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#REDIRECT [[Documentation]]
=Start Here=
=Start Here=


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But don’t take my word for it. Try it out for yourself. It’s SHAREWARE, meaning you can download and use it for free in Tryout mode.  
But don’t take my word for it. Try it out for yourself. It’s SHAREWARE, meaning you can download and use it for free in Tryout mode.  


==kJams Documentation==


==System Requirements==
The documentation on this website will help you navigate the kJams world. The Table of Contents shows the topics covered, allowing you to click to whatever info you need. If you are technically adept and familiar with karaoke--well,you won't read the documentation anyway, will you? Neverthless, there are links to technical material that may find useful, and I suggest you check out the forums as well.  
For Mac users: Mac OS X 10.4. or better
For PC users: Windows XP or better
QuickTime 7.1 or better
*An internet connection (at least temporarily) to the computer on which you plan to purchase and activate a kJams license
* 4 GB for less than 15,000 songs, other 6 GB or more
* 10GB free hard drive space,  250GB recommended
* 800MHz PPC CPU, recommend 2 or more Intel CPU at 2GHz each
 
To rip and/or burn, you'll need a compatible drive. Not all drives are compatible!
 
'''Suggestion''' -->  One of the reasons I provide a Tryout version is so you can see if your drive is compatible. More on this in the next section.
 
==Tryout Version of kJams==
A Tryout (unregistered) version of kJams is completely free to download and use. This version contains most of the functionality of the registered version, and I recommend that you download and use the Tryout version first, before purchasing. This is especially important if you plan on ripping songs from discs or burning to a disc, as you will need to make sure your CD drive works.
 
kJams also has two plug-ins available (sold separately) for those who want to burn to CD or create their own karaoke songs. If you wish to burn CDs and you are a Mac user, you will need to download the Tryout version of Mac Burner. For Windows users, the plug-in is built in, so there is no separate download.
 
There is also a Tryout version of the Producer plug-in for producers of karaoke music. Producer allows you to create or edit existing CDG graphics, use Synced text from other programs to create new karaoke graphics, and add pictures (still images). For more information on Producer, click here.
 
'''Only a few limitations'''
 
There are no restrictions or time limits in using the Tryout version. However, you should be aware of its limitations.
 
The Tryout version of kJams Lite:
*Can't export more than 10 songs to QuickTime
*Can't add more than 3 songs to a any playlist (except for your library)
*Can't rip or play anything other than tracks 1, 2 and 3 on any disc
 
The Tryout version of kJams Pro:
*Has the same limitation listed above, plus it
*Can't add more than 3 singers
*Can't add more than 2 singers to the rotation
*Can't add more than 2 songs to a singer's "Tonight" playlist
 
The Tryout version of Mac Burner and Windows Burner:
* Can’t burn more than 2 songs on a disc
* This is important. Purchasing the burner plug-in alone (without purchasing kJams itself) will not resolve this limitation. That is because you have to create a playlist in order to burn a CD, and the Tryout version of kJams limits playlists to 3 songs. In order to burn more than 3 songs to disc, you must have both a registered version of kJams and a registered version of the burner plug-in.
 
::In case you’re wondering if you can enjoy kJams without ever burning a CD—absolutely! In fact, most of my users never burn anything. The ability to burn discs is necessary only if you want to make backups or you want to create your own mix karaoke discs. For the Diva (and you know who you are), the burner plug-in allows you to create mixed discs of your favorite songs, which you can then take to any karaoke venue. But for most mere mortals, burning discs isn’t necessary.
 
The Tryout version of the Producer plug-in:
* Will have red X's in the lyrics of songs you burn to CD+G.
 
 
There are no other differences between the trial version and the licensed version of the software.


===Using this Documentation===
If you’re new to karaoke or technically challenged, I recommend you read through (or at least skim) the topics in the order they're presented, as they are logically sequenced. Just click on the topic name, and the link will take you to the information. I’ve tried to keep it simple, but let me know if something is confusing.  
If you’re new to karaoke or a computer klutz, I recommend you follow the steps outlined in this documentation. I’ve tried to keep it simple, but let me know if something is confusing.  


When you see a word or phrase hyperlinked, that means there is additional information available. Often this information is geared toward the techies and the karaoke fanatics, but not always. If you there is something you don’t understand, click on the available hyperlinks.
Most sections contain links to more detailed information. Often this information is geared toward the techies and the karaoke fanatics, but not always. If you there is something you don’t understand, click on the available hyperlinks.


kJams menu options are described using this shorthand:
kJams menu options are described using this shorthand:
:Click on Edit --> Preferences --> Stores
:Click on Edit → Preferences → Stores


This means:
This means:
Line 66: Line 23:
#In the list presented there, click on Stores.
#In the list presented there, click on Stores.


One last thing. A name that's in quotes refers to an exact name. For example, if I say "kJams Music" folder, I mean the folder in the file system with that exact name.


===Keyboard Shortcuts===
===Keyboard Shortcuts===
Line 71: Line 30:
Many of the kJams menu items have keyboard shortcuts, which are documented on the menus themselves. If you prefer using your keyboard, rather than your mouse, go ahead and learn these shortcuts.
Many of the kJams menu items have keyboard shortcuts, which are documented on the menus themselves. If you prefer using your keyboard, rather than your mouse, go ahead and learn these shortcuts.


For you techies, you can customize your own keyboard shortcuts here.
For you techies, you can customize your own keyboard shortcuts here. [[Custom Keyboard Shortcuts]]
 
==Downloading==
Downloading kJams is simple. Find the version that you want at the top right corner of this page.
 
By the way, the download is the same for the trial version and the registered version. Why? Because you have to download the trial version first in order to purchase. This keeps it very simple in that once you purchase, there’s nothing more to do to get the registered version. You already have it!
 
'''For Mac Users'''
It's drag and drop! Don't you think all applications should install that way?
#Click the link of the version you want to download.
#In the Finder, unzip it.
#Drag it to your applications folder.
#Don't forget to trash the zip file.
#Drag it from your Applications folder to your dock. Now you can laugh it from your dock with a single click.
 
'''For Windows Users'''
#Click the link of the version you want to download.
#Respond Save to Do You Want to Open or Save this File?
#Once the file has been saved, click on it to install kJams and follow the instructions.
#The kJams icon automatically appears on your desktop and in your Start Menu.
 
'''If you want to rip from CDs'''
 
In order to rip a music file to your hard drive, it needs to be converted from the CD-audio format into a computer-file format. (This is known as “format shifting” or “encoding.”) This requires a specialized software library called an encoder. QuickTime (which you should already have on your computer) includes several built-in encoders that are quite excellent, so you don’t need to download an encoder unless you want a file format that QuickTime does not support.
 
If you are okay with AAC, AIFF, WAV, or AppleLossless encoding, then all you need is QuickTime.
 
However:
*If you want encode to MP3, then download LAME.
::Translation for non-techy types:  if you want to copy songs from a CD and have them end up as MP3 files, you will need LAME installed on your computer.
*If you want to encode  to Ogg Vorbis, then also install XiphQT.
*Some formats require a QuickTime decoder:
**ffmpeg for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 playback (free)  Note: for MPEG2 you still need ANOTHER MPEG2 plug-in, below.
**MPEG2 for Lion (OS X 10.7 or higher)
**MPEG2 For Pre-Lion (Earlier than OS X 10.7) $20 required for MPEG2 playback, sorry
**Perian for AVI, DivX, FLV, MKV, GVI, VP6, and VFW
**Flip4Mac for KMA and WMA playback
**DivX
**AC3
 
Don’t forget--Your drive may not be able to read CD+G disks.
 
'''Other downloads'''
 
*If you are a Mac user and you want to burn CDs, download the tryout version of the Mac Burner plugin
*If you are trying kJams Pro and you want to be able to create new karaoke songs by syncing lyrics, download the Producer plug-in. (This applies to Macs only.)
*If you would like to download sample songs, click here.Sample Files. (This download includes Twist and Shout from Tricerasoft.)Once the songs are downloaded into the kJams folder, the songs are ready to be added to the kJams library.
 
===UnInstalling===
If you really want to utterly remove everything related to kJams from your system, just search for "kJams", and get rid of everything that is in the Application folder (Macs) or the Programs Folder (Windows). Don’t delete the kJams folder that is under your My Music folder, or you will end up deleting all of your music.  for Macs, is it called My Music?
 
==Purchasing==
 
I recommend that you play with the kJams Tryout version—have fun with it!—before you decide to purchase. The Getting Started section will help get you up and singing in no time. And be sure you test ripping music to your hard drive and burning music to a CD, since not all computer drives are compatible.
 
Once you realize how cool kJams is, you will of course want ALL of its functionality. Purchasing a license is quick and easy.
 
#Open your Tryout version of kJams.
#Click Help  Purchase.
#Follow the directions EXACTLY.
#Select the application and plug-ins that you want. (Note: the shopping cart allows you to purchase only one application at a time.)
#Do not enter the serial number. (This happens automatically.)
 
 
'''Applications'''
 
kJams Lite: $40
 
kJams Pro: $110
 
*kJams Lite is for home/private party use only. That means you may use it in your home with no more than 20 people participating. (If you are a cat person, you do not have to count the cats. Unless they sing.) If you plan to use kJams in a private venue where there are more than 20 people, or in any public venue, or in a professional setting, you must purchase kJams Pro.
 
*kJams does NOT include the burner plug-in. You have to purchase this separately.
 
*You will be asked to read the License Agreement before purchasing. Salient points:
#Your license is tied to your computer—one computer, one license. With one exception: You may activate a single license on 2 computers, but both computers must be yours. You cannot use one license for both you and your wife. Or you and your kids. And yes, you can activate kJams on both your Mac and your PC. I allow two activations so that you can have a backup computer in case one falls off a cliff right before a show.
#Your license is transferrable.
#Your license is tied to your computer and may become inoperative if any of the following occur:
#You replace your startup drive .
#You replace your networking card (ethernet).
#Your operating system makes a major change—for example, going from 10.4 to 10.5 can sometimes cause a deactivation).
#You switch to a different computer.
 
'''Plugins'''
 
Burner Plugin (works with both Lite and Pro): $20
 
:Keep in mind:
:*To burn more than 3 songs, you must have a registered version of kJams.
:*You really should test your drive first to make sure it’s compatible with the burner plugin.
 
Producer Plugin (for use with kJams Pro): $70
 
iPhone or iPod Touch Apps (for use with kJams Pro)
iJams: 99¢
:For more information on iJams, click here.
 
===Updates===
Updates to kJams are always free, and they happen frequently. Perhaps one day if I ever get to version 2.0, that will be a paid upgrade.
 
If the auto-magical updater that is built into kJams fails for some reason (or you're crashing on startup), it's probably due to a newly introduced bug, which is probably now FIXED in the current version. So just go download the latest version and install it manually, replacing the one that was there before. Hopefully from then on the auto-updater will work again. (Note: Even though the version number shown on this page does not include the "r" designation, it will always, in fact, link to the very latest "r" build.)
 
 
If there's a brand new release and you update to it and it crashes on startup, believe me I already know about it and am working to fix it as you read this. (However, please tell me anyway. The more people that report it, the faster I work). Meanwhile, you can easily downgrade to the previous version. When you run the downgraded version, do not update until there's an even newer version available, which should happen very shortly.
 
===Upgrades===
If you purchase kJams Lite and then decide to upgrade to kJams Pro:
#Open kJams.
#Click on Help  Upgrade 
#Follow the instructions.
 
The cost to you is exactly the difference between a Lite license and a Pro license.
 
===Discounts and Site Licenses===
*There are no coupons—please don't ask.
*If you represent a place of worship or a non-profit: 50% off.
*If you are a student: 50% off
*If you represent a school and you need a site license for school-use lab computers: 70% off
*If you are doing humanitarian work or are in the military: 100% off (Free... and thank you for what you do.)
*Site Licensing: pay for 4 licenses, get the 5th one free
 
=Getting Started=
This section will help you get a feel for kJams. If you are super technical, you probably won’t bother reading this section. (But you should anyway.) If you’re software-challenged, read on!
 
==Starting kJams==
Once you download and install kJams, the kJams icon will be in your Start Menu (Windows) or in your Dock (Mac).
 
#Click the icon to start the program.
#The Main Screen opens and displays your main music library (which is empty) and the kJams menu bar.
#If there are any new music stores available, you will be asked if you want to download them. I suggest you always download the new stores as they become available.
 
==Ways to Play==
There are three ways you can play karaoke music through kJams.
#You can play music directly off of a karaoke CD. (This assumes your drive can read karaoke CDs, which is not always the case.)
#You can stream karaoke music from internet music sites.
#You can play music that has been downloaded to your computer. This includes music that you purchase through kJams, but also music files that may already reside on your hard drive.
 
And of course, you can do any combination of the three.


''A note about streaming music:'' To stream music, you purchase a subscription, kind of like Netflix, and then you can access any songs you like, as many times as you like. Keep in mind, however, that in order to stream, you have to have an internet connection. Also, there can be a considerable lag time as the songs buffer. 
==User Guide Table of Contents==


Regardless of how you intend to access your music, the next step is to build your library.
# [[System Requirements Temp]]
# [[Tryout Version of kJams Temp]]
# [[Downloading Temp]]
## Uninstalling
# [[Purchasing Temp]]
##Updates
##Upgrades
##Discounts and Site Licenses
# [[Getting Started Temp]]
##Starting kJams
##Ways to Play
##Where Do I Begin?
# [[Building the Library Temp]]
##[[Setting Purchase Preferences Temp]]
##[[Purchasing Music Through kJams Temp]]
###Purchasing Songs
###Streaming Songs
###About Purchasing
##[[Understanding Tags (Meta Data)Temp]]
###[[Are Tags Worth Fixing?]]
##[[Downloading Music from Other Sites Temp]]
##[[Add to Library Temp]] <u>janefix: change to Adding to the Library</u>
###[[Meta Data and Offline Volumes Temp]]
###Getting Meta Data from [[CAVS]] Drives
##[[Ripping Temp]]
###[[Canceling iTunes Launch Temp]]
###[[File Formats and Encoders Temp]]
###[[Fixing Tags on a CD Temp]]
####[[freedb Temp]]
####[[KJ Pro (not my software) Temp]]
####[[Get and Submit Temp]]
####[[Using CDpedia]]
####[[Copying Meta Data from Spreadsheets]]
###[[Ripping from Other Formats Temp]]
##[[Fixing Tags (Meta Data) in the Library Temp]]
###Reinterpreting Names
#[[Customizing the Library Temp]]
##Sorting
##Arranging Columns
##Swapping Meta Data
##[[Displaying/Suppressing Meta Data Temp]]
##Standardizing Capitalization
#[[Playing Karaoke Temp]]
##The Basics
##[[Video Temp]]
##[[Playlists Temp]]
###Target Mode
##[[Searching Temp]]
###Numeric Searches
###Target Searches
##[[Removing Songs Temp]]
###Deleting from a Playlist
###Deleting from the Library
###Deleting from kJams Pro
##[[Trimming Temp]]
##[[Slipping Temp]]
###Global Slip
##[[Vocal Reductions Temp]]
##[[Using a Microphone Temp]]
##[[Graphics Channels Temp]]
#Slightly More Advanced Features
##[[Launch File Temp]]
##[[Messenger Temp]]
##[[Remote Control]]
##[[Converting File Formats Temp]]
##[[Exporting Music Files Temp]]
##Burning Temp
###[[Burning CDs Temp]]
###[[Burning bin/cue Files Temp]]
###[[Making Pristine Copies Temp]]
###[[Printing CD Covers Temp]]
###[[Burning DVDs Temp]]
##[[Consolidating Your Library Temp]]
#[[Menu Options Temp]]
##[[File Temp]]
##[[Edit Temp]]
##[[Controls Temp]]
##[[Advanced Temp]]
##[[Video Options Temp]] <span style="color:green;">had to use the word "options" because there was a duplicate link</span>
##[[Window Temp]]
##[[Help Temp]]
#[[kJams Pro Temp]]
##[[Venues Temp]]
##[[Singers Temp]]
##[[Rotations Temp]]
###[[The KJ Rotation List Temp]]
###[[Rotation Playlist Temp]]
###[[Switching Songs Temp]]
###[["Who's Up Next" Show Screen Temp]] <span style="color:green;">move to 6.3 below</span>
##[[kJams Server Temp]]
###Logging in Remotely
###If you don't have wireless
###If you're hyper savvy
###If you're a code monkey
###[[Known Issues Temp]]
##[[iJams]]
###Using iJams
###Venues View
##[[Show Screens Temp]] <span style="color:green;">change to Using ShowScreens</span>
###Messenger
###ShowScreens
###[[Custom ShowScreens Temp]]
###[[ShowScreen Meta Tags Temp]]
##[[Exporting to Quicktime Temp]]
###Caveats
###[[Exporting to Video iPod, iPhone, or AppleTV1 Temp]]
###[[Extra Credit Temp]]
##[[Artwork Panel Temp]]
###Second Video Window
##[[Printing Temp]]
##[[Scripting]]
##[[Moving Your Library Temp]]
###Moving Just the Files
###Moving Files and Settings
###Cloning a Setup
###[[Serving Music Remotely Temp]]
###[[The Symbolic Link Trick Temp]]
#Producer  <span style="color:green;">this section as is</span>

Latest revision as of 19:16, 29 September 2025

Redirect to:

Start Here

kJams turns your computer into a karaoke jukebox, allowing you to play karaoke tunes with a full-screen lyrics—quickly and easily. kJams Lite offers all of the functionality you need to enjoy karaoke in your home; kJams Pro offers additional functionality for the professional KJ. The best part is, kJams is simple enough for the newbie and awesome enough for the fanatic karaoke diva!

But don’t take my word for it. Try it out for yourself. It’s SHAREWARE, meaning you can download and use it for free in Tryout mode.

kJams Documentation

The documentation on this website will help you navigate the kJams world. The Table of Contents shows the topics covered, allowing you to click to whatever info you need. If you are technically adept and familiar with karaoke--well,you won't read the documentation anyway, will you? Neverthless, there are links to technical material that may find useful, and I suggest you check out the forums as well.

If you’re new to karaoke or technically challenged, I recommend you read through (or at least skim) the topics in the order they're presented, as they are logically sequenced. Just click on the topic name, and the link will take you to the information. I’ve tried to keep it simple, but let me know if something is confusing.

Most sections contain links to more detailed information. Often this information is geared toward the techies and the karaoke fanatics, but not always. If you there is something you don’t understand, click on the available hyperlinks.

kJams menu options are described using this shorthand:

Click on Edit → Preferences → Stores

This means:

  1. Find the Edit menu title at the top of your screen and click on it.
  2. From the menu that is pulled down, click on Preferences.
  3. In the list presented there, click on Stores.


One last thing. A name that's in quotes refers to an exact name. For example, if I say "kJams Music" folder, I mean the folder in the file system with that exact name.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Many of the kJams menu items have keyboard shortcuts, which are documented on the menus themselves. If you prefer using your keyboard, rather than your mouse, go ahead and learn these shortcuts.

For you techies, you can customize your own keyboard shortcuts here. Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

User Guide Table of Contents

  1. System Requirements Temp
  2. Tryout Version of kJams Temp
  3. Downloading Temp
    1. Uninstalling
  4. Purchasing Temp
    1. Updates
    2. Upgrades
    3. Discounts and Site Licenses
  5. Getting Started Temp
    1. Starting kJams
    2. Ways to Play
    3. Where Do I Begin?
  6. Building the Library Temp
    1. Setting Purchase Preferences Temp
    2. Purchasing Music Through kJams Temp
      1. Purchasing Songs
      2. Streaming Songs
      3. About Purchasing
    3. Understanding Tags (Meta Data)Temp
      1. Are Tags Worth Fixing?
    4. Downloading Music from Other Sites Temp
    5. Add to Library Temp janefix: change to Adding to the Library
      1. Meta Data and Offline Volumes Temp
      2. Getting Meta Data from CAVS Drives
    6. Ripping Temp
      1. Canceling iTunes Launch Temp
      2. File Formats and Encoders Temp
      3. Fixing Tags on a CD Temp
        1. freedb Temp
        2. KJ Pro (not my software) Temp
        3. Get and Submit Temp
        4. Using CDpedia
        5. Copying Meta Data from Spreadsheets
      4. Ripping from Other Formats Temp
    7. Fixing Tags (Meta Data) in the Library Temp
      1. Reinterpreting Names
  7. Customizing the Library Temp
    1. Sorting
    2. Arranging Columns
    3. Swapping Meta Data
    4. Displaying/Suppressing Meta Data Temp
    5. Standardizing Capitalization
  8. Playing Karaoke Temp
    1. The Basics
    2. Video Temp
    3. Playlists Temp
      1. Target Mode
    4. Searching Temp
      1. Numeric Searches
      2. Target Searches
    5. Removing Songs Temp
      1. Deleting from a Playlist
      2. Deleting from the Library
      3. Deleting from kJams Pro
    6. Trimming Temp
    7. Slipping Temp
      1. Global Slip
    8. Vocal Reductions Temp
    9. Using a Microphone Temp
    10. Graphics Channels Temp
  9. Slightly More Advanced Features
    1. Launch File Temp
    2. Messenger Temp
    3. Remote Control
    4. Converting File Formats Temp
    5. Exporting Music Files Temp
    6. Burning Temp
      1. Burning CDs Temp
      2. Burning bin/cue Files Temp
      3. Making Pristine Copies Temp
      4. Printing CD Covers Temp
      5. Burning DVDs Temp
    7. Consolidating Your Library Temp
  10. Menu Options Temp
    1. File Temp
    2. Edit Temp
    3. Controls Temp
    4. Advanced Temp
    5. Video Options Temp had to use the word "options" because there was a duplicate link
    6. Window Temp
    7. Help Temp
  11. kJams Pro Temp
    1. Venues Temp
    2. Singers Temp
    3. Rotations Temp
      1. The KJ Rotation List Temp
      2. Rotation Playlist Temp
      3. Switching Songs Temp
      4. "Who's Up Next" Show Screen Temp move to 6.3 below
    4. kJams Server Temp
      1. Logging in Remotely
      2. If you don't have wireless
      3. If you're hyper savvy
      4. If you're a code monkey
      5. Known Issues Temp
    5. iJams
      1. Using iJams
      2. Venues View
    6. Show Screens Temp change to Using ShowScreens
      1. Messenger
      2. ShowScreens
      3. Custom ShowScreens Temp
      4. ShowScreen Meta Tags Temp
    7. Exporting to Quicktime Temp
      1. Caveats
      2. Exporting to Video iPod, iPhone, or AppleTV1 Temp
      3. Extra Credit Temp
    8. Artwork Panel Temp
      1. Second Video Window
    9. Printing Temp
    10. Scripting
    11. Moving Your Library Temp
      1. Moving Just the Files
      2. Moving Files and Settings
      3. Cloning a Setup
      4. Serving Music Remotely Temp
      5. The Symbolic Link Trick Temp
  12. Producer this section as is