Choosing a dance mat with a TV connection

A dance mat is a relatively "young" entertainment device with a game controller that connects to a TV, set-top box, computer or laptop. The choice of connection greatly influences the cost of the entire purchase. This article will focus on the models that connect to the TV.

For the first time, the Japanese company Konami presented its invention to the world in 1998. It had the purpose of a toy. The platform was improved and modernized, but the essence of the game did not actually change. Initially, the device was intended for one player, but over time, rugs for 2-3-4 people began to be produced. The device, despite the shortcomings of the first models, quickly gained popularity among young people; it collected long queues in entertainment centers. At that time, the rug had few melodies, only three modes and suffered from a violation of the synchronization of sound and movement.

Over time, the shortcomings were eliminated. The company began to release lightweight versions for home use with 7 modes and a lot of melodies. The modern dance mat has many names: music platform, dancemat or dancepad. It is a rubberized removable platform of the correct geometric shape (square, rectangle), which does not slip and does not wear out.

The cost of such a rug can range from 800 to 20 thousand rubles. It depends on the connection, for example, to a computer via USB will cost more than to a TV, but it also has more possibilities. In addition, the price is influenced by the material from which the device is made. If the rug looks like an ordinary oilcloth, it will cost much less than a solid rubberized platform.

It is worth dwelling on the material of the product in more detail, according to the structure of the model, they are divided into thin (cheaper) and thickened (expensive).

• Thin models are made of synthetic fabric, connected in several layers. They are compact, easy to handle and take up little space. They are easy to transport even on foot. But you can't dance with passion on thin rugs, there is a danger of slipping.

• The thickened model is a solid dense rubberized mat with a thick polymer insert inside. If the mat needs to be rolled up, the liner can be removed. Despite its strength and reliability, it is also recommended to dance on a thickened platform without shoes. Such products do not slip and can withstand any dance rhythm.

Musical denpads are fascinating gaming devices that are not yet found in every home. But their popularity is growing due to many advantages:

• foster a sports spirit;
• give a lot of positive emotions;
• give the opportunity to play with a team of 2 to 4 people;
• develop attentiveness, memory, motor skills;
• teach to feel the rhythm;
• train the body no worse than any exercise.

After analyzing a large number of reviews, no significant shortcomings of the miracle toy have been identified, users are satisfied. Small complaints related to very cheap models. Some of them are made of polyethylene and slip a little.

The principle of operation of the dance rug is quite simple, with a desire, anyone can delve into it. The device is endowed with varying degrees of difficulty in connecting to home equipment. The computer version requires careful, long-term tuning, the latest generation rugs (released after 2013) are suitable for it. But on the other hand, Denspad models that support an SD flash card are capable of loading additional tunes and game options onto the equipment.

Connecting to a TV is easier using an adapter (included in the kit) and a cable with a "tulip" connector. A microprocessor is mounted inside the mat itself. The product comes with a disc with a special program that provides a large number of melodies. When connected, when the equipment has switched to the desired mode, you can see pictures with comments on the TV screen. Selects regular CRT or LCD TV type. Next, a list of programs is displayed, with which you can select the number of buttons, difficulty mode, melody.

The device has different levels of difficulty, which makes it accessible to players with different backgrounds:

• beginner - intended for beginners;
• light - easy, the game takes place without much stress;
• standart - standard, used in most cases;
• heavy - heavy, designed for experienced players.

From 7 to 9 buttons are built into the platform, arrows are applied to the surface to help determine the movement... The process of the game itself is as follows: the player, under the active melody, steps on the buttons in the desired sequence. This is due to the display located in front of the participant in the game. During the dance, it is necessary to observe the arrows on the screen or the "dancing man", they inform about the buttons that should be stepped on.

You have to jump when the arrow hits the square of the designation. For each correct movement, a point is counted, which can be seen on the display, at the end of the game, the total amount of points earned is set. To summarize, we can say that dance rugs that are connected to a TV are more suitable for beginners or amateurs. Professionals choose computer options.

Dance rugs are single and double. Single ones look like a square platform measuring 90x90 cm or 100x100 cm. Rectangular products for one player have dimensions 90x80 cm, 94x82 cm, 92x80 cm. When folded, the rug is 30x30x8 cm. Double platforms repeat the shape of a rectangle and have dimensions twice the size of single models - 165x90 cm. Several people can dance on such products at once.

Dance platforms are created in a bright, catchy tone, because they present entertainment programs and are responsible for a good mood. The surface of the product is also painted with colorful squares so that you can quickly navigate and put your foot correctly, in the desired sector. Bright colors, rhythmic music, lighting and energetic movements create an atmosphere of fun and celebration, which is required from such a device.

In most cases, a black background color is chosen for the surface itself, on which juicy squares contrast perfectly:

• in blue and crimson;

• in red, blue and yellow tones;

• often the squares are painted in the colors of the traffic light - red, yellow and green.

Children's rugs are made more artistically, instead of squares, children can contemplate pictures of animals, flowers or characters of their favorite cartoons.

When choosing a dance rug, we suggest paying attention to the models that have proven themselves to be the best based on user reviews:

The product is intended for babies up to one year old, even suitable for newborns. The First Steps model is especially useful.

Under this brand, various rugs have been produced for children from 3 to 5 years old. The best ones are Funny Mice and Party for Friends.

Modern multifunctional 32-bit model with connection to a computer and TV.

Wireless 32-bit dance pad, with flash card and 2 joysticks, has 6 difficulty levels. Can be connected to play together.

Comfortable rubberized non-slip mat with a waterproof surface, endowed with a lot of settings and at the same time is inexpensive.

When choosing a model, it is important to know who it will be intended for: a child, an adult, a professional, a beginner. Targets are also important and can be purchased for entertainment or exercise (fitness, yoga, weight loss).

Rugs can differ in the number of buttons, different power, the number of bits. The last point should be discussed in more detail. Models are available in 8, 16 and 32 bit. When choosing a product, you should pay attention to the diagonal of the TV - the more impressive it is, the more bits you may need. There are other important criteria as well.

• 8 bit. The simplest options are used for children's play rugs.

• 16 bit. Here the graphics are already of higher quality. The models have a lot of different melodies. Endowed with dance and game programs.

• 32 bits. They belong to the most modern devices, they appeared in 2019. Their HD graphics are of perfect quality. The products are supplied with a memory card for recording your favorite songs.

Having dealt with the electronic filling, we will consider other selection criteria.

• Convenient options include a flexible, soft mat made from a thicker material. It will not fidget on the floor, you cannot slip on it. Such pad is comfortable, safe for children and adults.

• For serious workouts, professionals choose rigid platforms, they are much more expensive than rubber mats, but the price is justified by their high functionality.

• For those wishing to lose weight, you can choose a rubberized model with a large number of buttons. To get points, you have to work hard, which leads to the burning of calories.

With regard to age categories, denpads can be divided into children, adults and for the whole family. The minimum age for which products are produced is not at all 5 or 6 years old, as many people think. Rugs have been invented even for babies up to a year, more like blankets with bumpers.

For information on how to connect a dance mat to a TV or computer, see the next video.