How to Build Your Own Jukebox
Back in the 1950's, you'd have been hard-pressed to find a decent "watering hole" that didn't have a classic old-style jukebox parked in one of the corners.
Since then, the popularity of jukeboxes has sizzled down a bit, but it's still a popular hire item for many private parties and events.
In this article, I'd like to show you how to make your own custom home jukebox - ideal for those dinner parties and special occasions.
The first step is to either find or buy a relatively low-spec computer.
The computer needn't be anything fancy - just something that runs Microsoft Windows XP or later and has USB ports.
Once you've found or managed to buy something like this, you want to make sure that it is running at optimum - in other words, uninstall any software or background applications that aren't completely necessary.
Step one complete! The next step is to get a touch screen.
Here you have two options - either buy a complete touch screen, or use a normal LCD screen and purchase a touch screen interface.
The interface wraps around the normal screen and allows for touch functionality.
Personally, I recommend just getting a complete touch screen, as there's less admin and it is generally more reliable.
Whichever route you decide to go, make sure that the touch interface works with USB, and most importantly, your version of Microsoft Windows.
Then it's time to put it all together.
Follow the installation instructions that come with the touch screen and make sure that the screen is calibrated accurately - in other words, that it points wherever you touch.
You now have a touch screen computer and all that's left to do is find some jukebox software! I personally recommend a software called TouchTone.
It has nice big buttons (which you need for the touch control) and is very customizable.
It is however, completely up to you which one you go with.
Have a look on the internet and download some free trial versions of the software you like.
Once you've found "the one", all that's left to do is load up your music and crank it up! Obviously, for the best results, building some sort of cabinet or casing for the screen is the optimal route to go.
I have seen people recess the screen into a wall or cupboard, which also looks good.
I also suggest that you hook the computer up to a decent stereo system to get the best sound - there's nothing worse than cheap computer speakers...
And there you have it - the easiest and most effective way to build a touch screen jukebox for your home.
I guarantee that your friends and family will all be impressed with the new gadget at your next party!
Since then, the popularity of jukeboxes has sizzled down a bit, but it's still a popular hire item for many private parties and events.
In this article, I'd like to show you how to make your own custom home jukebox - ideal for those dinner parties and special occasions.
The first step is to either find or buy a relatively low-spec computer.
The computer needn't be anything fancy - just something that runs Microsoft Windows XP or later and has USB ports.
Once you've found or managed to buy something like this, you want to make sure that it is running at optimum - in other words, uninstall any software or background applications that aren't completely necessary.
Step one complete! The next step is to get a touch screen.
Here you have two options - either buy a complete touch screen, or use a normal LCD screen and purchase a touch screen interface.
The interface wraps around the normal screen and allows for touch functionality.
Personally, I recommend just getting a complete touch screen, as there's less admin and it is generally more reliable.
Whichever route you decide to go, make sure that the touch interface works with USB, and most importantly, your version of Microsoft Windows.
Then it's time to put it all together.
Follow the installation instructions that come with the touch screen and make sure that the screen is calibrated accurately - in other words, that it points wherever you touch.
You now have a touch screen computer and all that's left to do is find some jukebox software! I personally recommend a software called TouchTone.
It has nice big buttons (which you need for the touch control) and is very customizable.
It is however, completely up to you which one you go with.
Have a look on the internet and download some free trial versions of the software you like.
Once you've found "the one", all that's left to do is load up your music and crank it up! Obviously, for the best results, building some sort of cabinet or casing for the screen is the optimal route to go.
I have seen people recess the screen into a wall or cupboard, which also looks good.
I also suggest that you hook the computer up to a decent stereo system to get the best sound - there's nothing worse than cheap computer speakers...
And there you have it - the easiest and most effective way to build a touch screen jukebox for your home.
I guarantee that your friends and family will all be impressed with the new gadget at your next party!
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