I'd like to say a word on the mindset of updating.
Don't if you don't need to.
Ok, now allow me to explain. I personally do not know the horizon
system, but do you need whatever feature is in the 'gold' update version? Its pointless to update to get features you will never use. If the horizon
system is working for you currently, maybe get a sub
wing for it (the thing that always bothered me about PC based systems was you don't have a physical
button or slider to grab), or maybe if your happy with your control
system get some nice new Source4's. In the grand scheme of lightboards, $1500 to $2000 won't get you an amazingly nice board, but it will get you some very nice lights.
I would also shy away from spending your budget on moving heads. Yes, they are very cool, and yes we all would love to get a bunch to
play with, but ask yourself if your getting them to assist the program and improve the look of the shows, or for their price would it be better to get another 50 Source4 or Source4
PAR's.
Personally for my school, while I would have loved to
play with a few movers for my musicals, my budget would be better spent on things such as strip lights, lamps, and a few new Source4s.
If you already have 150 Source4s and have no problem getting beautiful washes on the
stage from every angle your heart desires, I see no problem with getting a few moving heads, but as the saying goes, if you can't pull together good looking show in a tiny space with 10
Par cans, moving lights arn't for you.
Just a few words of the wise. Had someone said "here, let me give you a few moving heads" I wouldn't have stopped to think about it.