New SC Lawsuits Hit Ohio - CAVS & HD Sellers Named & Dan Sterns Raided By FBI

[JoeChartreuse]

I was just at a disc based show that had maybe 10 SC discs & the show really sucked...

Crappy U-Best, SGB, & All Hits mainly...

Roadhouse Blues by The Doors was a U-Best that was edited, as well as the key was wrong, & it had an up-tempo for time.... Horrible....

I can't wait for the coming storm to hit so everyone will delete their Chartbuster & Pop Hits Monthly as well. That will make my shows so much better than the competition!

Hi-de-ho, hmmm, hmmmm.... la, de, da

:sqwink:

When I first converted to CD+G from the big laser discs ( after converting from cassettes and lyric sheets) my entire library consisted of the SGB set and 12 SuperCore discs. I don't even want to talk about the equipment.

Within my first year I was working 5 nights per week, and not at a cheap rate. This was in competition with some top hosts, with better branded discs ( of which Sound Choice had not yet become). Successful ( and still am).

If the show you saw sucked ( in your opinion), then the host sucked.

A good host will make a show successful, no matter what he/she is carrying, and a bad host will kill a show, even if they carry every track available and are running a gazillion dollar system.

While my library has grown quite a bit since then, I have found:

DK ( the gold standard of karaoke hosts before SC out-marketed them) to be generally superior to Sound Choice.

Chartbuster superior to Sound Choice in the country genre

Music Maestro to be generally superior to Sound Choice in the Doo Wop genre.

Zoom and Priddis to be at least equal to and in many cases superior to Sound Choice in the Pop genre.

SuperCore to be more popular with the singers overall than Sound Choice

Pop Hits and Monster Hits to be reliable alternatives.

Even SGB has tracks that are superior to some Sound Choice tracks, such as Son Of A Preacher Man, Total Eclipse Of The Heart, and War Pigs.

Sound Choice has IMHO, the absolute WORST Elvis tracks out there- some the King himself couldn't sing...

Yes, these are only my opinions, but as long as the people who make me successful - the singers and their friends who come, enjoy themselves, and keep me employed- agree, that's good enough for me.


So, if one is library dependant, AND is depending on SC tracks to make a go..... I think I can stand the heat...:sqlaugh::sqwink:

 

[Wall Of Sound]

Even SGB has tracks that are superior to some Sound Choice tracks, such as Son Of A Preacher Man, Total Eclipse Of The Heart, and War Pigs.

You make me laugh Joe. The SC version of War Pigs was the first to have the full version with the over 2 minute guitar outro, the way the song is intended to be heard! SGB is an edited piece of crap which is tinty at best! As far as Black Sabbath goes, SC is the only producer I have found with N.I.B. & Snowblind. Sure, not many people can pull off these songs but when someone does, like myself or Psycho Mike, it's incredable! However, SGB has the only version of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. :sqlaugh::sqlaugh::sqlaugh:

I will agree that the DK version of Elvis' "Suspicious Minds" is superior (Except for the pan-flute) to SC's. Also, any Doors songs produced by SC don't seem right either. Monster Hits has the only full version of "L.A. Woman" & "Five To One" by The Doors & they rock! Also Monster Hits has the full 9 1/2 minute Jackson Browne "The Load Out/Stay" that ends the "Running On Empty" album.

Before a debate begins on song length & having music edited out so a KJ can get as many singers up as possible in a show, my shows are FM Karaoke, not AM. To each it's own. I have been with my 3 major clients, 5 nights a week between the 3 for, 7 years, 6 years, & 5 years respectfully. Pretty good staying power even if there is a 2 to 3 minutes worth of music in a track, yeah?

So sell me all your SCs Joe. Also hook me up with all the CB & PHM discs you have when those companies start using the same tactics in litigation as SC has been!

Yeah baby! I'll take that! Woo Hoo!

Seriously I will admit. One can build a good library with DK (Except for the pan-flute), KH, Radio Starz, Monster Hits, Sunfly, & Quick Hits.

 

[Wall Of Sound]

SuperCore to be more popular with the singers overall than Sound Choice

Did you know that Supercore are bootlegs of Karaoke Hits, Amerising, & Pop Hits/Top Hits Monthly?

Hmmmmm, I wonder whose list they are on for illegal distribution?:sqwink:

 

[JoeChartreuse]

I will agree that the DK version of Elvis' "Suspicious Minds" is superior (Except for the pan-flute) to SC's. Also, any Doors songs produced by SC don't seem right either. Monster Hits has the only full version of "L.A. Woman" & "Five To One" by The Doors & they rock! Also Monster Hits has the full 9 1/2 minute Jackson Browne "The Load Out/Stay" that ends the "Running On Empty" album.

Before a debate begins on song length & having music edited out so a KJ can get as many singers up as possible in a show, my shows are FM Karaoke, not AM. To each it's own. I have been with my 3 major clients, 5 nights a week between the 3 for, 7 years, 6 years, & 5 years respectfully. Pretty good staying power even if there is a 2 to 3 minutes worth of music in a track, yeah?

So sell me all your SCs Joe. Also hook me up with all the CB & PHM discs you have when those companies start using the same tactics in litigation as SC has been!

Yeah baby! I'll take that! Woo Hoo!

Seriously I will admit. One can build a good library with DK (Except for the pan-flute), KH, Radio Starz, Monster Hits, Sunfly, & Quick Hits.

Yup, it really is all subjective Wall. There isn't a "wrong" here, only "different". Thank you for being gentleman enough to note that.

I will say this- no joke- for those who don't like the low volume melody "pan flute" on DKs ( designed specifically to help the amateur singer)- If one can hear it while one is singing, one is singing out of tune ( or I should say "out of melody"- meaning that someone may be singing it well, but stylizing.)

Wall, I'd sell you my SC discs, but I have so few I'm sure they would only be dupes for you..:sqlaugh:

If the the other companies do what SC is ATTEMPTING to do, but unlike SC, actually use use pro investigation techniques, I have no problem with them.

 

[VJ Justin Allen]

If the the other companies do what SC is ATTEMPTING to do, but unlike SC, actually use use pro investigation techniques, I have no problem with them.

Hmm What do you consider "Pro investigation techniques"?

 

[Guest]

Hmm What do you consider "Pro investigation techniques"?

I would say that they would be using the investigations that have already been done by SC, that way more than half of their leg work is already done!

 

[JoeChartreuse]

Did you know that Supercore are bootlegs of Karaoke Hits, Amerising, & Pop Hits/Top Hits Monthly?

Hmmmmm, I wonder whose list they are on for illegal distribution?:sqwink:

Not exactly. Though they contain versions of their tracks, it is by mutual agreement with those companies, from what I read ( but who knows?). They also contain DK sans "pan flute" ( Rockin' Robin and Suspicious Minds off the top of my head), and Legends.

I'm not sure, but I think Karaoke Hits came out AFTER SuperCore?

I believe the "bootlegger" you are thinking of is All Hits, but I'm not sure. They MAY have an agreement as well.

Heck, I'm not sure it matters- do any of them have full licensing? :sqlaugh::sqerr:

 

[KjAthena]

just poping in to say we are still awaiting audit all three systems books were sent in. BTW my favorite cdgs have always been pioneer MM SC and DK are all close behind...never liked SGB or all hits

 

[JoeChartreuse]

just poping in to say we are still awaiting audit all three systems books were sent in. BTW my favorite cdgs have always been pioneer MM SC and DK are all close behind...never liked SGB or all hits

Yup, Pioneer were great! Wish they were still producing....:sqfrown:

I, for one, can't wait for the results and specifics. Thanks for keeping us posted!

 

[coocoo4karaoke]

Not at all, and I'm sure it has! However, my points remain valid:

1) Not enough ( if any) "investigation"- and innocents can be caught up with the guilty- not acceptable.

2) Pot calling the kettle..... http://dkusa.com/pdf/SC_Fed_Complaint.pdf


3) Though "witches" may have been caught, I'm still waiting for a list of LOTS ( your word) of them either being put out of business, or raising prices dramatically to the point of having legal hosts compete at the same level. Neither happening. Also since these suits take so long, it WON'T be happening in the near future. Add to that that if and when it DOES happen, there will be plenty of replacement pirates.

In other words, I'm still waiting for the BENEFITS that those who claim that SC was going to make a dent in PIRACY keep espousing.

Keep in mind, Kurt didn't make the claim, the KJs did.

However, and again APPLAUDING SC, busting the HD distributors with the FBI involved WILL make a dent, and with less chance of erroneous busts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. I seen the lawsuit against the Karaoke Kandy Store (also known as cheapkaraoke and lightyearmusic and so many other names). Where is all the other manufacturers on this? If Pop Hits Monthly, Chartbuster, etc does not jump in to make a point, then nothing will get done.

2. If SC sticks to it's guns and makes an example of that store in Ohio, then it will have some impact. If it is true that the Karaoke Kandy Store has been uploading SC songs on the drives they sell, then they should be held accountable. If it is not true, I would be fighting mad about now!

 

[coocoo4karaoke]

First the Ohio Filing:

http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-ohndce/case_no-1:2010cv00990/case_id-165800/

Next, the statement Kurt Slep gave me:

"Now that Karaoke Kandy Store has been served with a lawsuit for
illegally loading our song content onto CAVS players and hard drives,
feel free to also make public the news that Bill Beane aka Dan Stearns
of Ebay and Craigs List fame, probably the most prolific poster of
illegal drives on Craig's List has been raided by the FBI and they are
awaiting a review of all evidence to decide which specific charges will
be pressed, since he has obviously violated so many of them, including
of course, income tax evasion."

It's nice to see that the FBI has been taking actions....

Stay tuned, more info to follow!

PS: Thank you Kurt for the scoop!

So, is the FBI gonna take down the Karaoke Kandy Store too? I keep hearing this Dan Stearns mixed in with this Ohio lawsuit. Where is Chartbuster and Pop Hits Monthly in all this? Let's see, what if the Karaoke Kandy Store (Also known as Lightyearmusic, cheapkaraoke) is sneaky and just deletes all the Soundchoice that is said to be on units they sell. If the other manufacturers are going to do NOTHING, then what's the sense in going after an actual store?

I am all for Soundchoice busting people using their content. But when is the manufacturers going to actually look out for ALL the kj's , retailers, clubs, that spent a lot more money to be legit all these years.. Where's the thanks in that? It requires the manufacturers making a HUGE EXAMPLE of a retail store if they are serious about protecting everyone else. I for one have lost so much business due to other kj's that have loaded laptops. Even a friend of mine bought a laptop from that store with 35,000 karaoke songs on it and over 30,000 dj songs and said that they do not have the disc with it. I can't compete with that.. I have under 10,000 songs!

 

[Guest]

Yup, Pioneer were great! Wish they were still producing....:sqfrown:

I think Pioneer are terrible, they sound like Casio keyboard renditions.

 

[Wall Of Sound]

So, is the FBI gonna take down the Karaoke Kandy Store too? I keep hearing this Dan Stearns mixed in with this Ohio lawsuit. Where is Chartbuster and Pop Hits Monthly in all this? Let's see, what if the Karaoke Kandy Store (Also known as Lightyearmusic, cheapkaraoke) is sneaky and just deletes all the Soundchoice that is said to be on units they sell. If the other manufacturers are going to do NOTHING, then what's the sense in going after an actual store?

I am all for Soundchoice busting people using their content. But when is the manufacturers going to actually look out for ALL the kj's , retailers, clubs, that spent a lot more money to be legit all these years.. Where's the thanks in that? It requires the manufacturers making a HUGE EXAMPLE of a retail store if they are serious about protecting everyone else. I for one have lost so much business due to other kj's that have loaded laptops. Even a friend of mine bought a laptop from that store with 35,000 karaoke songs on it and over 30,000 dj songs and said that they do not have the disc with it. I can't compete with that.. I have under 10,000 songs!

Apparantly the FBI has been working on the Dan Stern case for years & are slow in the process. As far as Kandy Store, my understanding is that SC is going the civil case route after them....

That's how I read it...

 

[Wall Of Sound]

I think Pioneer are terrible, they sound like Casio keyboard renditions.

Some Pioneer is good but they do edit songs for length & speed up the tempo. "I Am The Walrus" is a perfect example of tempo speed & "Rocky Mountain Way" is edited to death at the end.

Also slight "pan-flutes" on some renditions....

 

[JoeChartreuse]

I think Pioneer are terrible, they sound like Casio keyboard renditions.

Actually, we're both right, Cam, and I should have been more specific. Pioneer had great tracks, but they weren't all that consistant. Some really DID stink.


An aside, but relevant to this thread, I think.:

It was mentioned on two other forums that software exists for under $100 bucks that will remove the trademarks/logos from karaoke files.

IF that's true ( and I have no idea whether it is, or whether it's BS) wouldn't that put the kibosh on WHOEVER goes for a trademark infringement suit? So you understand, I WOULD think that would suck. While I disagree with certain methodology, this would let online HD distributors ( the people doing REAL piracy damage) to get away with it.

Some computer expert please tell me this software rumor is BS!

 

[VJ Justin Allen]

You cannot remove visual logos or watermarks from video without cutting out the clip that the watermark is on. Then you have to start editing the video so that it all matches up.

There is no magic "erase logo" tool on any piece of editing software.

 

[jokerswild]

Actually, we're both right, Cam, and I should have been more specific. Pioneer had great tracks, but they weren't all that consistant. Some really DID stink.


An aside, but relevant to this thread, I think.:

It was mentioned on two other forums that software exists for under $100 bucks that will remove the trademarks/logos from karaoke files.

IF that's true ( and I have no idea whether it is, or whether it's BS) wouldn't hat put the kibosh on WHOEVER goes for a trademark infringement suit? So you understand, I WOULD think that would suck. While I disagree with certain methodology, this would let online HD distributors ( the people doing REAL piracy damage) to get away with it.

Some computer expert please tell me this software rumor is BS!

There is most of the CDG Maker programs for creating your own graphics can do this.

I don't know of any that automatically do it tho.

You cannot remove visual logos or watermarks from video without cutting out the clip that the watermark is on. Then you have to start editing the video so that it all matches up.

There is no magic "erase logo" tool on any piece of editing software.

Karaoke video is a misnomer what we are generally referring to as video is really just a graphic file timed to music. It's not like motion picture video and is completely editable without disturbing the content beyond what is edited or being obvious like when done to a movie or music video.

 

[JoeChartreuse]

There is most of the CDG Maker programs for creating your own graphics can do this.

I don't know of any that automatically do it tho.



Karaoke video is a misnomer what we are generally referring to as video is really just a graphic file timed to music. It's not like motion picture video and is completely editable without disturbing the content beyond what is edited or being obvious like when done to a movie or music video.

So someone would have to do it sector by sector- for each track? Heck, that's almost the same as not having the software, like Justin said. Who would bother? I mean for thousands of tracks??? Good to hear!

 

[Manobeer]

So someone would have to do it sector by sector- for each track? Heck, that's almost the same as not having the software, like Justin said. Who would bother? I mean for thousands of tracks??? Good to hear!

IF someone really wanted to edit out the actual manus logo, they should rip discs to video files instead of mp3g.

With better video editors you might be able to create an action that trims the first 5-10 seconds, and set it to do a batch of thousands of video files. Or to superimpose a logo with the same color background on those thousands of video files.

But I have never heard of the $99 proggie that does that.

 

[jokerswild]

So someone would have to do it sector by sector- for each track? Heck, that's almost the same as not having the software, like Justin said. Who would bother? I mean for thousands of tracks??? Good to hear!

There's usually just two graphics that would need removed the intro where it shows and the outtro.... and no it's not nearly as complicated as going sector by sector...

You just pull up the CDG into an editor and insert a black in it's place for the durration it displays....

But, you are right it would be more trouble than it's worth IMHO just to skirt copyrights.

Here's just one example of a program that could do it.... http://www.powerkaraoke.com/src/prod_karaokecdgcreator.php

There are more advanced programs that cost a lot more money but, I just can't remember what they are at the moment... something like CDG Maker Professional????