What are the system requirements for SongShow Plus?

Applicable SongShow Plus Versions: 
This article applies to all versions of SongShow Plus

NOTE: This information will be updated periodically and may be more current than other published information.  

For New Hardware

NOTE: It is NOT recommended to use any integrated graphics solutions with SongShow Plus. 

**GoFishMedia sells machines specially configured and optimized to run SongShow Plus. Visit www.GoFishMedia.net for more information.**

Computer Types
When buying a new computer, there are many types or configurations available - Desktop, Notebook/Laptop, Mini devices and All-in-One devices

• Desktop Computer - This is the best and most flexible solution and is RECOMMENDED for SongShow Plus use.  These will typically be upgradable and can grow with your organization, improving ROI.
• Laptop/Notebook Computer - These devices can be used for SongShow Plus.  These may be best if portability is a concern.  That said, use of discrete graphics is crucial for success using this option. Please review related articles for more details BEFORE purchasing a new Laptop/Notebook. Search the KBs for "Laptop".
• Mini Computer - Mini Computers are space savers and are similar to Desktops since they also require external interface devices, however, the biggest issues are they nearly always use integrated graphics and they have no or limited upgradability. Mini computers can also be problematic when connecting multiple displays.    Mini Computer devices are NOT SUPPORTED for SongShow Plus
• All-In-One Computer - All-in-One devices are a hybrid -  neither desktop nor laptop/notebook but features from both. This is fine for doing general office or home tasks but makes them especially problematic for SongShow Plus regarding graphics and multi-display setup.   All-in One devices are NOT SUPPORTED for SongShow Plus

NOTE: It is NOT recommended to use any integrated graphics solutions with SongShow Plus. 

Computer Specifications
When buying a new computer, the following specifications are recommended for average use of SongShow Plus:

• Operating System:   Windows 11, 64-bit (Pro recommended, Home is acceptable)
• Processor:  Intel i5 Processor or higher
• System Memory:  16GB Internal Memory or higher
• Graphics Card:  Mid-Level add-in graphics card with dedicated graphics memory (think gaming - Integrated graphics is not recommended) 
  • 1 GB dedicated graphics memory
  • 2 or more video out connections
  • Not an Intel ARC solution - Refer to article DI15 for more details. 

SongShow Plus has many features designed to be used at runtime when rendering graphics. If you expect to use lots of effects, transitions, or high-definition video, then you'll want to consider a machine with higher specs than this, including the possibility of a faster processor, more memory, faster motherboard, faster hard drive, higher end video card, etc. If you will only use SongShow Plus for basic presentation of lyrics and simple slides using static backgrounds, then you can consider a machine with lower specs. How you use SongShow Plus will largely influence the type of machine you will need.

For Existing Hardware

NOTE: It is NOT recommended to use any integrated graphics solutions with SongShow Plus. 

NOTE: Many Intel integrated and discrete graphics solutions and drivers have eliminated native DirectX9 support and may not function as expected.  Refer to article DI15 for more details.  

NOTE: Some AMD Ryzen integrated graphics solutions and drivers may have eliminated native DirectX9 support and may not function as expected.  Refer to article DI16 for more details. 

Please review the Computer Types section above for guidance

If you have a machine available to you already, that machine may be sufficient for running SongShow Plus if it was designed to perform at a high rating with Windows 10 or later. Again, how you use SongShow Plus will largely determine how well an existing machine will work for you. Best advice is to try the machine first then upgrade if necessary.

Windows Versions

Current versions of SongShow Plus are designed to work primarily with Windows 10 and have been tested on Windows 11.
NOTE: SongShow Plus is a 32-bit application and will run on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.

Other versions of Windows that may work include Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and earlier builds of Windows 10. Both 32-bit and 64-bit editions of these OSes are supported, however, since our primary testing was using Windows 10, there may be some features that are not fully supported on the earlier versions of Windows. The use of Windows version earlier that Windows 10 is now discouraged due to the fact that Microsoft no longer supports those versions of Windows.

Graphics Cards

NOTE: It is NOT recommended to use any integrated graphics solutions with SongShow Plus. 
NOTE: It is NOT recommended to use any Intel graphics solutions with SongShow Plus. 

SongShow Plus is designed to work with video cards compatible with DirectX 9 - this support is required. This includes just about any video card / graphics solution made in the last several years. While any DirectX 9 compatible card should work, SongShow Plus is tested using Nvidia cards and it is those cards that are recommended for use with SongShow Plus. From time to time, compatibility problems have been found with other brands of video cards. For the highest end performance, get the fastest card with the maximum amount of memory on it you can afford.

*The DVD feature of SongShow Plus is designed to work with the native DVD player (purchase via Microsoft Store may be required) support of Windows. Playing encrypted DVDs may require use of AC3Filter for correct audio playback.

For more detailed information on various system requirements, please see: System Requirements and Recommendations.

If this article does not answer your question, contact the Support Team.

(FAQ12)