Virtual DJ (VDJ) is a flexible, user-friendly MP3-mixing software that is simple enough for amateur DJs to get started mixing, yet high-end enough for professional DJs to crank out hot audio remixes that are good enough for club dance floors or fancy house parties. With its onboard karaoke feature, Virtual DJ can manage the entire event, allowing you to play and mix karaoke files and cue up to 10 singers with their song choices.

 Hardware

   1. To run Virtual DJ, you'll need at least a Pentium III - 850 MhZ computer, 1024x768 SVGA video, DirectX compatible sound card, 512 MB of RAM and 20 MB free on your hard drive. If you are going to video mix, you should have a dual core 2 GhZ computer, 2,048 MB of RAM, and one gigabyte of onboard memory for your dual-output ATI or nVidia video card. VDJ recommends that you "not" use an integrated laptop video card.

Optimization

   2. For better performance, VDJ's recommended system requirements are a Pentium 4 3 GhZ computer, 1024x768 SVGA video, 4.1 DirectX compatible sound card with separate outputs on the front and rear, 1024 MB of RAM, and at least 200 MB of free hard drive space. The more RAM the better. If you are running VDJ from your laptop, invest in a good cooling system, especially for club or outdoor summer events. Keep your laptop as cool as possible.

Database

   3. VDJ's powerful search engine database not only combs through personal audio files, it can conduct online "NetSearches" for music and videos and conduct VDJ "MusicGroup" community searches--suggesting complementing tracks to your currently playing track. Moreover, you can stream music and videos directly to your VDJ decks. Additionally, using VDJ "MusicGroups" helps new DJs tailor their own "Playlists" by viewing the shared lists of other DJs.

      To use these feature, simply click on "Config" in the upper left-hand corner of VDJ, tab to INTERNET and check "Use NetSearch" and "Use MusicGroup." You'll need a VDJ membership login name and password to access these features. A free membership level is available. Once you have set up these features, the VDJ's browser will offer "NetSearch Audio" and "NetSearch Video" as search options under the round circle next to the "Search" bar.

File Names

   4. Virtual DJ will play both MP3 and .CDG files right from .ZIP files. (.CDG stands for CD+Graphics, a format that extends compact disc standards to include low-resolution graphics to allow lyrics to accompany audio tracks.) A perfect tool to host karaoke events, VDJ can also play MP3+G, WAV+G, WMA+G, and OGG+G files.

Monitors

   5. To connect a TV or video monitor to your laptop, use an S-video connection. Under VDJ's "Config," tab to "Video," and select "TV Output" from the drop-down pane. For monitors not listed, use "Windows' Display Properties" to extend your desktop. Also, check "Use Hardware Accelerator." Select "Use This Plug-in for Audio-only Files" and pick a visual plug-in from the drop-down menu for interesting visual effects that sync to the beat when no video is playing.