Thanks for the reply! That's exactly the problem. Pretty much any other area there are large amounts of resources, but struggling with autpmation. I'm a qualified spark, with experience in industrial control and electronics. Hence the looking in to this as a possible career change. It's difficult because you can't just go to your local theatre to get some experience with it. I'll have a look at the manufacturers you suggest, but I'm hoping to get more technical than programming and pressing go.