Digital Dj'ing - Utilizing a Laptop or PC in your Mobile Disco

Many Mobile Discos have made the change from a conventional CD or Vinyl based system to a software based one, usually running on either a full sized pc or a laptop. The fundamentals of both systems are largely the same, and so you shouldn't simply be taken in by reading other DJs horror stories about how their laptop overheated during the first dance at a Wedding or how their full sized PCs power supply exploded halfway through a gig. There are pros and cons of using both systems, but largely whether to use a full size pc or a laptop comes down to personal choice, practicality, budget and space, and you'll often find that DJ's criticising the opposite machine, have never actually used the system that they are criticising!. If possible visit a DJ who already uses a system to that which you intend to use yourself, nothing can sell an idea better than actually seeing it in use!, for the record, I have watched Mobile DJ's use both PC's and Laptops to DJ from, and neither, in my opinion, was more reliable or better than the other, so it should only be personal choice, rather than rumour or scaremongering which makes the decision on that score!.

Is running a Mobile Disco from a PC or Laptop reliable?

Anybody who has ever encountered the windows blue screen of death, or worn out the Ctrl+alt+del keys on their keyboard will possibly dread the thought of using such a system as a platform to their DJ'ing!. In essence, a decent dedicated pc or laptop with a clean install, good quality hard drive and a reasonable amount of memory will out preform most typical home pc set ups which may be running several applications at a time, be infiltrated with virus or spyware traces, and have a hard drive and registry full of corrupt enteries and partly uninstalled files.

The key to running a successful software based DJ system, is to buy a dedicated pc / laptop for the task, and to only run the operating system and DJ Software on there, and never allow it to run other applications or even connect to the internet. This way the installation runs and remains clean and largely error free, will rarely have a corrupt file, and won't get infiltrated or bogged down with several other applications. This advice is given by DJ's who have been using software and PC's for many years, and have found this method of DJ'ing to be just as reliable as conventional DJ'ing from CD's.

The advantages of using a Laptop or Pc to DJ

The advantages of converting your material to music files and using a Pc or Laptop to DJ from are many. The first is the most obvious, gone are the days where you are carrying several heavy boxes of CD's around with you, most DJ's CD collections can easily be converted to MP3 and will fit onto a 80gb - 200gb hard drive!. By converting to Software Dj'ing you also rid yourself of that long search through several hundred CD compilations in order to find that elusive requested track that you just know that you have got somewhere!. With most DJ Software, you can type in part or all of the artistes name or song title and find it within seconds!. It really is possible to find and cue up a request within 5 seconds - something which just can't be done easily or quickly with a CD or vinyl collection.

Other advantages of a software based DJ system, include the possibility to create playlists from frequently used tracks, and you could create playlists from all genres, for example a playlist for background music, one for dance music, one for the 70s and one for the end of the night slowies. Of course you can also group the tracks together and catalog them according to Genre which also makes finding tracks from particular era's easier too. Some DJ Software will also allow you to group tracks together which have a similar BPM - a boon for DJ's who mix.

Which DJ Software should I choose?

There are many different brands and types of DJ Software about, again it comes down to personal preference which type you choose. It is always a very good idea to check out reviews and discussions on DJ Forums and if possible to find a DJ who uses a system based on the software which is of interest to you, so you can actually see it in action, in a disco environment.

Some DJ Software comes with a free trial, which enables you to download and install the software on your system and try it for for free for a time limited period (usually 10 - 30 days). Depending on the cost of the software, there can be differing features. Some Dj Software will simply allow you to cue up and play music using 2 "players", others will have more comprehensive features, such as being able to fade between tracks, alter the pitch and tempo controls in a similar manner to conventional CD and Vinyl turntables, some of the more expensive software will even allow you to mix, or add a USB controller which looks and functions like a twin cd controller!, some Software will even mix the tracks for you!.

Remember that a feature is only worthwhile if you have a use for it!. Carefully consider what features you need, and which will be the ones that you will have any use for. It would be pointless buying a Dj Software package which allows you to mix, if you are a mobile dj who rarely has the requirement to beat mix. Most Software in its basic form, also comes with the option to add and install plug ins which give you additional updates and features, so its worth starting with the basic packages and then adding new features if and when you require them!.

My advice at this stage, if you are new to, or considering Software Dj'ing is to download the free trials of the various software which is available, try them for the time limited period, and then buy the one which suits you, and which is the most comfortable to use.

Some dj software titles which are currently popular and well reviewed by Mobile DJ's include OTSDJ, DSSDJ and PCDJ

What type of PC do I need to run my DJ Software package

When you have decided on a software package, it is then time to consider what pc or laptop to use it on. Contrary to rumour, you don't need the latest brand new pc or laptop to successfully run DJ Software from, and neither do you need a huge CPU processor. Most DJ Software will happily run on a pentium 3 processor with 600mhz speed or higher, many of the newer 1.2ghz+ celerons will also flawlessly run DJ software with no problems and without breaking into a sweat. Try and buy as much memory as you can afford, ideally 512mb of memory or a minimum of 256mb for most applications.

How big should I be :o)

A decent sized hard drive is the next consideration. Remember the bigger the hard drive the more individual tracks that you can fit on there. An average music file ripped at 192kbps is around 5mb in size and so a 100gb hard drive should fit around 20,000 tracks on there. However if you increase the quality of the track in MP3 format, then the file size rises also, so a 320kpbs mp3 could be as large as 11mb in size and so the same 100gb capacity would be reduced to holding only around 9000 tracks. Don't forget to factor in space for your operating software, drivers and DJ software when working out hard drive capacity!. You can of course expand your hard drive capacity by fitting external hard drives to USB ports, and these are also reliable. If possible try and use a system which runs USB2.0 or even firewire since these run at faster data speeds than conventional USB1.1 although many Dj's report no issues with hard drives and soundcards run from older 1.1 systems.

Give me Sound!

Using a good quality soundcard is a must!, many laptops and motherboard based sound chips on full sized pc's rarely do justice to sound quality or are designed with full time high quality audio playback in mind. Consider installing a pci sound card in your pc, or investing in a good quality USB external soundcard if you opt to use a laptop. Most 2 channel soundcards will suffice for DJ'ing in most mobile applications, where the audio is mixed between the players on the laptop and the single output is then fed through a pair of "L" and "R" connectors on the soundcard, and then into the mixer or amplifier.

However, if more creativity is required, or the software is to be used for mixing applications or the use of a crossfader between channels on a conventional mixer is likely to be utilised, then you need to buy a 5 channel soundcard. This allows the soundcard to be set up, in a manner which allows one pair of "L" and "R" outputs to be used for "Player 1" on the soundcard and fed into an individual channel on the mixer, and the same for "Player 2" - this allows each software player to have its own fader on the mixer - just like a conventional twin cd player.

What Quality?

Some Dj Software packages come complete with the means to "Rip" a cd. "Ripping" means placing the original Cd into the PC's CDROM and the process of converting the original music on the CD to MP3 Data, which is then stored on the hard drive as an MP3 File. In the case of OTSDJ, the option is also there to convert to a file called OTS, this is a custom files regonised only by the OTSDJ software, however it sounds just as good as MP3 and is also a slightly smaller file size, meaning that more OTS files can be stored on a hard drive when compared to conventional MP3 files.

If you use a DJ software package which does use conventional MP3 files, then you will need to select the quality at which to "rip". This figure is measured in "Kbps" and often ranges from 32kbps and 320kbps. Lower ranges are not recommended for professional use over a PA system since they can sound dull and even distorted. Ideally for professional use, the DJ should be looking at ripping their CD's to Mp3 files at 192kbps or greater.

192kbps is considered reasonable quality, however 320kbps is near cd quality and may be preferred by some Dj's - however on smaller audio systems the difference may be hard to detect. As the quality is increased, so does the file size, and a 320kbps file may be several mb larger than its 192kbps counterpart, it may also take longer to rip an entire CD at 320kbps than at lower rates.

For Dj Software which doesn't have ripping capability, Musicmatch Jukebox may prove to be an alternative for this process,

Are there any disadvantages to being a Digital DJ?

Now the disadvantages!. Obviously the initial cost of buying a PC / Laptop, a good quality soundcard, large hard drive and the Dj Software itself is likely to total far more than buying a conventional CD Player or turntables. It also takes time to "rip" your cd collection to Mp3 and store them on your hard drive. In some jurisdictions it is also illegal to convert original material to MP3 format for digital use without a licence, and this can prove to be expensive, if the Dj is to work on the right side of the law. It is the possible licence requirement that we discuss next.

Do I need a licence to play music from a laptop?

At the time of writing this article, an annual licence is required in Canada and the UK in order to use a PC or laptop to DJ from. In the UK, a further licence and possible royalty payment is also required for the conversion process. Although no fees have yet been advertised (April 2006) these controversial laws are likely to make this form of DJ'ing unattractive when compared to more conventional, and "licence free" alternatives.

Finally, my tips for Software Djing

* Always buy and use a dedicated pc / laptop purely for Dj use, do not be tempted to use the family pc or run other applications on the machine you use to DJ from, and do not allow this machine to connect to the internet. On a pre-used machine, also start from scratch with a format and fresh install of the operating system.

* Use a good quality soundcard, even if you need to upgrade or buy an external USB one

* Always rip the music direct from an original CD at 192kbps quality or higher. 320kbps is advised for higher quality pa systems and is near cd quality. 192kbps is okay for smaller systems used by the Mobile DJ.

* Don't be too concerned about buying the latest top of the range PC to run from. Most Dj Software will happily run from basic P3 600mhz machines, but do check out the minimum requirements on the software authors website.

* Read reviews on the various software packages available. Stick to the features that you will use, since you can always upgrade extras later. Take advantage of the free trials of DJ Software which are available and use the time to find the best software to suit you

* If you choose a full sized PC make sure that it is professionally flightcased - pc's are not designed to be carried around.

* Select a high capacity 100gb - 200gb hard drive from a reputable manufacturer. Where practical and legal always back up your data

* Fit your machine with at least 256mb of memory, and ideally 512mb.

* Check out the legal aspect of converting original music to MP3 and whether a licence is required to operate such a system.

How you can Repair Damaged LCD Laptop Monitors

Whether you'll need pc repair in Ithaca, or anywhere all over the world, should you possess a laptop or perhaps an exterior flatpanel monitor, then you've most likely encounter some issues with the liquid crystal.  There are yet, then you definitely most likely will.  LCD troubles are certainly the most typical laptop problems besides hard disk crashes and loose energy fittings.  Cracked screens, lines on monitor, plasma effect, weak Liquid crystal displays, dark pixels, backlight problems, and shaking Liquid crystal displays are very common.
 
Present are some easy tests to determine what's wrong together with your LCD and also to estimate the price and trouble necessary for repairing the screen.  Like a disclaimer, this isn't repair advice, so don't try to service your pc if you do not understand what you are doing, since you may likely produce more damage than there already was. Absolutely don't take apart your laptop when the battery is within or it's guaranteed to some energy source.   

Damaged Screen

Very little to check here you are gonna need to replace your LCD.  Other choice is to find an exterior flatpanel. 

Markings on the watch's screen

This issue is generally triggered because of a broken LCD or internal LCD video cable.  Sometimes should you drop your laptop hard, it can harm the LCD and also the hard disk whether it's on.  Plug the laptop into an exterior monitor or LCD television.  Will the image have lines?  Otherwise, you can either come with an LCD cable or LCD problem.  Should you experience lines around the exterior monitor (presuming the exterior is working well), you most likely possess a graphics card problem. 

Plasma, oozing, octopus ink, growing plume

It's highly probable that the LCD is damaged and must be changed.  This issue is ordinarily caused with a physical misfunction from the glass sandwich around the LCD.  Similar to the above test, determine whether you have an even picture on another monitor.  Should you choose, it is time for an additional LCD.   

Dark, stuck, hot, or else abnormal pixels

These may be triggered by manufacturing defects which produce transistors to die or stop responding in your LCD.  Sometimes you are able to fix a defunct pixel, but you can also only exacerbate the problem if you're not experienced.  A secure attempt is to try and repair the problem with software.  Software for example UDPixel and JScreenFix can identify dead, hot, or stuck pixels as well as make an effort to fix them.  If these programs aren't effective, like a last attempt, you can test to lightly pressure the affected region by having an eraser to try and coax oil into or from the pixel layers.  Furthermore, this attempt isn't certain to be effective, and may possibly result in the trouble worse, so be cautious here. 

Dim display

This may be triggered by two standard issues: inverter failure or backlight failure.  An inverter conditions energy for that LCD, and usually resides near to the laptop hinges underneath the LCD situation.  Inverters are harmful simply because they generally run between 4-7 amplifiers of current.  One amplifier can certainly kill you, so don't wreck havoc on these if you are not familiar with it.  When the monitor is ever vibrant, odds are your inverter is ok.  Backlights take time and effort and harmful to exchange, so do not attempt unless of course you are aware how.  Most backlights are delicate and contain mercury, a carcinogen. 

No display

If you do not obtain a display whatsoever, examine it having a torch.  Contain the torch at different angles towards the screen.  Should you truly can't see anything, attempt to plug it into an exterior monitor.  When you get an even picture, a number of things might be amiss.  You might have a loose cable should you drop your laptop frequently.  The cable might be squeezed within the joints and severed.  Rarely do you receive a complete failure from the LCD, but it is possible. 

Display works although startup, but finishes working sooner or later

You most likely possess a software problem.  You can examine the motorists and appearance for infections. 

Display scrambles over time

This really is generally triggered by memory troubles or perhaps an overheated video nick.  If memory may be the problem, you could attempt to get rid of a couple of modules of RAM from the foot of laptops, usually behind a panel.  If the repairs the issue, here we are at a brand new stick of RAM.  If getting too hot may be the problem, you will find usually two causes.  Either the recording processor is getting too hot, or even the entire computer is getting too hot.  You'll need to achieve the laptop separated to obvious out dust, examine all of the fans, and look at the thermal compound underneath the warmth sinks.

Dell Laptop Hard Disk Diagnostics

Most Dell laptop and desktop computer systems will include an opportune utility already included in them for carrying out a minimum of some type of fundamental diagnostics when you really need to perform a bit of preliminary troubleshooting. This information will demonstrate how you can test the hard disk that is set up in your Dell laptop or pc.

Some signs and symptoms that ought to cause you to suspect that the hard disk is either going bad or went bad to some degree include:

No Publish - your laptop or pc just dangles and does nothing whenever you switch it on. It might sit using the lights on, but do nothing at all more. It might seriously for a few seconds after which shut itself back away.

Errors - rather than seeing the Home windows splash screen after your laptop completes it's Publish you receive a mistake which might point out that there's no boot device, or that perhaps there's no mountable volume around the drive.

Sluggish Performance - Frequently whenever a hard disk is failing you'll have the ability to have some type of a manages relating to this unfortunate fact by seeing an obvious decline inside your systems performance when you're really within the laptop's OS (Operating-system).

Home windows Warning - Microsoft Home windows does be capable of really warn you thru a note that will pop on your screen telling you that you ought to save, then backup important data immediately just because a hard disk failure is imminent. Now, it's not always smart to hold back until this message is displayed because frequently occasions a hard disk goes completely bad, useless, without it warning message ever turning up in your screen whatsoever.

In your Dell laptop or pc you will probably locate a handy utility that will operate a quick test in your hard disk for you personally. This test is extremely reliable, a minimum of for identifying in case your hard disk has really gone bad.

How you can access this test is the following:
Energy in your Dell computer, you will notice the Dell splash screen, then very briefly you will notice a note mentioning to F2 and F12 within the upper right hands corner of the laptop or desktop screen. The secret would be to press the F12 key in your keyboard right if you notice the content about F2 and F12 display in the upper right hands corner of the screen.

This can mention a BIOS boot menu and you'll simply choose one which refers back to the hard disk diagnostics. Different Dell laptop or desktop models will offer you different options in line with the hard disk being IDE or SATA. After you have selected your drive the testing will start. After around 2 to 5 minutes approximately, with respect to the size your hard disk, you will notice the outcomes from the test. The outcomes will be either a PASS, or perhaps a fail error code. The one thing to keep in mind using the Dell hard disk diagnostics is the fact that coming back error code 7 implies that your hard disk truly does have to be changed. Backup any important data which you might dress in your laptop or pc and replace your hard disk.

Points to consider When Setting up a brand new Laptop Hard Disk by yourself

Os's along with other programs occupies increasingly more space in your hard disk. Whenever you install increasingly more programs and programs, time can come whenever you eventually exhaust free space in your computer systems drive, and also you cannot install the programs which you may need/want. Also, once the free space in your drive becomes more compact it will likewise modify the performance of the laptop.

This issue kept in storage capacity may be the primary reason that you should use a new drive in your laptop, or change your current. Unlike desktop computer systems where you stand permitted to include more storage models as much as exactly the same quantity of SATA or IDE ports your system board have. Laptops only allow someone to be installed, then when you already arrived at the storing capacity, you've got no other option but to purchase a significantly bigger storage capacity hard disk and do the installation for your laptop.

However, you will find things you need to consider before you decide to set it up by yourself, particularly if you haven't attempted it before. Request yourself these questions before you decide to proceed using the installation:

Is setting up or improving laptop hard disk by yourself difficult?

The very first factor take into consideration before setting up, not just the disk drive but other hardware like memory is the amount of difficulty in performing the job. Could it be very hard that you should complete the job? Do you want special abilities?

The positive thing would be that the answer really is easy. Installation really is easy and It takes only about a few minutes to accomplish. You will find also lots of lessons regarding how to install hard disk in your laptop on the internet. Visit YouTube and check for "change hard disk on and also the title from the computer you haveInch.

Will setting up or improving the hard disk in your laptop damage your pc?

You have to also consider the chance that setting up a brand new disk drive by yourself might damage your laptop. This problem is extremely critical so you must understand if you feel it's worth it.

Same goes with other hardware components like RAM, setting up a brand new hard disk won't damage your laptop if you're extreme careful by doing this and also have educate yourself regarding how to achieve this in your model. To begin with, you need to unplug the energy source, and take away laptops battery to prevent harm to hard disk along with other hardware also to prevent electric shock. Make reference to installation manual from the hard disk you bought to determine the security measures.

Is setting up or improving laptop hard disk by yourself pricey?

Last factor you have to consider before setting up it on your own is the price of doing the work by yourself in comparison to the price of letting others get it done for you personally. If you feel it can be done yourself using the great results you want to do it.

Setting up a brand new drive by yourself won't set you back much in comparison to getting your laptop to some computer shop and letting a specialist get it done for you personally. Should you do the installation by yourself, whatever you reached spend may be the cost from the drive, you don't have to pay service charge.

Tips When Setting up a brand new Hard Disk

Here are 5 steps that you ought to consider or do when setting up a brand new hard disk

Determine your storage capacity must avoid purchasing pricey high storage capacity hard disk drives. Check hard disk first for compatibility before purchasing. Not every available models on the market today works with your laptop. Request first whether it's suitable for your laptop model before purchasing. Also look into the web for that lists of hard disk drives which are suitable for your laptop. Support your important files particularly the motorists for other hardware (system board, seem, LAN cards etc.) since you will require it later whenever you re-install your operating-system. There's a procedure known as disk imaging where one can copy the precise condition and content of the old drive for your new drive. The only real distinction between the two may be the capacity which your condition of inadequate space for storage presently has been solved. They're very responsive to shocks so gentle when handling them, make certain it won't fall or make sure to place it somewhere that's shock free. Concentrate on the installation don't do unnecessary stuff that might lose your concentration. Work securely.

Undergo all of the steps, and make certain you don't hurry through them, and you will have a new bigger/faster/quieter disk drive in your laptop.

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