F.A.Q.

This page contains answers to common questions handled by our support staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.
 How do I find my serial number?
Serial numbers are located on a white label near the Master Power Switch and power cord receptacle on the rear of all consoles and ensembles.  The Grand Models have their serial numbers on the underside of the piano on the opposite side of the master power switch/power cord receptacle.  The number itself will be either a four digit number (1234) or an eleven digit number starting with a 97 or 98 (98P00100123).  The serial number can also be found in the Settings/General tab by touching the icon that says "Interactive Music Touch", just above the security button.  When touched a dialog box will appear on the screen and show you the model and serial number.
Back to Top
When should I use "Sleep" when should I "Shut Down" and when do I need to "Restart" my piano?

The Sleep mode is useful for suspending operation from time to time throughout the day. It takes less time to return the instrument to functionality.
Shut Down should be used if you will not be using the instrument for an extended period of time (several days or more). If you are moving the instrument, it is very important to Shut Down the instrument and turn off the back power switch. We also recommend that you Shut Down turn off and unplug the instrument in advance of a thunder or electrical storm.
A Restart will reload the system software and frequently improve performance if the unit has not been Shut Down for several days.

Back to Top
What do I need to do to take care of my piano, and how should I clean the wood and screen?

Taking care of your piano and all of its parts is of great importance to its lasting beauty and functionality.  Here are some care and cleaning tips...

Keyboard - To clean your piano's keys, use a soft cloth dampened with water; avoid solvents. Make sure the cloth is thoroughly rung out, and wipe keys back-to-front, rather than side-to-side, so excess moisture will not seep down the sides of the keys. Clean only a few keys at a time, drying immediately with a clean cloth.

Touch screen - The touch screen is very similar to a television. It is fragile, but it is well secured and is most likely out of harms way. To clean the touch screen, simply dust the surface with a glass cleaner or damp cloth. You should avoid pressing hard on the screen and never use a sharp object, as this could cause damage.

Wood Surfaces - Properly maintaining the fine wood finish will enhance your home decor and preserve the value of your piano. The finish on your piano is designed to last without the additional aid of polishes or waxes. In most cases, a piano finish is best maintained by simply keeping it clean and avoiding exposure to abrasion, direct sunlight, extremes of temperature or humidity.

Back to Top
What is an "IMT Certified" Printer? Can I just use the printer I already have?

Originally Van Koevering Certified printers so they could recommend printers that they knew were compatible.  They are listed below.   Several or all of those printers may not even be in production any more.  Practically every Windows compatible printer should work.  But...

The secret is running the setup program to re-load drivers in Windows.  This may require opening an incident.

IMT Certified Printers:
 
Canon BJC-80:   Bubble Ink-jet Color/Black & White Printer 
Epson Color Stylus 400:   Ink-jet Color/Black & White Printer
Epson Color Stylus 440:   Ink-jet Color/Black & White Printer
Back to Top

I want to copy Studio Sessions to Floppy Disk. What kind of disks should I get?

You can use the standard 3 1/2 inch disks found in any computer store. They are usually labeled “1.44 MB” or “High Density” and are pre-formatted for IBM.  If they are not formatted, you can format them on the piano.

Back to Top
       How do I format a floppy disk?
  • Go to the "Storage " section and place a floppy disk in drive.
  • Touch the "Floppy" button and then touch the "Format" button.
  • The Screen will display the message "This will destroy any information stored on the floppy disk. Continue? " Touch "YES."
  • The Screen will display "Formatting…" and a progress bar. This takes about 90 seconds.
  • A screen will appear to enter a volume name - the name of the floppy disk.  You can leave this blank, or type in a name.
  • After the volume name is written, a message indicates  the format is complete, or if any errors occurred.  If there is an error, try the process again - or use a different disk.
Back to Top

 

I've purchased a software program but the CD doesn't show up on the Programs Screen?

Your piano stores a list of certified programs that is called the IMT Certified Programs list. As van Koevering tested and certified new programs, these program names were added to the list of certified programs and put that list on the Music Mall.  Since the Music Mall is no longer functional the updated list cannot be downloaded. You must obtain the latest version which is "October 2001" by ordering one from DBMP Technical Service.

Last Van Koevering Certified Programs list  Even if the name list listed it does not mean the program will load.  The piano goes by the volume name on the CD so if the manufacturer has changed the volume name in a new pressing, you may be out of luck.  Harmonic Vision's (Music Ace) is notorious for this.

Unfortunately, no one is certifying third party software for the pianos.  It is a tedious and arduous process.  You may check the list of certified software for the volume name that is on your CD if it matches then it should load but if it differs even by one number or letter then it will not load.  Request the volume name via email. Check Volume name. 

Back to Top
 

I turned my 1300 on but the red light just flashes and nothing appears on the screen?  (Pertains to 1900 and 1950 as well)

Several things could be going on here.  Either your software is corrupt, you may have a bad hard drive, or a bad touch screen or a dead CMOS battery.

To determine what is going on make sure the piano is off.  Hold the front power button down for 7 seconds.  The piano will do a software shutdown.    Then place a finger on the touch screen and hold it there while you touch the front power button.  The screen should turn all white, remove fingers from the screen and power button.  watch the messages that appear on the screen to get a clue as to where the problem lies.

If you see a message that says "hit F1 to continue, CMOS checksum error"  then you have a bad battery.  

"Invalid drive specification" would indicate a bad drive.

Report which ever error to DBMP Technical Service and we'll tell you how to proceed.

This is only valid for VIP 1300, 1900, & 1950s,  it does not work on VIP 300, 600, 900 & 950s.

Back to Top

How can I get more Karaoke files?

The best place Karaoke files is a web site who URL is  http://www.tune1000.com.   
 They have a very large assortment of files and several ways to choose them.  First, let me explain about the Karaoke software that was created by Van Koevering.  

VIP Karaoke uses MIDI file format 0 with lyrics on track 4.  The Lyrics are actual MIDI events.  Many free Karaoke files use a different format and lyrics are on track 1, and they are not actual MIDI events.  These free files will play the music but not display the lyrics on the screen.  Many may also have licensing issues, in other words, legal issues.  I recommend that you save yourself the aggravation and stick with Tune1000.

You can download songs from their site if you give them a credit card.  They have they songs listed by artist, by song, by genre and who knows what else.  It's a good search engine.  They also have albums that are on floppy disk.  You can also order hundreds at a time and they will burn them on to a CD and Mail them to you.  Just make sure when ordering to select files WITH LYRICS, and you'll be ok.

Back to Top