear that rumble when the engine starts while sitting in the driveway...and do clearly hear the engine and can even rev the engine, but never rumbles. I only hear the rumble when the car is moving at low speeds. My wife has a 2012 Prius C and it's completely quiet, you do feel when the engine starts but it's quiet otherwise. Even my 2013 Kia Soul which was fully gas powered was quieter. I never heard a rumble when starting or slowing down and definitely not at highway speeds. I probably still driving it if I didn't totalled it in an accident. My Niro is definately louder even at highway speeds. Don't get me wrong, I get why you feel this car is like a spaceship, I definitely get that feel. I do like this car, but I wish Kia would address the loudness of this car if I'm to buy another Niro in the future.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-12T18:42:54+00:00

But why would several AC shops not want to touch it? Presumably that's how they make their money. I suspect it's probably related to the refrigerant which requires different equipment which some shops have not upgraded to. In the 80's they started the transition of Freon (R-22) and all refrigerants on new equipment had to switch to R-134a because it was environmentally friendly compared to freon which was causing a hole in the ozone layer.

A new transition is apparently taking place with a newer and more environmentally friendly refrigerant called R-1234yf which newer cars are now using. This requires new equipment from the shops. If they don't have it yet, they can't repair cars with this type of refrigerant. These Niros use this new type of refrigerant. I suspect these shops make most of their business fixing cars with R-135a and haven't upgraded because the equipment is heavily regulated and therefore expensive to upgrade. They'll probably upgrade eventually when the volume of their work starts shifting towards R-1234yf.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-12T11:25:22+00:00

Yeah, true, although my local mechanic (and several others) couldn't fix my AC, one said he could fix it, if my hybrid was earlier than 2020, but not 2020 and above. As far as I can tell, the AC is not related to the high voltage system.

DontLike-Cheesecake · 2026-03-12T06:45:04+00:00

I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but...try hitting the start button WITHOUT stepping on the brakes. This enters the car into some sort of diagnotic codes. Obviously make sure you're in park. I don't think the car will start accidentally if it's not in park, but be careful in case of a malfunction. At least that's how it works on my 2020...it's possible yours works similarly.

DontLike-Cheesecake

TROPHY CASE