GB2426375A

GB2426375A - Karaoke entertainment apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2426375A
Application number: GB0505075A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-11
Filing date: 2005-03-11
Publication date: 2006-11-22
Also published as: GB0505075D0

Abstract

Karaoke apparatus comprises an electronic mass storage system for storing musical recording tracks and graphics associated with the tracks, catalogue means for identifying and cataloguing the tracks by artist and/or title, interrogation means for accessing and selecting tracks using the catalogue means, and means for reproducing the selected tracks and the associated video. The form of cataloguing used obviates the need for an additional identifying number for a track and hence provides speedier access to tracks compared to conventional CD+G.

Description

ENTERTAINMENT APPARATUS

The present invention relates to entertainment apparatus, and generally to karaoke entertainment apparatus.

Karaoke entertainment systems have been known for several years and entertainment provided by karaoke clubs and Karaoke DJs (K-DJs) is popular.

The idea behind karaoke is for people to sing along with music. In prior known karaoke systems using current technology the music is supplied on a type of compact disc with associated graphics known in the abbreviated form as CD+G. The CD+G discs contain musical tracks, or songs, without the lead vocals. The words of the vocalist are provided to display, for example, on a TV screen in time with the music on the track and the users themselves sing the vocals and accompany the musical track.

The majority of present karaoke systems use CD+G discs that have simple graphics.

This is the most widely used format. There are other, more graphic intensive systems available, which display a video behind the words of the vocalist. Graphic intensive karaoke systems tend to use DVD, Laserdisc and VCD formats.

CD+G discs need to be played back on players with CD+G functionality, a common system is one having 2 trays (known as a duel disc player) so a song is prepared while another track is playing.

In current systems the musical tracks are accessed and selected by the user or a K-DJ by an inconvenient reference system. The system requires selecting a musical track by reference to a specific disc and disc number. In order to do this the disc must be kept physically present with the apparatus and in a strict order for the K-DJ to access the disc number and thus the discs and the musical tracks quickly. The karaoke host or the K-DJ needs to find, swap and set up all the discs to play from a catalogue index of the discs.

It is a problem if the selection and set up of the karaoke tracks for a user to perform takes too long, as users will become bored and the flow of the performances will be interrupted. It is therefore desired to provide an improved karaoke entertainment apparatus. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the reference system of the existing karaoke technology.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided Karaoke entertainment apparatus comprising an electronic storage system including means for storing one or more musical recording tracks and for storing graphics associated with each musical recording, further comprising a catalogue for identifying and cataloguing the musical tracks, interrogation means for accessing and selecting one or more tracks from the catalogue, said interrogation means being adapted to select the one or more musical tracks by reference to an artist or a title of the musical track catalogue, means for playing the one or more selected musical tracks and the associated graphics and microphone means for a user to accompany a musical track.

Advantageously the invented karaoke system results in no need to keep a library of CD+G discs physically present with the K-DJ as the system uses a computer hard drive or mass storage device to contain all of the musical tracks and songs from the catalogue.

The cataloguing means may provide an identification code number identifying a musical track. Each musical track includes title and artist information. Preferably the cataloguing means identifies an artist of a musical track or a title of a musical track and links the artist and title of the musical track together. The system may include an encoder for producing coded track information and for associating the code with an

artist and a song title of a track.

Preferably the interrogation means of the karaoke system is adapted to select one or more musical tracks by reference to an artist name or to a title of the musical track.

Using the song or artist information to access tracks removes the need for disc and track numbers which are used in present systems. In consequence a song number no longer needs to be looked up in a song list making the system easier to use and removing the overhead of the song list (which is often reproduced many times for many user performers) on the person running the karaoke entertainment. Accessing tracks by artist information is also easier for the performers requesting songs as the system is more intuitive and a user can recall a song or a artist and seek to access track information and listing using that reference point and not have to refer to a specific disc and track number. The improved karaoke entertainment apparatus consequently avoids user and K-DJ error in selecting tracks if the incorrect disc or track number is used.

Preferably the encoding system generates computer readable code.

The apparatus preferably includes interrogation means adapted to read encoded association and track information in order to obtain artist information and a song title of a track.

Preferably the interrogation means is further adapted to select the one or more musical tracks by reference to an artist or to a title of the musical track stored in the catalogue.

More preferably the selection of a track or tracks is displayed to a user on a user interface for further selection. More preferably the musical tracks are ordered in the catalogue, or in the selection of tracks displayed, according to an artist name or a song title or according to a predetermined set of rules. Advantageously the ordering of the tracks and a section of the tracks produce a list of ordered musical tracks which is easy for the K-DJ and for performers to read and make further selection from if required.

Advantageously the cataloguing feature of the present invention means that the system can create personal lists for particular users of the songs a particular user sings regularly saved on the system. Preferably such personal lists may also be searchable by the K-DJ andlor the karaoke performer. This feature of searchable lists makes it easier to find songs sung by a K-DJ and a regular karaoke performer.

Preferably the interrogation means uses an algorithm to match a musical track with the whole or part of an artist name or a whole or part of a song title. The algorithm and matching advantageously provide an easy to use way of referencing and looking up song titles and tracks by artist names.

In a preferred embodiment the karaoke entertainment apparatus includes recording means for recording and saving a performance of a user. The recording may be saved onto the storage system of the apparatus. Preferably the storage system is electronic storage system. The storage system may be remote from the apparatus or may be integrated with the apparatus as a computer hard drive. Alternatively the recording may be remotely saved to another device or storage system.

More preferably the feature of the recording and saving of a performance enables the recorded performances to be sold to the karaoke performer.

In a preferred embodiment the songs in the selection list can have the users (karaoke performers) name associated with them for reference or for recordal. Such a storage system enables song lists to be created and printed either by the karaoke apparatus machine or by creating a file which can be saved remotely to another device or storage system and printed elsewhere, or used to select a song for playback.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the karaoke entertainment apparatus includes a user interface and display means to display the catalogue of stored musical tracks or the selection of the catalogue of musical tracks that has been accessed by a performer or a K-DJ. More preferably the user interface is a liquid crystal display, plasma display, cathode ray tube display or other type of display. The means for playing the associated graphics of the musical track, for example from the CD-G disc may also be one selected from a variety of display types such as liquid crystal display, plasma display, cathode ray tube display.

Further in the preferred embodiment of the apparatus communication between the user interface and apparatus is enabled via an infra-red (IR) link or other communication means such as simplex, duplex or PTT (push to talk) or wireless link. This enables the system to communicate with the performers and to receive messages that can be used to control the karaoke device.

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More preferably the user interface feature includes means for externally controlling the karaoke entertainment apparatus directly and communication means for communicating from the external control to the entertainment apparatus.

More preferably the external control device is a wireless transceiver or a mobile telephone. Advantageously a system with an external control device could receive messages that could be displayed on the display device or TV screen and can be used to communicate with the performer. This provides enhanced features and an added experience for the karaoke performer and those watching the entertainment.

The external control device may be adapted to provide instructions and code readable by the entertainment apparatus. The direct external control may be provided by a text message from a wireless transceiver or mobile telephone.

The remote and external control means and storage system of the apparatus preferably may include a connection to the internet. Apparatus connected to the internet may enable controlling, updating and maintaining the catalogue and the system remotely over the internet. The K-DJ may purchase songs or complete discs of tracks for updating the system over the internet. Updating may also be from a remote resource or library accessed by wireless or hard line link.

In a preferred embodiment the storage system of the karaoke entertainment apparatus may comprise additional information such as a KDJ name, performer name, graphics or adverts for association with a musical track. The songs in the play list may then have the performers name associated with them for reference or recordal. Video adverts and/or associated information can be scrolled, reproduced, genlocked behind the words and graphics associated with the music tracks. Alternatively the information can be displayed on the screen between songs and during the performances at the discretion of the K-DJ.

The versatile platform of the present invention enables many enhancements to existing karaoke systems. Preferably the musical tracks can be created and printed or stored.

Preferably statistics can be gathered to create charts of musical tracks performed or lists according to other criterion. The system can also include features of known systems such as a pitch changer for adapting the system to performers with different range of voice.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure Ia shows a prior art karaoke display with CD+G technology; Figure lb shows a prior art karaoke display with VCD/Laserdisc/DVD technology; Figure 2 shows an illustration of the karaoke request process of the prior art; Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a karaoke system of the prior art; Figure 4 shows a front view of a prior art duel disc karaoke machine; Figure 5 shows an illustration of the karaoke request process of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a karaoke system of the invention; Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of the apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows an example of track information grouped according to one embodiment of the Karaoke accessing system of the present invention; Figure 10 shows an array of elements produced from the grouping of Figure 9; and Figures 11 and 12 are flow diagrams showing the encoding system of an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown karaoke entertainment apparatus 1 comprising an electronic storage system including means for storing one or more musical recording tracks and for storing graphics associated with each musical recording, further comprising a catalogue 2 for identifying and cataloguing the musical tracks, interrogation means for accessing and selecting one or more tracks from the catalogue, said interrogation means being adapted to select the one or more musical tracks by reference to an artist or a title of the musical track catalogue, means 3 for playing the one or more selected musical tracks and the associated graphics 4 and microphone means 5 for a user to accompany a musical track.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 a, lb and 2 to 4 show prior art karaoke systems.

Figure 2 shows a song list and ticket system currently used. A song list book 20 contains all the songs that the karaoke host has access to on their catalogue of discs.

The song list book 20 lists entries with track, artist and a track identification number 35.

The track identification number is the CD number and the number of the track on the CD e.g. CD1Tr9 or SF219.11. A paper ticket 30 is provided to a karaoke performer and the performer selects the song or track they wish to perform from the song list book 20. The performer writes their name and their song selection on the ticket 30. The ticket 30 must also contain the track identification number 35. The ticket 30 is handed to the karaoke host or K-DJ and the request is processed. The karaoke host finds the disc 34, with the requested track, from his catalogue. A catalogue of discs can vary in size from one hundred discs to as many as one thousand discs in some cases and the discs in the catalogue must be kept in a strict order. The CD+G disc cataloguing is very important in order to allow the karaoke host quickly to find the disc and the track of the performer's requested song. The flow of the performances and the entertainment is stopped until the K-DJ has found the appropriate disc 34 for the track number 35. The CD+G disc 34 is played back on a player 36 with CD+G functionality. Such a CD+G karaoke system is shown in Figure 3. The disc 34 is inserted into the CD+G player 36 and the K-DJ plays the track. Referring to figures la and ib, the performer

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accompanies the CD track 35 by viewing and being prompted by the words 17 of the vocals of the musical track displayed on display monitor 37.

In an alternative technology where the karaoke disc is a VCD (video CD) or laser disc or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) the monitor 37 contains the prompt vocals 17 for the

karaoke performer and a background video image 18.

The performer sings into microphone(s) 38. An audio mixer/amplifier 39 is used to mix the karaoke music and the performer's voice and output the musical rendition to speakers 40.

Figure 4 shows a karaoke machine 36 with dual disc technology. Dual disc trays enable the K-DJ to prepare a performer's track while another karaoke track is playing or being performed. Some karaoke machines use two CD players; one player 36, for CD+G discs and another player 41 for backing or interlude music. The backing music is played in between karaoke performers and does not have to be on CD+G technology.

Prior art systems as shown in Figures 2 to 4 are difficult to use and maintain and are reliant on the catalogued collection of karaoke CD+G discs. The collection must be carried around with the karaoke hardware equipment and must be catalogued and kept strictly in order by the K-DJ. The ordering and documenting of the tracks is crucial as the track identification number (the CD number and the number of the track on the CD) is used for finding the correct disc and track requested by a performer.

It is desirable for the K-DJ to update their library or catalogue of discs regularly with new discs and songs, this means that song book and track identification numbers must be updated as well. The song book and track identification numbers must be accurate because performers use the song book and paper ticket system for requesting tracks to perform. Problems arise as the disc and track indexing system, referring to track identification numbers is clumsy and error-prone.

Examples of errors include incorrect track numbers listed in the song list or tickets being lost or unreadable. Performer errors are generated when the paper based song list is hard to read, and a track identification number is copied incorrectly from the song list, the reference on the request ticket then being wrong. The error requires the karaoke host DJ to look up the song themselves in the song book for the appropriate track identification number. The track number allows the host to find the correct disc in the library of discs and the track location on the disc. The search could take many minutes and could interrupt the flow of the karaoke event.

The present invented system overcomes the above disadvantages and is described below with reference to Figures 5 to 12. Figures 7 and 8 show an apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the invention in which the audio musical track and graphic are stored digitally on a mass storage device.

The karaoke machine 2 contains all of the songs from a catalogue of CD+G discs on an internal hard drive. The karaoke machine 2 also contains other music not in CD+G format to provide interlude or background music between karaoke performers performing tracks. An additional CD player 41 is not required. In operation the role and function of the speakers 7, audio mixer/amplifier 3, microphone(s) 5 and display monitor 4 is as described previously with respect to Figure 3. The hard drive removes the need for the K-DJ to carry around the library or collection of karaoke CD+ G discs with the karaoke equipment.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 the stored musical tracks are referenced by the song track title and artist name or other means. The hard drive storage contains tracks encoded using a program. The database of available CDs on the karaoke machine hard drive holds track song title, artist details and other relevant information. The encoding system generates code linking the artist and title of the musical track, the encoding program is set out as a flowchart in Figures 11 and 12.

Musical track and associated graphics (CD+G format) are added to the mass storage device and stored digitally. The encoding system then generates the catalogue of musical tracks automatically with computer readable code as described in the steps below.

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1. The disc is first read using a CD+G compatible CDROM drive. This creates two files on the hard drive. A binary data file that contains interleaved audio and graphics information and a text toc file that contains the descriptor for the data file.

2. The disc is also examined and a unique identifier is generated which can be used to identify the disc information, such as track and artist information.

3. The toc file is then used to partition the data file into separate track files.

These track files contain the audio and graphics interleaved for that specific track.

4. The disc track and artist information is obtained. This could be read from a database using the disc unique identifier read in point 2, it also could be inputted by the user or other means.

5. The tracks are then de-interlaced and the audio is outputted into a PCM audio file. The graphics information is then compressed and outputted to a file which also contains information about the track such as Song title, Artist, Disc and other information used for playback such as if the audio is multiplexed (contains Backing on one stereo channel and Backing + Vocals on the other stereo channel).

The accessing of tracks from the catalogue is described in the steps below.

For each track, two files exist. An audio and graphics file. These are related by having the same file name with different extensions. For example: Asong. aud Asong. gfx These are grouped in a directory together, one way of grouping the files is shown in Figure 9 showing grouping by source disc name (i.e. GHGOO2) though this is not a restriction, they could be grouped with any other songs.

GHGOO1 GHGOO2 ----Asong.aud ----Asong.gfx ----TheShed.aud ----TheShed.gfx I ----AnotherSong.aud I ----AnotherSong.gfx GHGOO4 [GHGOO7 Example Directory Tree The system scans the directories that contain karaoke tracks and builds an array containing the required information for the interface to access the tracks. An array is shown in Figure 10.

And array of elements then exist, each one holding filename (i.e. location e.g. [karaoke/GHGOo1/14.nothersong]) Song name (e.g. [AnotherSong]) and Artist name (e.g. [Band]).

[karaoke/GHG0O 1 /Asong] [An Artist] [karaoke/GH000 1 /TheShed] [The Shed] [The Train Runners] [karaoke/GHG0O 1 /AnotherSong] [Another Song] [Band] List of Tracks on System Further arrays are created with references to the original above array and then sorted into logical order, such as Artist name and Song name alphabetical order. The numbers below are reference to the position of the track in the array above.

Example [24]

4] [223] [123] These arrays are then the basis of what the user interface is based upon. Search processes and interrogation techniques use these arrays to calculate, from a user input, what is the most likely track they are trying to access.

In an alternative embodiment the CD+G format with track song title, artist details and other relevant information may be encoded at a centralised database for generating and storing the encoded track data. K- DJs and users can obtain a coded form of the one or more desired tracks from the central database to create a catalogue of musical tracks.

In the preferred embodiment the musical tracks and linked identification code are digitally stored on the karaoke machine. Printable song lists can be created from the digitally stored catalogue. The lists are printed either by plugging a compatible USB printer into the karaoke machine and printing directly or by retrieving the list of musical tracks from the digital storage system and printing remotely by sending the list to a printer. In a preferred embodiment the encoder and information is integrated with the karaoke machine or accessible by the system such as an internet connection and allows users to encode additional discs themselves. Could allow for the user to manually add the information directly to the system for disc encoding if the information is not present or accessable. An internet connection could also be used to retrieve discs or tracks from a remotely stored database.

The encoding and catalogue song list generation removes the need for the K-DJ to manually enter information when updating adding a disc to their CD+G library. Also the preferred embodiment generates a song list that can be interrogated by track, song title and/or artist name using an algorithm removing the need for the performer to use the track identification number 35 to refer and select their track.

The karaoke system of the preferred embodiment provides versatile equipment for the K-DJ and for performers. Referring to the track by artist name and/or track title is more intuitive for the performer than using a track identification number and therefore less error prone. The removal of the need for the song list to be referenced and indexed by the track identification number allows the host DJ and performers to select tracks more easily. This improves the speed of track selection change over of performers at the karaoke event.

With the system of the preferred embodiment a karaoke request process is illustrated in Figure 5. The song list or catalogue 200 is a printed list of all of the songs available on the karaoke system. The performer selects the song and writes in their (or another) performer name and song selection on the ticket 300 and the ticket is handed to the karaoke host or K-DJ. A printed list 200 is not always required as a performer can request a particular track by writing their name and the title of the track on the ticket and handing it to the K-DJ. This system is helpful for regular performers and regular attendees of a karaoke event. The regulars can just write their name and the name of the track down and hand the ticket 300 straight to the K-DJ without needing to look at a song list or book 200. The weak link of incorrectly copying the track number down is removed. Due to the system design a K-DJ will be able to run an entire event without tickets. This is due to the very quick lookup of tracks and ability to keep people's names and/or songs in the play list.

The requesting of tracks by a user in the preferred embodiment is via a user interface, not via a paper-based system. The preferred user interface is an alpha numeric LCD display 50 on the front of the mass storage karaoke device and a remote control 40 for communicating with the karaoke device via the interface, as illustrated in Figure 7. The remote control 40 has an infra-red (ER) communication capability 60 for communicating and receiving information from the karaoke device. The remote control 40 has an alpha numeric key pad 70 similar to a phone.

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The user, a K-DJ (or the karaoke performer directly) requests a musical track by inputting a request using typing or a single press on each relevant key or via a selection from options in a menu. The stored songs are referenced by track title and by artist name. In the preferred embodiment an algorithm interrogates the CD+G collection and catalogue and deduces which track (or tracks) matches the closest to the typed user entry submitted via the user interface 50. The user interface displays the results of the comparison and, if required the position in the list of CD+G in the stored collection, through the user interface 50. If, for example, a few songs match the typed information request and interrogation information, the selection can be cycled through by the user using the user interface or by using buttons on the remote control. When there are multiple versions of the same song, the system will remember the last version it played so to save the K-DJ from looking up a specific version each time. In another embodiment the user may scroll up and down the list from the currently selected track to find similarly named tracks, or tracks by the same named artist. In a preferred embodiment once the song and musical track has been correctly selected from any options the K-DJ plays the CD+G track and the performer accompanies the track as previously described with reference to the prior art system and Figures la, lb and 2 to 4. The microphone(s) 5 is connected in one embodiment via microphone ports on the front of the karaoke machine. In another embodiment the microphones are integrated with the karaoke device. An echo/reverb effect may be added to the microphone.

A further embodiment includes the karaoke device receiving input messages, such as text messages from a mobile phone. The messages could be requests from a performer to request a track to perform or a request for a message to be scrolled across the screen (as in featured on many TV music channels). The text message could be a request to send pictures to be displayed via picture messaging on the monitor screen 37.

Communication with a mobile phone or other wireless transceiver includes an embodiment where a user is provided with direct control of the karaoke machine with a wireless device such as a PDA or a phone. A brief description of the messaging system and message format which could be used in such an embodiment is set out below.

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Message format [DESTiNATION] [MESSAGE TYPE] [MESSAGE] [DESTiNATION] (optional if single number is used) A destination must be specified for the message. A common phone number could be used for many different karaoke systems and an identifier would be used at the beginning to route to message to the correct machine. This could be the initials of the host or K-DJ, for example BR. Alternatively separate phone numbers issued for each entertainer would not require an identifier. [MESSAGE TYPE] This is a label specifying the type of content of the

message i.e. what the message is for.

For example a Song Request or a Scrolling Message on the screen. These tags could be "REQ" for song request or "MSG" for a scrolling message.

[MESSAGE] This is the content of the message.

Example

BR REQ Song Singer BR MSG Hi all!!!

Song Request Example

Someone requests a song via phone rather than getting up and talking to the presenter.

Due to the speed of the interface only the singers name need be sent although a song could be sent also: Example message for requesting a song.

BR REQ Song Singer Or BR REQ Singer Song This will be added to a "song request" inbox on the system. This message will either be processed manually or be added to the play-list automatically.

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Scrolling message Example These messages will be scrolled across the bottom of the screen and be read by people watching the screen.

An example message is BR MSG Hi all!!! This message would be placed into a "Scrolling message" inbox and will be displayed automatically following some predefined rules or displayed manually by the presenter.

Other messages such as picture messages This will be handled in a similar fashion as above. They will be filtered into the relevant inbox and then displayed whether automatically following predefined rules or manually.

The hardware required would be a mobile phone receiver that would be either installed in the box or attached via a wire/wireless interface for example USB. The messages would be routed from a service provider to the system. The message may be authenticated or have other security features to protect the system from bugs, viruses unwanted text messages etc. It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are given by way of example only and that modifications thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The apparatus could, include the displaying of graphics and video behind the words and between each musical track. Sound effects, adverts, texts and picture messaging may also be integrated. Karaoke performers may also be able to purchase recordings of their performances on the night of the karaoke event, or later by an ordering scheme and recording and saving of the performances. The system also enables a user to purchase a song while the system is running an event. So if a song is requested which the K-DJ

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does not have it could be unlocked (if on the drive but not purchased yet) or obtained from an external source, such as by downloading from the internet (via any connection such as wired, 802.11 or 3G phone network for example).

For example the apparatus could be used with other types of media format for example VCD, laser disc or DVD. The karaoke apparatus may receive messages from people on mobile phones, such as a request for a song, a message scrolled across the screen (similar to music channels such as MTV). The mobile phone messages could include pictures that could be displayed via picture messaging. Communication with the karaoke device could be via other wiredlwireless devices such as a PDA. The external control could be over different interfaces such as 3G, 802.11 or bluetooth.

The advantages of the system of the embodiment when compared with current systems include: * Advanced user interface giving enhanced ease of use.

* Play list system which allows the singer name to be associated with the song.

* Doesn't jump from vibrations.

* Does not wear the valuable CD+G discs.

* The K-DJ can leave the CD+G discs at home, these discs are normally the greatest asset of the K-DJ at 20-30 each * Instant access to tracks, no need for mechanical/user disc swapping and the resultant delay.

* Songs are accessed quickly by name or artist rather than a Disc + Track number system.

* Much easier to transport, very helpful as most karaoke systems need to be mobile.

* The storage system of the karaoke machine automatically handles interlude music between karaoke songs, removes the need for a separate player.

* Pitch control to change the key of songs to bring them into singing range if needed.

* Playback is of effective quality to current systems.

* Simple to add on options and modify the system for the user and performers.

* Also, text messaging directly to screen, advertising system on the karaoke device, predictive text style interface, zero button encoding (due to the disc knowing what CD the track is from, reading the unique id and having the information available it is to add it to the system automatically), instant purchasing of tracks while hosting an event (downloaded via internet/3G etc.). )

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. Karaoke entertainment apparatus comprising an electronic

storage system including means for storing one or more musical recording tracks and for storing graphics associated with each musical recording, further comprising a catalogue for identifying and cataloguing the musical tracks, interrogation means for accessing and selecting one or more tracks from the catalogue, said interrogation means being adapted to select the one or more musical tracks by reference to an artist or a title of the musical track catalogue, means for playing the one or more selected musical tracks and the associated graphics and microphone means for a user to accompany a musical track.
2. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cataloguing means is adapted to identify a musical track by title and artist information.
3. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cataloguing means includes an encoder for producing coded track information and association means for associating the code with an artist and

a song title of a track.
4. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the encoder is adapted to generate computer readable code.
5. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the association is encoded.
6. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the interrogation means is adapted to read the code.

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7. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the selection of track or tracks is displayed to a user on a user interface for further selection.
8. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cataloguing means produces a catalogue of ordered musical tracks.
9. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the musical tracks are ordered in the catalogue according to an artist name or song title or according to a predetermined set of rules to produce an ordered list of musical tracks.
10. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the interrogation means uses an algorithm to match a musical track with the whole or a part of an artist name or a whole or a part of a song title.
11. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising recording means for recording a performance of a user.
12. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising means for saving a recording of a user onto the storage system of the apparatus or remotely to another device or storage system.
13. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising communication means adapted for a user to communicate and interrogate the entertainment apparatus.
14. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the communication means includes a user interface and display means to display the catalogue of stored musical tracks.
15. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the user interface is a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

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16. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any of claims 13, 14 or 15, wherein the communication between the user and the entertainment apparatus is via an infra-red (IR) link.
17. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any of claims 14, 15 or 16, wherein the user interface feature includes means for externally controlling the karaoke entertainment apparatus directly and communication means for communicating from said external control to the entertainment apparatus.
18. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the external control device is adapted to provide instructions and code readable by the karaoke entertainment apparatus.
19. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the external control device is a wireless transceiver.
20. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein an external control command is provided by a text message from a wireless transceiver.
21. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage system comprises additional information such as a user name, graphics or adverts for association with a musical track.
22. Karaoke entertainment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein updating and maintaining the catalogue with additional information is via a connection to the internet.
23. An apparatus as hereinbefore described with reference to andlor substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of Figures 5 to 12.