| Karaoke literally means "empty orchestra" in | | | | each song. |
| Japanese. This refers to the fact that amateur | | | | In any case, these places do not need to hire |
| singers with a microphone sing by following the | | | | professional singers to provide the entertainment. |
| lyrics presented on a screen and accompanied by | | | | Nor do they pay a cabaret tax, which is usually |
| a song track with low or no vocals. It is a popular | | | | applicable to any entertainment of more than one |
| form of interactive entertainment, with karaoke | | | | person. Some place like Los Angeles, San |
| machines featured in many bars and restaurants | | | | Francisco and Toronto have significant Asian |
| as well as parties and events. | | | | communities, which is probably why private |
| Karaoke may have originated in Asia, but it has | | | | karaoke rooms are popular here. |
| become a hit with other nationalities as well. Aside | | | | A karaoke contest or a karaoke show can liven |
| from being a good icebreaker, karaoke singing is a | | | | up parties, events and gatherings. A karaoke DJ |
| way of socializing with friends. It also provides | | | | ("KJ") can be hired to facilitate this, while a |
| inexpensive full-scale entertainment without having | | | | karaoke machine can be rented, along with at |
| to hire professional singers and DJs or renting | | | | least a couple of microphones and a selection of |
| expensive sound systems. | | | | songs, for this purpose. More songs are available |
| Karaoke singing can be done in various public | | | | for an additional fee, as well as a monitor, but the |
| venues. Asia has its karaoke boxes, which are | | | | latter is not necessary if a TV with A/V input is |
| small to medium-sized rooms equipped with a | | | | available. |
| karaoke player, tables and couches and rented by | | | | Some people are fond of karaoke, but don't like |
| the hour or half-hour. KTVs have one or more | | | | going to KTVs or karaoke bars. Aside from |
| floors of karaoke boxes and offer amenities such | | | | renting the equipment, buying a home karaoke |
| as food and drinks. In fact, karaoke singing is a | | | | system is another option. Portability, sound quality |
| common after-office activity, which is taken | | | | and programmability are some of the qualities to |
| advantage of by some hotels and business | | | | check. |
| establishments by having karaoke boxes in the | | | | Nowadays, karaoke entertainment is popular, not |
| premises. | | | | only in Asian countries but in other parts of the |
| Karaoke bars are to North America and Europe | | | | world as well. It can be enjoyed at home and at |
| what karaoke boxes are to Asia. Here, singing is | | | | private functions by purchasing or renting a |
| done in public, sometimes on a small stage. People | | | | karaoke machine. It is also available in many public |
| usually sing for free, provided they order food | | | | venues such as bars, clubs, restaurants and even |
| and drinks. Some places charge a small fee for | | | | hotels and business establishments. |