Karaoke Players make excellent gifts for the whole family to enjoy. But if you are planning to purchase a Karaoke Player for a smaller child, there are certain considerations you should keep in mind. You should not go out and purchase a hi-end semi-processional system for a child of 8. Neither should you purchase something simple, that will not function as a true Karaoke Machine. You need to find the right balance between both to get the right Karaoke Machine.
There are some Karaoke Players on the market, geared towards kids, but when you get them home they turn out to be simple CD players. And not very good ones. There are three things you should consider when buying a Karaoke Machine for children. There are: Features, Portability and Playability, and of course Price.
Karaoke Features:
Most Karaoke Machines are loaded with different features. Some of which will be used, others will not. Try to determine what you want from the Karaoke Player and who will be using the player. For example, most Karaoke Players come with two microphone inputs, but only one microphone is included. If duets are going to be preformed, than look for a player with two microphones or make sure you purchase another microphone separately.
Other features you can usually find in Home Karaoke Machines are built-in display screens (Black/White or Color), attached cameras, digital key control, AM/FM Radio and iPod/MP3 playback. You have to decide what features will be used and choose your Karaoke player accordingly.
Portability and Playability:
Karaoke Players come in all shape and sizes. If the player will be transported a lot, you may want to go with a smaller compact player. Or if you are purchasing for a small child, you do not want to get them a 3 foot pedestal Karaoke Machine where they can not see the display screen. But besides the size, the key element to a good portable player is one that can be connected to any TV and sound system.
Make sure the Karaoke Machine has a least one set of Audio/Video Outputs. Most Karaoke Players will have the basic RCA Outputs. This is the Yellow (Video), White and Red(Audio) ports. Most TVs, even the new digital/HDTVs can handle this type of connection. Not all Karaoke Machines will have these Outputs. If you want to have lyrics displayed on an external TV screen or be able to connect to a surround sound system; make sure the Karaoke Player has A/V outputs.
Also, in terms of Playability, you want to know what types of media the player can handle. Will the machine be able to playback burned CDs you make yourself? Do you need to buy CD+Graphic discs? (These are the CDs that can display song lyrics) Can you connect a MP3 device and be able to view onscreen lyrics? Some machines may even be equipped with built-in memory to store songs. Nothing will be worst than purchasing a Karaoke Player and finding out you have no music that is compatible.
Price:
Finally there is the cost of the Karaoke Machine. This is usually the deciding factor to most of us when choosing a Karaoke Player. Pricing will vary, depending on the features and functions of the player. But do not get fooled by this. A Home Karaoke Machine that cost 0.00, does not mean it is better than one that cost .99. It just means that if has more features. If these features will not be used or needed, then the less expensive player will be just fine. The key is to fix a budget and then look at the different features you think will be used. You will quickly narrow down your search and find the right Karaoke Machine you child will enjoy.
Some Karaoke Players Great For Kids: The Singing Machine SML383/SML383P, Emerson Alvin & The Chipmunks Portable Karaoke SD512A, Memorex MKS-SS1 SingStand, Emerson HD515, The Singing Machine SML-385
