Simon,
Thanks so much for the helpful advice, I'll use the links you gave me in the next few days. Today I need to do some shade study animations in SU, I just got Sony Vega Movie Studio installed yesterday and have yet to crack it open, so today is all about the animations and titles and music and stuff like that.
I'm dead serious about rendering and have been trying to decide on an affordable solution so it is natural I would want to give KT a shot. If I'm digging it Thearender would be a probable next software, I've been reading quite a bit and looking at different rendering results from all kinds of renderers that work well with SU. In the end it looks like I'm in for the long haul, I'm going down the modeling/rendering/animation worm hole, new software, new computer and moniters, the works. I have a background in landscape architecture and construction and am changing my focus to 3D site design and renderings. I can market this stuff and make my way in the world without much trouble. Over the last few years I have been doing a lot of design development with SU, working with other LAs and designers and it's working out very well for me, so I'm investing in new skill sets to build on the skill set I already have.

In any event, thanks again for your lengthy and informative post, if you are any indication of the general tone of sketchucation then it looks like I'm in the right place.

Ecuadorian,
Thanks for the advice, I have a demo version already installed on my computer and will be checking it out. I intend to learn several renderers over the period of the next year or so, I can already see a software jones coming on.

James,
I'll follow your link soon, from the title it looks like it would be just what I may need. Thanks for posting.

For anyone in L.A. I'm still game for pay to play instruction. I could really use a decent KT renderer in the near future, I already have projects that could use some renderings, and want to make them a regular part of my process. Post if you can help and we'll work out the details.
Cheers,
Donovan

So I want to start rendering and as thinking of using Kerkythea. The "tutorials" are baffling and I'm not having much luck. Is there any SU/KT artists in Los Angeles /OC who would be willing to meet and help me get going for a fee? Yeah that's right I'm at my wits end and am willing to pay to play.... anyone up for it?
Thanks,
Donovan

Thanks to all who have posted here so far. With the holiday fast approaching I'm a bit tight on time but have been reading your posts. I have more to say/ask on the subject but may not have time for a thoughtful post until after dec 25th. In the mean time I'm looking at sony vegas movie studio hd platinum 10 production suite for my post SU work. Also looking into thea render. any thoughts.
Thanks,
Donovan
BTW, nice video

So... the AVI animations will not do. I'm just now starting to make animations and plan on using them regularly. I have seen many really good looking animations on the old Youtube like this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn0tvNdc1gM . I need to get there from here. I'm fine with the models but need a jump start for animations. Also I'm about to start with rendering programs so if there is an animation solution in say kerkythea or poidum or something like that it could work for me. I'm not on an unlimited budget but do have a bit to invest,(both money and time) to make this happen. Most of my work is site design / Landscape Architecture type of stuff.