I tried using Slideshow Pro and I tried for hours playing with the .xml file but it wouldn't play past the second slide for some reason, so I ended up using Flash SlideShow Maker.
That's why it takes so long to open the slideshow as it's trying to load all images at once [4.5mb if I remember ]
I've been too busy to attempt another version but will post one if I get the results I was originally after.
Trial and Error, Trial and Error
Paul