Not sure if its been posted elsewhere, sorry if it has, but i just downloaded Microsofts FREE Astronomy software. Its unbefreakinable....
All im going to say, its one of the best i have ever used, zooming works just like google earth (Sharpens as you zoom in on objects) has computer telescope control with Ascom platform, and on and on features.
Do a google search for World Wide Web Telescope Download and just pick a site and download it and install.
It uses heaps of maps, like the DSS, VLS and on and on.
My goodness, the party poopers on that thread !.
I agree with you, its a great piece of software, and really makes a great show for the kids.
OK, maybe cause i have a dual Quadcore Xeon system @3.0GHz and 12 Gbytes of ram may help.. But man it looks great at 1080P on my 52" LCD monitor. OOOOOHHHHHYEAH..
But i still hate microsoft ! !.
Theo, Good to see there is another 52" 1080P LCD user on the forums ! High five for us! The rest of my system isnt QUUUITE as insane as yours, but its closeish.. sort of..
On topic, Looks like a goer.. and ascom support is a real plus.
Isnt the view from the 52" just amazing when looking at the "Panorama" of the view from the lander on Mars or some other landscape at full resolution.
It looks like a window to outside..
mmm I have one of my lightning photos as the desktop background, the shot taken off my back veranda, which is directly behind where the TV is, except through a wall... Looks like an x-ray shot
Its also stunning to view peoples high-res astro photos... One just recently I found of andromeda is sensational! as is Peter Ward's M104
The rest of my system isnt QUUUITE as insane as yours, but its closeish.. sort of.. 
