[NEW] Making DC KARAOKE Useful - Let's talk about it?

[Scrivani]

I will re-upload them.

The "sega kara vcd" should be ok, it is selfboot, what link did you used?

[Nullbyt]

Got that part fixed but it's acting very strange. It boots into the insert vcd page only on my jp launch model dreamcast. Every other unit I've tried gives me an error about registering with dreampassport. The same disc will work on one unit but not another. It reads the disc fine but when you select the second option for disc swap it gives an error on all of my dreamcasts except jp model.

[ateam]

Screenshot_20231104-230452_Google.jpg

Got that part fixed but it's acting very strange. It boots into the insert vcd page only on my jp launch model dreamcast. Every other unit I've tried gives me an error about registering with dreampassport. The same disc will work on one unit but not another. It reads the disc fine but when you select the second option for disc swap it gives an error on all of my dreamcasts except jp model.

We discussed this on Discord, but it has to do with the software's check for ISP settings being configured, which are stored in the flashrom. This is very common in any game/software that launches a browser.

Anyway, I went ahead and disabled the check with a little assembly hack, thus ensuring compatibility and smooth operation for all users. Modified CDI can be downloaded below. I tested this on real hardware with and without ISP settings configured.

Segakara (XingHong VCD Player Edition + ISP Settings Check Removed).cdi
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1kRKOwJCsP4BGCoUqmin__qTpJuCa4uZL

I'm not sure yet, but I might do some additional hacking and further streamline the process of using this modified version of Segakara. I was thinking of disabling the VMU save/load screen upon boot, and then launch straight into the XingHong VCD player. If I do so, I'll share it here.

[Papa_Wisdom]

Screenshot_20231104-230452_Google.jpg

Got that part fixed but it's acting very strange. It boots into the insert vcd page only on my jp launch model dreamcast. Every other unit I've tried gives me an error about registering with dreampassport. The same disc will work on one unit but not another. It reads the disc fine but when you select the second option for disc swap it gives an error on all of my dreamcasts except jp model.

We discussed this on Discord, but it has to do with the software's check for ISP settings being configured, which are stored in the flashrom. This is very common in any game/software that launches a browser.

Anyway, I went ahead and disabled the check with a little assembly hack, thus ensuring compatibility and smooth operation for all users. Modified CDI can be downloaded below. I tested this on real hardware with and without ISP settings configured.

Segakara (XingHong VCD Player Edition + ISP Settings Check Removed).cdi
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1kRKOwJCsP4BGCoUqmin__qTpJuCa4uZL

I'm not sure yet, but I might do some additional hacking and further streamline the process of using this modified version of Segakara. I was thinking of disabling the VMU save/load screen upon boot, and then launch straight into the XingHong VCD player. If I do so, I'll share it here.

Hi, as mentioned In the other thread I’m just logging back on to hopefully get this sorted. A few questions if you don’t mind.

The link above to the .cdi I presume that’s just a boot cd that allows you to boot the karaoke unit up, after that you are able to boot your own custom karaoke cd?

I’ve never created one of these custom karaoke cds before but after reading the thread it’s about downloading the vids off you tube and ripping them is that correct?

Also in the thread a new lead was made for vga support, as mine is connected via that method is that required or by some magic is it now compatible without one?

Hope you take the time to reply

Many thanks

[ateam]

Well, I said I might do it, and I did!

Presenting my very own "Rebirth Edition" of the wonderful work already completed before me.

SegaKara (Rebirth Edition).cdi
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1cdKJ6p1YUZxQMugd8V5J7j8D339d8f12

Below is a list of what's been changed:

• A new English-language VMU icon has been created to replace the original SegaKara VMU icon.
• The VMU save/load screen is skipped upon software boot.
• Title screen text has been modified.
• Main menu no longer displays three options, but rather just one, instructing user to press the A button.
• A new background texture has been rendered to replace the original from the XingHong VCD player.
• ISP settings check removed, bringing compatibility to all consoles regardless of network configuration.

To see this new edition in action, check out the video below.

[Papa_Wisdom]

Well, I said I might do it, and I did!

Presenting my very own "Rebirth Edition" of the wonderful work already completed before me.

SegaKara (Rebirth Edition).cdi
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1cdKJ6p1YUZxQMugd8V5J7j8D339d8f12

Below is a list of what's been changed:

• A new English-language VMU icon has been created to replace the original SegaKara VMU icon.
• The VMU save/load screen is skipped upon software boot.
• Title screen text has been modified.
• Main menu no longer displays three options, but rather just one, instructing user to press the A button.
• A new background texture has been rendered to replace the original from the XingHong VCD player.

To see this new edition in action, check out the video below.

That video was very helpful showing it in action. Thanks very much for that.

Does the karaoke unit work via vga as standard or does it require one of the made up cables.

Would the discord be the best place to obtain some karaoke discs?

Thanks!

[ateam]

Does the karaoke unit work via vga as standard or does it require one of the made up cables.

Would the discord be the best place to obtain some karaoke discs?

I have no idea about VGA here, I used composite for the testing. However, I know the software itself natively supports VGA.

Regarding where to obtain karaoke VCDs, unfortunately I can't help much there. There's a Mega link shared in this thread with several disc images, but the folder appears to be empty now.

[Treamcaster]

Wow, amazing work everyone! Now just imagine using this software and microphone to sing to Yukawa Hidekazu's song "Dreamcast"!

[Scrivani]

>> Some news:

1. Download VCD examples

VCD Mega Folder
https://mega.nz/folder/ooFxwYTD#Ts5Ig49ApdOgxAYYdMqZJw


2. VGA Karaoke Link Cable

A friend created this cable for me, where I can now have all Karaoke features on other video signals such as SCART, VGA and HDMI.

Maybe I was the first one stubborn enough to order a cable like this?

VGA_KARAOKE_CABLE1.jpeg

VGA_KARAOKE_CABLE2.jpeg

VGA_KARAOKE_CABLE3.jpeg

I uploaded a custom vcd that I made for last trip, is in nero format (.ngr). You can just burn with nero express or run the image on a virtual disc software like daemon tools or alcohol120%. Could anyone try that?

Let me get you aware of this: xing hong seems to have a 0.8 second delay between video (lyric) and audio. So this custom have a video foward in 1sec, so to be almost perfect sync.

But even if you dont change anything on Retail VCDs like my Sega Tectoy collection (please give me more days to reupload), you can get used of the video/lyric sync little delay. Just need to focus on music rhythm.


VGA: yes, you need a custom cable with all pins.

[-drez01-]

Thank you ateam! Love the sonic splash theme. You are the man!

I was right about the prices skyrocketing, tho that seems to be everything DC related nowadays..

I should have pulled the trigger when I had the chance