# Introduction
# Introduction
Thank you for choosing Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter.
Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter will convert CD+G disc and BIN/MP3+G files into MP4, AVI and MPEG video files.
Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter can be used in two modes:
· [Direct CD+G disc converting mode](https://docs.powerkaraoke.com/books/ultimate-cdg-to-video-karaoke-converter/page/direct-cdg-disc-converting-mode "Direct CD+G disc converting mode") - this mode allows to read the content of CD+G disc and convert it to video files
· [Files from hard disc converting mode](https://docs.powerkaraoke.com/books/ultimate-cdg-to-video-karaoke-converter/page/files-from-hard-disc-converting-mode "Files from hard disc converting mode") - using this mode you may convert CDG, MP3+G, ZIP, and BIN files from your hard disc to videos
To learn more select one of the topics below:
[Troubleshooting](https://docs.powerkaraoke.com/books/ultimate-cdg-to-video-karaoke-converter/page/troubleshooting "Troubleshooting")
[Unlocking and evaluation](https://docs.powerkaraoke.com/books/ultimate-cdg-to-video-karaoke-converter/page/unlocking-and-evaluation "Unlocking and evaluation")
# Files from hard disc converting mode
In this mode you may convert BIN and MP3+G files to video files.
Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter supports following types of files:
· CDG files, also know as MP3+G (CDG files contain graphics only, audio needs to be in MP3 or WAV file with the same name, located in the same directory as CDG file)
· ZIP files that contain CDG and MP3
· BIN files (they contain both graphics and autio)
To convert CD+G files into karaoke video files follow the steps below:
1. Select **Files from hard disc** button
2. Click **Add** and select BIN or CDG files you would like to convert from the appropriate folder. Click **Open**.
3. Select the output format. You have two choices:
**MP4** - this is for videos to play anywhere or to upload to the web
**AVI** - this is for videos to play on your computer
**MPEG** - use this to create VideoCD and DVD-compatible videos
4. Modify compression settings (click below for more information)
[Compression settings for MP4 files](https://docs.powerkaraoke.com/books/ultimate-cdg-to-video-karaoke-converter/page/mp4-settings "MP4 Settings")
[Compression settings for AVI files](https://docs.powerkaraoke.com/books/ultimate-cdg-to-video-karaoke-converter/page/avi-settings "AVI Settings")
5. You may replace default CD+G background with image or video of your choice -- to do this click **Background Manager** button. You may use JPG, BMP, and PNG files for images, and MP4, AVI, MPG, or WMV as videos.
6. Select the proper output folder using \[...\] button (you may create new KaraokeVideos folder on your hard disc and select it here).
7. Click **Convert**.
Each file should take approximately two-three minutes to encode, depending on your system. The final files should each have MP4, AVI or MPG extension.
# Direct CD+G disc converting mode
Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter can read CD+G doiscs directly with most CD+G drives. To convert songs from CD+G disc into karaoke video files follow the steps below.
1. Click **CD+G disc** button
2. Insert CD+G disc into your CD or DVD drive on your PC. If you have more than one drive make sure that **Device** points to the proper one.
3. Click **Refresh**. You should see the list of tracks. If you have enabled FreeDB lookup in **Settings** and the CD was listed there, you will see the names of the songs.
Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter uses online database to display song titles. Please note that to use this feature you need to be connected to the internet and you must allow Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter to access the web if you are using firewall.
*Note*: Not all CD+G discs are available in the database.
4. Select the tracks you want to convert.
5. Select the output format. You have two choices:
**MP4** - this is for videos to play anywhere or to upload to the web
**AVI** - this is for videos to play on your computer
**MPEG** - use this to create VideoCD and DVD-compatible videos
6. If the CD+G disc was found in FreeDB database, you may use additional fields to define the filename in **Output filename mask**:
- **{Song} **will be replaced with track name, so if you define 'CD1 - {Song}' as a filename mask, files 'CD1 - Track 01.bin', 'CD1 - Track 02.bin', etc. will be created. If track name is retrieved from FreeDB server this will be usually artist name and song title.
- **{Album} **will be replaced with the album name retireved from FreeDB server.
- **{TrackNumber} **will be replaced with the track number (with a leading 0 for tracks 01 - 09).
- **{Artist} **will be replaced with artist name (artist name has to be separated by '/' \[slash\] from track title)
- **{Title} **will be replaced with title (title has to be separated by '/' \[slash\] from artist name).
*Note*: to use {Artist} and {Title} markers each track name needs to be of the following format:
Artist name / Song title (most FreeDB entries follow this rule)
7. Modify compression settings (click below for more information)
[Compression settings for MP4 files](https://docs.powerkaraoke.com/books/ultimate-cdg-to-video-karaoke-converter/page/mp4-settings "MP4 Settings")
[Compression settings for AVI files](https://docs.powerkaraoke.com/books/ultimate-cdg-to-video-karaoke-converter/page/avi-settings "AVI Settings")
8. You may replace default CD+G background with image or video of your choice -- to do this **Background Manager** button. You may use JPG, BMP, and PNG files for images, and MP4, AVI, MPG, or WMV as videos.
9. Select the output folder using \[...\] button (you may create new KaraokeVideos folder on your hard disc and select it here).
10. Click **Convert**.
Each file should take approximately five-ten minutes to encode, depending on your system. The final files should each have MP4, AVI or MPG extension.
# CD+G Settings
Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter uses state-of-the-art technology that makes CD+G look much better
##### Smart resolution increase
This technology allows to reduce jagged edges of CD+G images and makes it look much smoother and precise. It works great scaling CD+G to HD resolution
##### Gradient overlay
With gradient overlay each line of karaoke lyrics has three-dimensional look.
##### Shadow
Adding shadow effect to the lyrics makes them 'stand out' from the background.
##### Smooth sweeps
Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter detects word highlighting and replaces blocks of CD+G pixels with smooth single pixel sweeps that improve the experience and fluidity of the video
##### Internal CD+G Resolution
Original CD+G is 288 x 192 pixels. Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter uses smart resolution increase, but it is very computation-intensive. This setting allows you to choose the internal resolution used by CD+G engine. The higher resolution the longer processing time.
# MP4 Settings
To adjust MP4 settings click **MP4 Settings** button. In the window that appears you may choose one of the predefined presets with various resolution or choose your own format.
You may define dimensions, framerate, and aspect ratio of the video.
Two encoders (x264 and x265) are available, the first is faster and provides more compatibility, while the second creates smaller files.
Quality (CRF) factor determines how big will be the resulting video file. The middle setting gives the best compromise between file size and quality.
Encoding speed gives you control on how low with the encoder work on your video. Slower options create more compressed files.
If you would like to add your custom encoding parameters for FFMPEG encoder that is used for video encoding, you may enter them in the field at the bottom. But make sure that you know what you are doing!
# AVI Settings
There are several settings that may be adjusted when doing AVI convertion.
#### *Video Settings*
1. **Width,** **Height** and **Framerate**
These values determine the parameters of the destination video. **Width** and **Height** are the size of the video. And **Frames per second** define destination framerate.
2. **Set NTSC defaults/Set Pal defaults**
Use these buttons to quickly set best settings for NTSC or PAL videos.
3. **Compression**
Use this button to modify video codec.
We recommend using XviD video compression -- it is supported by most DivX players. If you are not sure if it is, please consult your DVD player documentation or burn a test disc and see if the file displays properly.
#### *Audio Settings*
1. **Compression mode**
You may choose between MP3 compression or Windows' ACM compression. We recommend using MP3 compression for best results.
2. **Compression** button
Use this button to adjust compression parameters. When using ACM compression you will see a default Windows audio compression dialog box. For MP3 settings you will be allowed to change bitrate, stereo mode and quality of the compression.
# Troubleshooting
**Videos created directly from CD+G discs are black**
We are sorry, but it looks like your CD drive doesn't support CD+G. There is nothing that can be done about it. The only option is to buy the one that does, most of them do
**How to convert MP4 to CD+G?**
It is impossible, but you may use the soundtrack to create a song in [Karaoke CD+G Creator](https://www.powerkaraoke.com/src/prod_karaokecdgcreator.php).
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If there are some other problems please contact technical support at
# Unlocking and evaluation
##### *How do I unlock Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter *
To unlock Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter you need to purchase the unlock code from [PowerKaraoke website](http://www.powerkaraoke.com/src/buy_main.php). The unlock code will be delivered via email. Once you have it click **Enter Unlock Code** button.
You will have to provide your name, email address used to purchase the unlock code, and the unlock code itself. If the unlock code is accepted all limitations will be removed and you will see your name in the About dialog box.
##### *What are the limitation of the trial version*
Trial version of Ultimate CD+G to Video Karaoke Converter has the following limitations:
· Only first minute of the song will be processed
· You will see the purchase prompt from time to time