The modern jukebox for the home games room can be based on the commercial digital jukeboxes but with a more classical design depending on the owner’s preference. Some modern jukeboxes house about 100 CDs and free standing models based on the classic Wurlitzer are available.

There are, of course, still many original jukeboxes available that have been restored. These are collectibles that may not have the best functionality for the modern home. New jukeboxes have many benefits over an antique jukebox.

Restored antique jukeboxes are still in wide circulation and remain in demand. However, they can be cumbersome for those short of space. Modern jukeboxes vary between table top, wall mounted and free standing but also as virtual jukeboxes in the form of software that can be downloaded to a computer.

Antique jukeboxes provide a genuine experience and create an authentic atmosphere but modern jukeboxes either recreate the original cosmetic designs or offer such convenient functionality that they can be hard to rule out of your search for a home jukebox.

The large cabinet art deco styles have been recreated with the inner workings of the jukebox unrecognisable – not a record player in sight. The modern home jukebox tends towards either CD or mp3 format,or both, with mp3s being stored on CDs.

Your own CD collection can be ‘ripped’ and stored on the hard drive of the jukebox or your collection of mp3s can be stored on your mp3 player and plugged into the jukebox; For example new jukeboxes feature an iPod docks and some iPod docks are now being called Jukeboxes such as the Philips iBoom JukeBox iPod Dock.

There are many benefits to an iPod dock for the home user. Updates to the music library are simple using tried and tested software and the music library on the internet is vast and limitless. The smaller table top iPod docks obviously save space and suit the current trend for miniature everything: phones, cameras, jukeboxes…

If you find that the cost of owning a jukebox is prohibitive then you might consider a rental service. I found one that provides a free playing digital jukebox with 12000 songs in a funky, wavy stainless steel effect casing for around $370 or £250. This allows affordable accessibility to a jukebox for special occasions.

Jukebox software for use on the home pc is popular but lacking in atmosphere to say the least and staring at a set of speakers does not have quite the same effect as a visually attractive jukebox. However, if you are lacking in physical space at home and have a sound system already connected to your computer or laptop then jukebox software may be the thing for you.