Another advantage to starting out with a Pangolin LD2000 is you will have a LOT of royalty-free shows at your disposal, and a large, supportive user base on the Pangolin forums and right here on PL. With the prices the way they are, the LD2000 intro really isn't going to cost that much more, and it will be able to play back ANY show created for ANY version of the LD2000 system. And, even the "intro" is considered a professional-level system, and includes all the features you would need to help meet CDRH certification.
The drawback (other than initial cost) is the QM2000 boards require an available PCI slot in a computer, or an external (extra cost) solution like the QM2000.net - which is GREAT, by the way, since you can move it between computers (including laptops) as you see fit.
If you decided to go with something like the FB3, you still have a VERY powerful and capable system, but probably won't find the same user support base as with the LD2000 systems. You CAN get LivePRO for the FB3, which is virtually the same kick-ass live performance software you can get for the LD2000 systems, just cheaper!!
RR
Metrologic HeNe 3.3mw Modulated laser, 2 Radio Shack motors, and a broken mirror.
1979.
Sweet.....