Theres a midi file player come out in the UK which plays back on Smartmedia (the "M-Live Okyweb"; see www.bck.co.uk).

I have often wondered how feasible it is / would be to use a pocket PC (or Palm?) device for midi file playback to my MU80 module. Theres been a midi file playback program out for the Palm for a while but with the model I've got I can't use any external storage (e.g. smartmedia) so I didnt take this any further.

However I dont know a thing about the capabilities of Pocket PCs (or even more recent Palms) in this area. Is midi file playback a possibility? If so, what interfaces could you use (a "To Host" serial cable, or maybe USB, would be handy!) and are there any midi file playback programs that can be used? And could they show lysrics on the Pocket PC screen (for those of use with terrible memories?).

This is an "idle curiosity" query - I'm presently more than happy with my PSR2K's playback abilities but in future who can say...

The Yamaha QY100 uses SmartMedia cards for midi playback (it's an arranger module too). Also Tascam's PocketStudio 5 uses Compact Flash cards for midi and mp3 playback and has a built-in GM synth. However if you really want to get small, I'd just take the outputs of your PSR and record MP3 files with it, then use any of the new micro-MP3's player on the market for playback.

The reason for suggesting Pocket PC devices is basically cost and flexibility - you can get something useful for under 200 pounds sterling. I'm already using a "big" PC to edit the midi files; I dont need a hardware sequencer and the idea of being able to stream files straight onto a Pocket PC for use in the field is appealing.

Certainly the use of mp3 playback gets you into some very small hardware, but then I've got no hope of viewing the lyrics.

Learn the lyrics..........
(I mean that in a NICE way. You'll get more from the song if you get rid of the CRUTCH)

MacAllcock,
I have been looking into the possibility of
using one of these new portable DVD players
that have a built-in screen. I have seen some models for under $350 USD. Some of the
new ones should play CD-R/RWs as well as
CD-MP3s. You could burn your own DVD-R or
VCD that would contain lyrics (or any video
or text).
An alternative might be to get the Koss DVD player that I saw at Target for $99.00 that doesn't have a display and then get a Sony Playstation LCD display that costs another
$100.
I think it is just a matter of time until
they make a portable DVDplayer with display
that has karaoke functions like key changing
without changing speed. It would be really
awesome if they could also have changing
tempo without changing pitch.
So my advice is, if you can, wait and
see what the portable DVD players will do.

Why go nuts? just get a cheap laptop it will do it all. you can get them off lease for 350-400.00

The Pocket PCs are not reliable for music performance!
They crash a lot.

Uncle Dave: Correct as ever ... I only start to play a tune properly once I've learnt all of it - so I do learn the lyrics... it just takes a while to stick!

dnj: I have a laptop that could do the job: I just liked the idea of seriously small

shakil: unreliability is a big downer!

[This message has been edited by MacAllcock (edited 01-13-2003).]