Retro Video Gamer

I was wondering about the Jaguar CD unit after commenting in the introductions section.

Anyhow, though I don't own a CD unit for my Jag, I know some of you do. The question is this:

Have you used the CD+G capabilities?

Back in those heady days, karaoke was BIG and Atari gave a nod to this by making the Jag CD attachment compatible with the biggest karaoke format ever, compact disc plus graphics. It is more common nowadays to make consoles multi-functional, for example the PS2 could play DVD's and it's successor can handle Blu-Rays but what about the Jag CD, dare you admit using it as a karaoke machine and not in a bad way?

I can honestly say I have never used the feature, and not just on the Jaguar CD. The first console I owned that had the ability was the Sega Mega CD, followed by the 3DO, and then the Jag CD. I love music but I've never been a big fan of karaoke. Prefer to do my singing while driving, and in the shower of course 

Quote from: "Shadowrunner"I can honestly say I have never used the feature, and not just on the Jaguar CD. The first console I owned that had the ability was the Sega Mega CD, followed by the 3DO, and then the Jag CD. I love music but I've never been a big fan of karaoke. Prefer to do my singing while driving, and in the shower of course  :21: at least that is an honest answer.

Back in the day, I actually did a lot of karaoke (there you go, cat out of the bag) and won a few competitions too. So, you can imagine when I read, 20 years ago, that this fabulous console could double up as a karaoke machine, I was very interested indeed. I still can't afford one but I am still very curious as to whether anyone has actually tried out this feature. Thanks for updating me about the Mega CD and 3DO, they are options if I ever get back into karaoke

I actually used to have loads of karaoke discs and have in fact used my Jaguar CD for this purpose!

I still have a few and actually made this cover for a Robbie Williams one I found in my collection:

(http://i.imgur.com/Vvavoei.png)

Not something i have ever used any of my consoles that can do it lol..

I thought of you Laird when I started the thread, but what was it like. I know karaoke discs vary in quality and I don't see how one could use a mic but the idea is good, I think. Very nice cover btw. I'm glad I am not the only one who remembers how big karaoke used to be even if few here will admit singing along. please tell us more about your experience with CD+G and the Jaguar+CD unit :21:

I note the CD unit was also compatible with Kodak Photo-CD's at least that is what it says in this (//http) press release.

I am actually thinking of doing a little collectors edition pack for the Jag CD that contains a few CD+G discs.

Quote from: "The Laird"I am actually thinking of doing a little collectors edition pack for the Jag CD that contains a few CD+G discs.

Very interesting Laird.

Alas, it has been 20 years now and I still can't afford/justify the cost of buying the CD unit for my Jag. I was very interested in the 9lives CD you did but it would be like buying the cart before the horse so I greatly admire and respect the efforts of people like yourself in the vein hope that one day, maybe, I will get that elusive Jag add-on. I need to find a decent job now lol part-time is never going to get me anywhere. Hmm, in 2016 I get a small private pension so never say never.

I still look forward to seeing what you do though and maybe I will make a purchase this time. Good to see your are making good sales on eBay.

Oh, I also reopened a 14 year old topic on AA about the CD+G capabilities and only one person gave a serious answer. I wasn't really surprised but, again, that just shows how good this site is.

I remember using CD+G discs on my CD32, i even bought a couple of music CDs that were enhanced this way in 1993, one being Lou Reed (never did like the music, but was impressed by the graphics none the less!)

Quote from: "AmigaJay"I remember using CD+G discs on my CD32, i even bought a couple of music CDs that were enhanced this way in 1993, one being Lou Reed (never did like the music, but was impressed by the graphics none the less!)

Nice to hear. As I recall, CD+G discs varied in their quality of graphics so one disc may make you think the drive is not good till you try a good quality disc. The same is also true of the audio, some discs were in mono. So, any experiences of using console CD drives for the additional features are very interesting to me. Thanks.

Well, I can now answer my own question as I now own a CD unit.

The Jaguar CD unit handles CD-G format very well indeed. The graphics are just as good as they would appear on a dedicated karaoke machine. The same can be said for the sound quality, no real surprise there.

Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised. Obviously, the big issue is not being able to plug in a microphone. However, for parties where everyone can sing along, this is a small matter.

What amazed me was the lack of feedback on this point. Don't get me wrong, on this site there was a good response and I am grateful for that. On the other site where I raised the question, the response was dismal. Maybe because most console owners are gamers, the additional features are of less interest. AmigaJay mentioned the CD32 which is equally interesting to me as the manufacturers where clearly aware of the socil impact of karaoke.

I will upload a few screen shots in a day or two but a big thank you to everyone here for your responses

Cool that you now have your own JagCD and were able to get an answer first hand. 

Glad you got to the bottom of it chap..

I wonder if a hack could be created to allow a mic??

Thanks Trek, it is a wonderful upgrade for the Jag. Had a couple of laps with World Tour Racing and, although I am not much good, it was very exciting. Not a bad game at all.

Yeah zapiy, I did read somewhere something about how a mic could be used. Of course,there are other ways round this like using a mic through a stereo system and maybe also putting the audio output from the TV through the same so that one overlaps the other. I am no tech but there must be simple ways of achieving this nowadays

Ok, been a while since I looked at this but I will be updating this thread in a few weeks. I can confirm that the Jag does a great job of playing CD+G discs and in that respect fulfills the sales blurb. This means that, for karaoke fans, you can practice without the expense of a dedicated karaoke machine. Ironically, back in the day when karaoke machines were very expensive, had Atari developed the system to allow one or more microphones to be connected, the console would have had a proper dual function. This reminds me of the Falcon which was capable of using the latest recording software at the time, making the computer a realistic machine for budding musicians at a fraction of the cost of dedicated equipment.


Anyhow, I will upload a series of pictures. No promises, but maybe a short video also. I may also put together a short guide to using the Jag as a home karaoke/entertainment system as this feature has never, to my knowledge, been explained or even used.

Quote from: Cryptic33 on July 11, 2016, 13:26:16 PMI may also put together a short guide to using the Jag as a home karaoke/entertainment system as this feature has never, to my knowledge, been explained or even used.

Awesome, man. Looking forward to this 8)

The burning question is............What you gonna sing???!!!

Looking forward to seeing more....

Quote from: JoeMusashi on July 11, 2016, 23:03:35 PM
The burning question is............What you gonna sing???!!!

I'm thinking some Unforgiven II by Metallica 8)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-Bn_kD6QN4

You guys are so funny 😅 Just give me a couple of weeks lol all will be made clear, promise 😉