First thing I would do is to download the software choices. The software is the hardest part along where you will spend the most time. With the software you can play with it and you don't need one piece of hardware to use it.
Free Software options:
Vixen 2.1.x You are not allowed to view links.
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LoginHLS You are not allowed to view links.
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LoginPaid Software options:
LSP 2.5 (Trial available) You are not allowed to view links.
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LoginLOR S3 You are not allowed to view links.
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LoginFor the Hardware I would look at the Lynx Express (LE) controller. Its a 16 channel controller with advance features. Come Jan to Feb we start to open up COOPs which is a group buy of the different controllers on this site. The advantage of the coop is the parts for the boards is brought in quantity so you can get the parts cheaper.
ALso you will need a Dongle to control the LE (two options here: USB dongle or the Ethernet Dongle) The USB dongle is easier to setup but has a small total number of channels. It has two different modes of software (firmware) either DMX or Pixelnet for DMX you get 512 channels to control or with Pixelnet you get 4096 channels to control. The EtherDongle is much more advance and can do 4 times the channels of the USB dongle plus it has expansion connectors to allow more features like a board where you don't need a computer to run your lights.
Here is some diagrams to help make some sense of all of this.
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LoginIts basically saying you need a computer (windows) then dongle then the light controllers (dimmers) then your lights.
Clear as mud?
Take your time, read the forums, read the wiki and ask as many questions as you like. This site is beginner friendly with many helpfully members.
Good luck
Rick R.