Karaoke Disc Formats
There are 6 common karaoke format types available. Each format has its own characteristics, abilities and limitations.
CDG (CD+G, CD+Graphics, Karaoke CD)
CDG is the most common karaoke disc format. These discs will play in any karaoke machine that is CDG compatible. The song lyrics will be displayed on any TV which is connected to the CDG player. These discs will also play in most normal CD players but the lyrics will not be displayed - only music can be played through a CD player.
CDG's do not contain lead vocals. If the original song contains any background vocals, such as a chorus or harmonies, the karaoke version will usually contain them as well.
CDGM (Multiplex, CDG Multiplex, CD+Graphics MultiPlex)
A CDGM is a special type of CDG karaoke disc. There are two tracks for each song on the disc, one track is in karaoke format and the other track includes the lead vocals so that you can learn the song. A CDGM typically only has half the number of songs that a normal CDG disc has.
When a CDGM is played on a karaoke machine with a multiplex button (MPX) you can toggle the lead vocals on and off during playback as necessary. If the MPX control is not available the user simply plays the track without the lead vocals.
Again, if the original song contains any background vocals the CDGM karaoke version will usually contain them as well.
VCD (Video Compact Disc)
VCD is an MPEG-1 formatted disc . A VCD can only be played in a VCD compatible player. This format contains moving video backgrounds while the lyrics are displayed on the screen.
Again, if the original song contains any background vocals the VCD karaoke version will usually contain them as well.
DVD (Digital Video Disc, Digital Versatile Disc)
A DVD can only be played on a DVD compatible player. This format is growing in popularity due to the on-screen menus and high quality graphics and backgrounds. A DVD disc tends to be quite expensive but can hold many more songs than traditional karaoke discs.
Again, if the original song contains any background vocals the DVD karaoke version will usually contain them as well.
Super CDG (SCDG, SCD+G, Super CD+G, Super-CDG, Super CD+Graphics)
Super CDG is a proprietary format developed by CAVS. This format uses compression to allow over 1,000 songs to be stored on a single disc. Some karaoke sound track manufacturers have opted to produce SCDG compatible discs. You must have a Super CDG player to play a Super CDG disc. CAVS also has a downloadable PC software program that will allow the playing of Super CDG's on your computer.
NEO+G (NEOG, NEO CDG, NEO CD+G, NEO CD+Graphics)
NEO+G is a proprietary format developed by RSQ Audio. This technology allows about 75 songs on a single disc. Some karaoke sound track manufacturers have opted to produce NEO+G compatible discs. You must have an RSQ NEO compatible player to play an NEO+G disc.
NEO+G just have the same sound quality and graphics as a CD+G, but they have more advanced functions such as the ability to skip the silent introduction part of the songs. NEO+Gs do not include lead vocals but NEO+G does include background vocals and instrumentals.