diff --git a/openlp/core/lib/pluginmanager.py b/openlp/core/lib/pluginmanager.py
index 8899f5846..b90375506 100644
--- a/openlp/core/lib/pluginmanager.py
+++ b/openlp/core/lib/pluginmanager.py
@@ -85,6 +85,14 @@ class PluginManager(object):
         log.debug(u'finding plugins in %s at depth %d',
             unicode(plugin_dir), startdepth)
         for root, dirs, files in os.walk(plugin_dir):
+            # TODO Presentation plugin is not yet working on Mac OS X.
+            # For now just ignore it. The following code will hide it
+            # in settings dialog.
+            if sys.platform == 'darwin':
+                present_plugin_dir = os.path.join(plugin_dir, 'presentations')
+                # Ignore files from the presentation plugin directory.
+                if root.startswith(present_plugin_dir):
+                    continue
             for name in files:
                 if name.endswith(u'.py') and not name.startswith(u'__'):
                     path = os.path.abspath(os.path.join(root, name))
diff --git a/openlp/core/ui/firsttimeform.py b/openlp/core/ui/firsttimeform.py
index 1bd746759..14f1299de 100644
--- a/openlp/core/ui/firsttimeform.py
+++ b/openlp/core/ui/firsttimeform.py
@@ -177,8 +177,10 @@ class FirstTimeForm(QtGui.QWizard, Ui_FirstTimeWizard):
             return FirstTimePage.Progress
         elif self.currentId() == FirstTimePage.Themes:
             Receiver.send_message(u'cursor_busy')
+            Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
             while not self.themeScreenshotThread.isFinished():
                 time.sleep(0.1)
+                Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
             # Build the screenshot icons, as this can not be done in the thread.
             self._buildThemeScreenshots()
             Receiver.send_message(u'cursor_normal')
@@ -188,10 +190,11 @@ class FirstTimeForm(QtGui.QWizard, Ui_FirstTimeWizard):
 
     def onCurrentIdChanged(self, pageId):
         """
-        Detects Page changes and updates as approprate.
+        Detects Page changes and updates as appropriate.
         """
         # Keep track of the page we are at.  Triggering "Cancel" causes pageId
         # to be a -1.
+        Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
         if pageId != -1:
             self.lastId = pageId
         if pageId == FirstTimePage.Plugins:
@@ -227,10 +230,12 @@ class FirstTimeForm(QtGui.QWizard, Ui_FirstTimeWizard):
                 self.cancelButton.setVisible(False)
         elif pageId == FirstTimePage.Progress:
             Receiver.send_message(u'cursor_busy')
+            self.repaint()
+            Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
+            # Try to give the wizard a chance to redraw itself
+            time.sleep(0.2)
             self._preWizard()
-            Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
             self._performWizard()
-            Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
             self._postWizard()
             Receiver.send_message(u'cursor_normal')
             Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
@@ -263,8 +268,8 @@ class FirstTimeForm(QtGui.QWizard, Ui_FirstTimeWizard):
         """
         Receiver.send_message(u'cursor_busy')
         self._performWizard()
-        Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
         Receiver.send_message(u'cursor_normal')
+        Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
         Settings().setValue(u'general/has run wizard',
             QtCore.QVariant(True))
         self.close()
@@ -344,6 +349,7 @@ class FirstTimeForm(QtGui.QWizard, Ui_FirstTimeWizard):
         Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
         # Loop through the songs list and increase for each selected item
         for i in xrange(self.songsListWidget.count()):
+            Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
             item = self.songsListWidget.item(i)
             if item.checkState() == QtCore.Qt.Checked:
                 filename = item.data(QtCore.Qt.UserRole).toString()
@@ -352,6 +358,7 @@ class FirstTimeForm(QtGui.QWizard, Ui_FirstTimeWizard):
         # Loop through the Bibles list and increase for each selected item
         iterator = QtGui.QTreeWidgetItemIterator(self.biblesTreeWidget)
         while iterator.value():
+            Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
             item = iterator.value()
             if item.parent() and item.checkState(0) == QtCore.Qt.Checked:
                 filename = item.data(0, QtCore.Qt.UserRole).toString()
@@ -360,6 +367,7 @@ class FirstTimeForm(QtGui.QWizard, Ui_FirstTimeWizard):
             iterator += 1
         # Loop through the themes list and increase for each selected item
         for i in xrange(self.themesListWidget.count()):
+            Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
             item = self.themesListWidget.item(i)
             if item.checkState() == QtCore.Qt.Checked:
                 filename = item.data(QtCore.Qt.UserRole).toString()
@@ -381,6 +389,10 @@ class FirstTimeForm(QtGui.QWizard, Ui_FirstTimeWizard):
             self.progressPage.setTitle(translate('OpenLP.FirstTimeWizard',
                 'Setting Up'))
             self.progressPage.setSubTitle(u'Setup complete.')
+        self.repaint()
+        Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
+        # Try to give the wizard a chance to repaint itself
+        time.sleep(0.1)
 
     def _postWizard(self):
         """
diff --git a/openlp/core/ui/firsttimewizard.py b/openlp/core/ui/firsttimewizard.py
index 1ce523cbc..4477dd4cb 100644
--- a/openlp/core/ui/firsttimewizard.py
+++ b/openlp/core/ui/firsttimewizard.py
@@ -82,13 +82,13 @@ class Ui_FirstTimeWizard(object):
         self.imageCheckBox.setChecked(True)
         self.imageCheckBox.setObjectName(u'imageCheckBox')
         self.pluginLayout.addWidget(self.imageCheckBox)
-        self.presentationCheckBox = QtGui.QCheckBox(self.pluginPage)
-        if sys.platform == "darwin":
-            self.presentationCheckBox.setChecked(False)
-        else:
+        # TODO Presentation plugin is not yet working on Mac OS X.
+        # For now just ignore it.
+        if sys.platform != 'darwin':
+            self.presentationCheckBox = QtGui.QCheckBox(self.pluginPage)
             self.presentationCheckBox.setChecked(True)
-        self.presentationCheckBox.setObjectName(u'presentationCheckBox')
-        self.pluginLayout.addWidget(self.presentationCheckBox)
+            self.presentationCheckBox.setObjectName(u'presentationCheckBox')
+            self.pluginLayout.addWidget(self.presentationCheckBox)
         self.mediaCheckBox = QtGui.QCheckBox(self.pluginPage)
         self.mediaCheckBox.setChecked(True)
         self.mediaCheckBox.setObjectName(u'mediaCheckBox')
@@ -214,10 +214,11 @@ class Ui_FirstTimeWizard(object):
         self.bibleCheckBox.setText(translate('OpenLP.FirstTimeWizard', 'Bible'))
         self.imageCheckBox.setText(translate('OpenLP.FirstTimeWizard',
             'Images'))
-        self.presentationCheckBox.setText(translate('OpenLP.FirstTimeWizard',
-            'Presentations'))
-        if sys.platform == "darwin":
-            self.presentationCheckBox.setEnabled(False)
+        # TODO Presentation plugin is not yet working on Mac OS X.
+        # For now just ignore it.
+        if sys.platform != 'darwin':
+            self.presentationCheckBox.setText(translate('OpenLP.FirstTimeWizard',
+                'Presentations'))
         self.mediaCheckBox.setText(translate('OpenLP.FirstTimeWizard',
             'Media (Audio and Video)'))
         self.remoteCheckBox.setText(translate('OpenLP.FirstTimeWizard',
diff --git a/openlp/core/ui/thememanager.py b/openlp/core/ui/thememanager.py
index 844ffec8c..70bf78b29 100644
--- a/openlp/core/ui/thememanager.py
+++ b/openlp/core/ui/thememanager.py
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ import os
 import zipfile
 import shutil
 import logging
-import locale
 import re
 
 from xml.etree.ElementTree import ElementTree, XML
@@ -46,7 +45,8 @@ from openlp.core.lib.ui import UiStrings, critical_error_message_box, \
     create_widget_action
 from openlp.core.theme import Theme
 from openlp.core.ui import FileRenameForm, ThemeForm
-from openlp.core.utils import AppLocation, delete_file, get_filesystem_encoding
+from openlp.core.utils import AppLocation, delete_file, locale_compare, \
+    get_filesystem_encoding
 
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -284,6 +284,7 @@ class ThemeManager(QtGui.QWidget):
                             plugin.renameTheme(old_theme_name, new_theme_name)
                     self.mainwindow.renderer.update_theme(
                         new_theme_name, old_theme_name)
+                    self.loadThemes()
 
     def onCopyTheme(self):
         """
@@ -457,9 +458,8 @@ class ThemeManager(QtGui.QWidget):
                 self.configUpdated()
                 files = SettingsManager.get_files(self.settingsSection, u'.png')
         # Sort the themes by its name considering language specific characters.
-        # lower() is needed for windows!
-        files.sort(key=lambda file_name: unicode(file_name).lower(),
-           cmp=locale.strcoll)
+        files.sort(key=lambda file_name: unicode(file_name),
+           cmp=locale_compare)
         # now process the file list of png files
         for name in files:
             # check to see file is in theme root directory
diff --git a/openlp/core/utils/__init__.py b/openlp/core/utils/__init__.py
index 41a097a15..742b1e4bc 100644
--- a/openlp/core/utils/__init__.py
+++ b/openlp/core/utils/__init__.py
@@ -488,10 +488,30 @@ def format_time(text, local_time):
     return re.sub('\%[a-zA-Z]', match_formatting, text)
 
 
+def locale_compare(string1, string2):
+    """
+    Compares two strings according to the current locale settings.
+
+    As any other compare function, returns a negative, or a positive value,
+    or 0, depending on whether string1 collates before or after string2 or
+    is equal to it. Comparison is case insensitive.
+    """
+    # Function locale.strcol() from standard Python library does not work
+    # properly on Windows and probably somewhere else.
+    return QtCore.QString.localeAwareCompare(string1.lower(), string2.lower())
+
+
+# For performance reasons provide direct reference to compare function
+# without wrapping it in another function making te string lowercase.
+# This is needed for sorting songs.
+locale_direct_compare = QtCore.QString.localeAwareCompare
+
+
 from languagemanager import LanguageManager
 from actions import ActionList
 
 __all__ = [u'AppLocation', u'get_application_version', u'check_latest_version',
     u'add_actions', u'get_filesystem_encoding', u'LanguageManager',
     u'ActionList', u'get_web_page', u'get_uno_command', u'get_uno_instance',
-    u'delete_file', u'clean_filename', u'format_time']
+    u'delete_file', u'clean_filename', u'format_time', u'locale_compare',
+    u'locale_direct_compare']
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/bibles/forms/bibleimportform.py b/openlp/plugins/bibles/forms/bibleimportform.py
index 0a1d4cc23..d805ba34f 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/bibles/forms/bibleimportform.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/bibles/forms/bibleimportform.py
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ The bible import functions for OpenLP
 """
 import logging
 import os
-import locale
 
 from PyQt4 import QtCore, QtGui
 
@@ -39,7 +38,7 @@ from openlp.core.lib.db import delete_database
 from openlp.core.lib.ui import UiStrings, critical_error_message_box
 from openlp.core.lib.settings import Settings
 from openlp.core.ui.wizard import OpenLPWizard, WizardStrings
-from openlp.core.utils import AppLocation
+from openlp.core.utils import AppLocation, locale_compare
 from openlp.plugins.bibles.lib.manager import BibleFormat
 from openlp.plugins.bibles.lib.db import BiblesResourcesDB, clean_filename
 
@@ -523,7 +522,7 @@ class BibleImportForm(OpenLPWizard):
         """
         self.webTranslationComboBox.clear()
         bibles = self.web_bible_list[index].keys()
-        bibles.sort(cmp=locale.strcoll)
+        bibles.sort(cmp=locale_compare)
         self.webTranslationComboBox.addItems(bibles)
 
     def onOsisBrowseButtonClicked(self):
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/bibles/lib/mediaitem.py b/openlp/plugins/bibles/lib/mediaitem.py
index 5176e7d47..0647076c8 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/bibles/lib/mediaitem.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/bibles/lib/mediaitem.py
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@
 ###############################################################################
 
 import logging
-import locale
 
 from PyQt4 import QtCore, QtGui
 
@@ -38,6 +37,7 @@ from openlp.core.lib.settings import Settings
 from openlp.core.lib.ui import UiStrings, set_case_insensitive_completer, \
     create_horizontal_adjusting_combo_box, critical_error_message_box, \
     find_and_set_in_combo_box, build_icon
+from openlp.core.utils import locale_compare
 from openlp.plugins.bibles.forms import BibleImportForm, EditBibleForm
 from openlp.plugins.bibles.lib import LayoutStyle, DisplayStyle, \
     VerseReferenceList, get_reference_separator, LanguageSelection, \
@@ -381,7 +381,7 @@ class BibleMediaItem(MediaManagerItem):
         # Get all bibles and sort the list.
         bibles = self.plugin.manager.get_bibles().keys()
         bibles = filter(None, bibles)
-        bibles.sort(cmp=locale.strcoll)
+        bibles.sort(cmp=locale_compare)
         # Load the bibles into the combo boxes.
         self.quickVersionComboBox.addItems(bibles)
         self.quickSecondComboBox.addItems(bibles)
@@ -538,7 +538,7 @@ class BibleMediaItem(MediaManagerItem):
                         data = BiblesResourcesDB.get_book_by_id(
                         book.book_reference_id)
                         books.append(data[u'name'] + u' ')
-                books.sort(cmp=locale.strcoll)
+                books.sort(cmp=locale_compare)
         set_case_insensitive_completer(books, self.quickSearchEdit)
 
     def onImportClick(self):
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/custom/lib/db.py b/openlp/plugins/custom/lib/db.py
index 6f3155f48..c885562f2 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/custom/lib/db.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/custom/lib/db.py
@@ -34,12 +34,21 @@ from sqlalchemy import Column, Table, types
 from sqlalchemy.orm import mapper
 
 from openlp.core.lib.db import BaseModel, init_db
+from openlp.core.utils import locale_compare
 
 class CustomSlide(BaseModel):
     """
     CustomSlide model
     """
-    pass
+    # By default sort the customs by its title considering language specific
+    # characters.
+    def __lt__(self, other):
+        r = locale_compare(self.title, other.title)
+        return True if r < 0 else False
+
+    def __eq__(self, other):
+        return 0 == locale_compare(self.title, other.title)
+
 
 def init_schema(url):
     """
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/custom/lib/mediaitem.py b/openlp/plugins/custom/lib/mediaitem.py
index 663c5489d..10a3ec056 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/custom/lib/mediaitem.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/custom/lib/mediaitem.py
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@
 ###############################################################################
 
 import logging
-import locale
 
 from PyQt4 import QtCore, QtGui
 from sqlalchemy.sql import or_, func
@@ -109,10 +108,7 @@ class CustomMediaItem(MediaManagerItem):
         # Sort out what custom we want to select after loading the list.
         self.saveAutoSelectId()
         self.listView.clear()
-        # Sort the customs by its title considering language specific
-        # characters. lower() is needed for windows!
-        custom_slides.sort(
-            cmp=locale.strcoll, key=lambda custom: custom.title.lower())
+        custom_slides.sort()
         for custom_slide in custom_slides:
             custom_name = QtGui.QListWidgetItem(custom_slide.title)
             custom_name.setData(
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/images/lib/mediaitem.py b/openlp/plugins/images/lib/mediaitem.py
index 0fdb1537c..9239f8d72 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/images/lib/mediaitem.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/images/lib/mediaitem.py
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@
 
 import logging
 import os
-import locale
 
 from PyQt4 import QtCore, QtGui
 
@@ -37,7 +36,8 @@ from openlp.core.lib import MediaManagerItem, build_icon, ItemCapabilities, \
     Receiver, create_thumb, validate_thumb
 from openlp.core.lib.ui import UiStrings, critical_error_message_box
 from openlp.core.lib.settings import Settings
-from openlp.core.utils import AppLocation, delete_file, get_images_filter
+from openlp.core.utils import AppLocation, delete_file, locale_compare, \
+    get_images_filter
 
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -126,10 +126,10 @@ class ImageMediaItem(MediaManagerItem):
         if not initialLoad:
             Receiver.send_message(u'cursor_busy')
             self.plugin.formParent.displayProgressBar(len(images))
-        # Sort the themes by its filename considering language specific
-        # characters. lower() is needed for windows!
-        images.sort(cmp=locale.strcoll,
-            key=lambda filename: os.path.split(unicode(filename))[1].lower())
+        # Sort the images by its filename considering language specific
+        # characters.
+        images.sort(cmp=locale_compare,
+            key=lambda filename: os.path.split(unicode(filename))[1])
         for imageFile in images:
             filename = os.path.split(unicode(imageFile))[1]
             thumb = os.path.join(self.servicePath, filename)
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/media/lib/mediaitem.py b/openlp/plugins/media/lib/mediaitem.py
index bd987e79d..9f661149b 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/media/lib/mediaitem.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/media/lib/mediaitem.py
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@
 
 import logging
 import os
-import locale
 
 from PyQt4 import QtCore, QtGui
 
@@ -39,6 +38,7 @@ from openlp.core.lib.ui import UiStrings, critical_error_message_box, \
     create_horizontal_adjusting_combo_box
 from openlp.core.ui import Controller, Display
 from openlp.core.ui.media import get_media_players, set_media_players
+from openlp.core.utils import locale_compare
 
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -285,10 +285,10 @@ class MediaMediaItem(MediaManagerItem):
                 u'media', self.getFileList())
 
     def loadList(self, media):
-        # Sort the themes by its filename considering language specific
-        # characters. lower() is needed for windows!
-        media.sort(cmp=locale.strcoll,
-            key=lambda filename: os.path.split(unicode(filename))[1].lower())
+        # Sort the media by its filename considering language specific
+        # characters.
+        media.sort(cmp=locale_compare,
+            key=lambda filename: os.path.split(unicode(filename))[1])
         for track in media:
             track_info = QtCore.QFileInfo(track)
             if track_info.isFile():
@@ -307,8 +307,8 @@ class MediaMediaItem(MediaManagerItem):
 
     def getList(self, type=MediaType.Audio):
         media = SettingsManager.load_list(self.settingsSection, u'media')
-        media.sort(cmp=locale.strcoll,
-            key=lambda filename: os.path.split(unicode(filename))[1].lower())
+        media.sort(cmp=locale_compare,
+            key=lambda filename: os.path.split(unicode(filename))[1])
         ext = []
         if type == MediaType.Audio:
             ext = self.plugin.audio_extensions_list
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/impresscontroller.py b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/impresscontroller.py
index a85f43592..3d78f7bdb 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/impresscontroller.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/impresscontroller.py
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ class ImpressController(PresentationController):
         desktop = None
         try:
             desktop = self.manager.createInstance(u'com.sun.star.frame.Desktop')
-        except AttributeError:
+        except (AttributeError, pywintypes.com_error):
             log.warn(u'Failure to find desktop - Impress may have closed')
         return desktop if desktop else None
 
@@ -284,6 +284,8 @@ class ImpressDocument(PresentationDocument):
         props = tuple(props)
         doc = self.document
         pages = doc.getDrawPages()
+        if not pages:
+            return
         if not os.path.isdir(self.get_temp_folder()):
             os.makedirs(self.get_temp_folder())
         for idx in range(pages.getCount()):
@@ -359,7 +361,7 @@ class ImpressDocument(PresentationDocument):
         log.debug(u'is active OpenOffice')
         if not self.is_loaded():
             return False
-        return self.control is not None
+        return self.control.isRunning() if self.control else False
 
     def unblank_screen(self):
         """
@@ -380,7 +382,7 @@ class ImpressDocument(PresentationDocument):
         Returns true if screen is blank
         """
         log.debug(u'is blank OpenOffice')
-        if self.control:
+        if self.control and self.control.isRunning():
             return self.control.isPaused()
         else:
             return False
@@ -436,7 +438,11 @@ class ImpressDocument(PresentationDocument):
         """
         Triggers the next effect of slide on the running presentation
         """
+        is_paused = self.control.isPaused()
         self.control.gotoNextEffect()
+        time.sleep(0.1)
+        if not is_paused and self.control.isPaused():
+            self.control.gotoPreviousEffect()
 
     def previous_step(self):
         """
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/mediaitem.py b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/mediaitem.py
index 290882e26..9cfed177c 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/mediaitem.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/mediaitem.py
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@
 
 import logging
 import os
-import locale
 
 from PyQt4 import QtCore, QtGui
 
@@ -38,6 +37,7 @@ from openlp.core.lib import MediaManagerItem, build_icon, SettingsManager, \
 from openlp.core.lib.ui import UiStrings, critical_error_message_box, \
     create_horizontal_adjusting_combo_box
 from openlp.core.lib.settings import Settings
+from openlp.core.utils import locale_compare
 from openlp.plugins.presentations.lib import MessageListener
 
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -169,10 +169,10 @@ class PresentationMediaItem(MediaManagerItem):
         if not initialLoad:
             Receiver.send_message(u'cursor_busy')
             self.plugin.formParent.displayProgressBar(len(files))
-        # Sort the themes by its filename considering language specific
-        # characters. lower() is needed for windows!
-        files.sort(cmp=locale.strcoll,
-            key=lambda filename: os.path.split(unicode(filename))[1].lower())
+        # Sort the presentations by its filename considering language specific
+        # characters.
+        files.sort(cmp=locale_compare,
+            key=lambda filename: os.path.split(unicode(filename))[1])
         for file in files:
             if not initialLoad:
                 self.plugin.formParent.incrementProgressBar()
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/messagelistener.py b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/messagelistener.py
index cb8f7b7b8..7cc12c7f9 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/messagelistener.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/messagelistener.py
@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ class Controller(object):
         """
         self.is_live = live
         self.doc = None
+        self.hide_mode = None
         log.info(u'%s controller loaded' % live)
 
     def add_handler(self, controller, file, hide_mode, slide_no):
@@ -67,6 +68,7 @@ class Controller(object):
             # Inform slidecontroller that the action failed?
             return
         self.doc.slidenumber = slide_no
+        self.hide_mode = hide_mode
         if self.is_live:
             if hide_mode == HideMode.Screen:
                 Receiver.send_message(u'live_display_hide', HideMode.Screen)
@@ -78,7 +80,7 @@ class Controller(object):
             else:
                 self.doc.start_presentation()
                 Receiver.send_message(u'live_display_hide', HideMode.Screen)
-                self.doc.slidenumber = 0
+                self.doc.slidenumber = 1
                 if slide_no > 1:
                     self.slide(slide_no)
 
@@ -88,100 +90,134 @@ class Controller(object):
         Use the last slide number.
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, activate' % self.is_live)
+        if not self.doc:
+            return False
         if self.doc.is_active():
-            return
+            return True
         if not self.doc.is_loaded():
             if not self.doc.load_presentation():
-                return
+                log.warn(u'Failed to activate %s' % self.doc.filepath)
+                return False
         if self.is_live:
             self.doc.start_presentation()
             if self.doc.slidenumber > 1:
                 if self.doc.slidenumber > self.doc.get_slide_count():
                     self.doc.slidenumber = self.doc.get_slide_count()
                 self.doc.goto_slide(self.doc.slidenumber)
+        if self.doc.is_active():
+            return True
+        else:
+            log.warn(u'Failed to activate %s' % self.doc.filepath)
+            return False
 
     def slide(self, slide):
         """
         Go to a specific slide
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, slide' % self.is_live)
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
         if not self.is_live:
             return
-        if self.doc.is_blank():
+        if self.hide_mode:
             self.doc.slidenumber = int(slide) + 1
+            self.poll()
+            return
+        if not self.activate():
             return
-        self.activate()
         self.doc.goto_slide(int(slide) + 1)
-        self.doc.poll_slidenumber(self.is_live)
+        self.poll()
 
     def first(self):
         """
         Based on the handler passed at startup triggers the first slide
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, first' % self.is_live)
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
         if not self.is_live:
             return
-        if self.doc.is_blank():
+        if self.hide_mode:
             self.doc.slidenumber = 1
+            self.poll()
+            return
+        if not self.activate():
             return
-        self.activate()
         self.doc.start_presentation()
-        self.doc.poll_slidenumber(self.is_live)
+        self.poll()
 
     def last(self):
         """
         Based on the handler passed at startup triggers the last slide
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, last' % self.is_live)
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
         if not self.is_live:
             return
-        if self.doc.is_blank():
+        if self.hide_mode:
             self.doc.slidenumber = self.doc.get_slide_count()
+            self.poll()
+            return
+        if not self.activate():
             return
-        self.activate()
         self.doc.goto_slide(self.doc.get_slide_count())
-        self.doc.poll_slidenumber(self.is_live)
+        self.poll()
 
     def next(self):
         """
         Based on the handler passed at startup triggers the next slide event
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, next' % self.is_live)
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
         if not self.is_live:
             return
-        if self.doc.is_blank():
+        if self.hide_mode:
+            if not self.doc.is_active():
+                return
             if self.doc.slidenumber < self.doc.get_slide_count():
                 self.doc.slidenumber = self.doc.slidenumber + 1
+                self.poll()
+            return
+        if not self.activate():
             return
         # The "End of slideshow" screen is after the last slide
         # Note, we can't just stop on the last slide, since it may
         # contain animations that need to be stepped through.
         if self.doc.slidenumber > self.doc.get_slide_count():
             return
-        self.activate()
         self.doc.next_step()
-        self.doc.poll_slidenumber(self.is_live)
+        self.poll()
 
     def previous(self):
         """
         Based on the handler passed at startup triggers the previous slide event
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, previous' % self.is_live)
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
         if not self.is_live:
             return
-        if self.doc.is_blank():
+        if self.hide_mode:
+            if not self.doc.is_active():
+                return
             if self.doc.slidenumber > 1:
                 self.doc.slidenumber = self.doc.slidenumber - 1
+                self.poll()
+            return
+        if not self.activate():
             return
-        self.activate()
         self.doc.previous_step()
-        self.doc.poll_slidenumber(self.is_live)
+        self.poll()
 
     def shutdown(self):
         """
         Based on the handler passed at startup triggers slide show to shut down
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, shutdown' % self.is_live)
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
         self.doc.close_presentation()
         self.doc = None
 
@@ -190,21 +226,30 @@ class Controller(object):
         Instruct the controller to blank the presentation
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, blank' % self.is_live)
+        self.hide_mode = hide_mode
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
         if not self.is_live:
             return
-        if not self.doc.is_loaded():
-            return
-        if not self.doc.is_active():
-            return
         if hide_mode == HideMode.Theme:
+            if not self.doc.is_loaded():
+                return
+            if not self.doc.is_active():
+                return
             Receiver.send_message(u'live_display_hide', HideMode.Theme)
-        self.doc.blank_screen()
+        elif hide_mode == HideMode.Blank:
+            if not self.activate():
+                return
+            self.doc.blank_screen()
 
     def stop(self):
         """
         Instruct the controller to stop and hide the presentation
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, stop' % self.is_live)
+        self.hide_mode = HideMode.Screen
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
         if not self.is_live:
             return
         if not self.doc.is_loaded():
@@ -218,9 +263,13 @@ class Controller(object):
         Instruct the controller to unblank the presentation
         """
         log.debug(u'Live = %s, unblank' % self.is_live)
+        self.hide_mode = None
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
         if not self.is_live:
             return
-        self.activate()
+        if not self.activate():
+            return
         if self.doc.slidenumber and \
             self.doc.slidenumber != self.doc.get_slide_number():
             self.doc.goto_slide(self.doc.slidenumber)
@@ -228,7 +277,9 @@ class Controller(object):
         Receiver.send_message(u'live_display_hide', HideMode.Screen)
 
     def poll(self):
-        self.doc.poll_slidenumber(self.is_live)
+        if not self.doc:
+            return
+        self.doc.poll_slidenumber(self.is_live, self.hide_mode)
 
 
 class MessageListener(object):
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/powerpointcontroller.py b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/powerpointcontroller.py
index 54b9c2144..7da9a95d7 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/powerpointcontroller.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/powerpointcontroller.py
@@ -94,9 +94,9 @@ class PowerpointController(PresentationController):
                 self.docs[0].close_presentation()
             if self.process is None:
                 return
-            if self.process.Presentations.Count > 0:
-                return
             try:
+                if self.process.Presentations.Count > 0:
+                    return
                 self.process.Quit()
             except pywintypes.com_error:
                 pass
@@ -210,6 +210,13 @@ class PowerpointDocument(PresentationDocument):
         self.presentation.SlideShowSettings.Run()
         self.presentation.SlideShowWindow.View.State = 1
         self.presentation.SlideShowWindow.Activate()
+        if self.presentation.Application.Version == u'14.0':
+            # Unblanking is broken in PowerPoint 2010, need to redisplay
+            slide = self.presentation.SlideShowWindow.View.CurrentShowPosition
+            click = self.presentation.SlideShowWindow.View.GetClickIndex()
+            self.presentation.SlideShowWindow.View.GotoSlide(slide)
+            if click:
+                self.presentation.SlideShowWindow.View.GotoClick(click)
 
     def blank_screen(self):
         """
@@ -253,6 +260,8 @@ class PowerpointDocument(PresentationDocument):
             renderer = self.controller.plugin.renderer
             rect = renderer.screens.current[u'size']
             ppt_window = self.presentation.SlideShowSettings.Run()
+            if not ppt_window:
+                return
             ppt_window.Top = rect.y() * 72 / dpi
             ppt_window.Height = rect.height() * 72 / dpi
             ppt_window.Left = rect.x() * 72 / dpi
@@ -286,6 +295,8 @@ class PowerpointDocument(PresentationDocument):
         """
         log.debug(u'next_step')
         self.presentation.SlideShowWindow.View.Next()
+        if self.get_slide_number() > self.get_slide_count():
+            self.previous_step()
 
     def previous_step(self):
         """
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/presentationcontroller.py b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/presentationcontroller.py
index b72e1e9d4..4006cbc3e 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/presentationcontroller.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/presentations/lib/presentationcontroller.py
@@ -260,16 +260,17 @@ class PresentationDocument(object):
         else:
             return None
 
-    def poll_slidenumber(self, is_live):
+    def poll_slidenumber(self, is_live, hide_mode):
         """
         Check the current slide number
         """
         if not self.is_active():
             return
-        current = self.get_slide_number()
-        if current == self.slidenumber:
-            return
-        self.slidenumber = current
+        if not hide_mode:
+            current = self.get_slide_number()
+            if current == self.slidenumber:
+                return
+            self.slidenumber = current
         if is_live:
             prefix = u'live'
         else:
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/songs/forms/songexportform.py b/openlp/plugins/songs/forms/songexportform.py
index c483c91b6..1f2988568 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/songs/forms/songexportform.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/songs/forms/songexportform.py
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@
 The :mod:`songexportform` module provides the wizard for exporting songs to the
 OpenLyrics format.
 """
-import locale
 import logging
 
 from PyQt4 import QtCore, QtGui
@@ -38,6 +37,7 @@ from openlp.core.lib import build_icon, Receiver, SettingsManager, translate, \
     create_separated_list
 from openlp.core.lib.ui import UiStrings, critical_error_message_box
 from openlp.core.ui.wizard import OpenLPWizard, WizardStrings
+from openlp.core.utils import locale_direct_compare
 from openlp.plugins.songs.lib.db import Song
 from openlp.plugins.songs.lib.openlyricsexport import OpenLyricsExport
 
@@ -252,7 +252,8 @@ class SongExportForm(OpenLPWizard):
         # Load the list of songs.
         Receiver.send_message(u'cursor_busy')
         songs = self.plugin.manager.get_all_objects(Song)
-        songs.sort(cmp=locale.strcoll, key=lambda song: song.title.lower())
+        songs.sort(
+            cmp=locale_direct_compare, key=lambda song: song.sort_string)
         for song in songs:
             # No need to export temporary songs.
             if song.temporary:
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/db.py b/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/db.py
index d79d177fd..122d29859 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/db.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/db.py
@@ -31,8 +31,9 @@ the Songs plugin
 """
 
 from sqlalchemy import Column, ForeignKey, Table, types
-from sqlalchemy.orm import mapper, relation
+from sqlalchemy.orm import mapper, relation, reconstructor
 from sqlalchemy.sql.expression import func
+from PyQt4 import QtCore
 
 from openlp.core.lib.db import BaseModel, init_db
 
@@ -63,7 +64,22 @@ class Song(BaseModel):
     """
     Song model
     """
-    pass
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.sort_string = ''
+
+    # This decorator tells sqlalchemy to call this method everytime
+    # any data on this object are updated.
+    @reconstructor
+    def init_on_load(self):
+        """
+        Precompute string to be used for sorting.
+
+        Song sorting is performance sensitive operation.
+        To get maximum speed lets precompute the string
+        used for comparison.
+        """
+        # Avoid the overhead of converting string to lowercase and to QString
+        self.sort_string = QtCore.QString(self.title.lower())
 
 
 class Topic(BaseModel):
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/mediaitem.py b/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/mediaitem.py
index 88999dce4..05da69f61 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/mediaitem.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/mediaitem.py
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@
 ###############################################################################
 
 import logging
-import locale
 import re
 import os
 import shutil
@@ -40,7 +39,7 @@ from openlp.core.lib import MediaManagerItem, Receiver, ItemCapabilities, \
     check_directory_exists
 from openlp.core.lib.ui import UiStrings, create_widget_action
 from openlp.core.lib.settings import Settings
-from openlp.core.utils import AppLocation
+from openlp.core.utils import AppLocation, locale_direct_compare
 from openlp.plugins.songs.forms import EditSongForm, SongMaintenanceForm, \
     SongImportForm, SongExportForm
 from openlp.plugins.songs.lib import OpenLyrics, SongXML, VerseType, \
@@ -260,10 +259,8 @@ class SongMediaItem(MediaManagerItem):
         log.debug(u'display results Song')
         self.saveAutoSelectId()
         self.listView.clear()
-        # Sort the songs by its title considering language specific characters.
-        # lower() is needed for windows!
         searchresults.sort(
-            cmp=locale.strcoll, key=lambda song: song.title.lower())
+            cmp=locale_direct_compare, key=lambda song: song.sort_string)
         for song in searchresults:
             # Do not display temporary songs
             if song.temporary:
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/olpimport.py b/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/olpimport.py
index 7a9d98c98..4b97fdafe 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/olpimport.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/songs/lib/olpimport.py
@@ -63,10 +63,14 @@ class OpenLPSongImport(SongImport):
         SongImport.__init__(self, manager, **kwargs)
         self.sourceSession = None
 
-    def doImport(self):
+    def doImport(self, progressDialog=None):
         """
         Run the import for an OpenLP version 2 song database.
+
+        ``progressDialog``
+            The QProgressDialog used when importing songs from the FRW.
         """
+
         class OldAuthor(BaseModel):
             """
             Author model
@@ -101,13 +105,14 @@ class OpenLPSongImport(SongImport):
             """
             pass
 
-
+        # Check the file type
         if not self.importSource.endswith(u'.sqlite'):
             self.logError(self.importSource,
                 translate('SongsPlugin.OpenLPSongImport',
                 'Not a valid OpenLP 2.0 song database.'))
             return
         self.importSource = u'sqlite:///%s' % self.importSource
+        # Load the db file
         engine = create_engine(self.importSource)
         source_meta = MetaData()
         source_meta.reflect(engine)
@@ -224,7 +229,11 @@ class OpenLPSongImport(SongImport):
                                 file_name=media_file.file_name))
             clean_song(self.manager, new_song)
             self.manager.save_object(new_song)
-            if self.importWizard:
+            if progressDialog:
+                progressDialog.setValue(progressDialog.value() + 1)
+                progressDialog.setLabelText(
+                    WizardStrings.ImportingType % new_song.title)
+            else:
                 self.importWizard.incrementProgressBar(
                     WizardStrings.ImportingType % new_song.title)
             if self.stopImportFlag:
diff --git a/openlp/plugins/songs/songsplugin.py b/openlp/plugins/songs/songsplugin.py
index 8b7bd36e8..46506a478 100644
--- a/openlp/plugins/songs/songsplugin.py
+++ b/openlp/plugins/songs/songsplugin.py
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@
 import logging
 import os
 from tempfile import gettempdir
+import sqlite3
 
 from PyQt4 import QtCore, QtGui
 
@@ -82,7 +83,7 @@ class SongsPlugin(Plugin):
             unicode(UiStrings().Tools))
         QtCore.QObject.connect(Receiver.get_receiver(),
             QtCore.SIGNAL(u'servicemanager_new_service'),
-        self.clearTemporarySongs)
+            self.clearTemporarySongs)
 
 
     def addImportMenuItem(self, import_menu):
@@ -235,31 +236,37 @@ class SongsPlugin(Plugin):
         If the first time wizard has run, this function is run to import all the
         new songs into the database.
         """
+        Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
         self.onToolsReindexItemTriggered()
+        Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
         db_dir = unicode(os.path.join(
             unicode(gettempdir(), get_filesystem_encoding()), u'openlp'))
         if not os.path.exists(db_dir):
             return
         song_dbs = []
+        song_count = 0
         for sfile in os.listdir(db_dir):
             if sfile.startswith(u'songs_') and sfile.endswith(u'.sqlite'):
+                Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
                 song_dbs.append(os.path.join(db_dir, sfile))
+                song_count += self._countSongs(os.path.join(db_dir, sfile))
         if not song_dbs:
             return
+        Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
         progress = QtGui.QProgressDialog(self.formParent)
         progress.setWindowModality(QtCore.Qt.WindowModal)
         progress.setWindowTitle(translate('OpenLP.Ui', 'Importing Songs'))
         progress.setLabelText(translate('OpenLP.Ui', 'Starting import...'))
         progress.setCancelButton(None)
-        progress.setRange(0, len(song_dbs))
+        progress.setRange(0, song_count)
         progress.setMinimumDuration(0)
         progress.forceShow()
-        for idx, db in enumerate(song_dbs):
-            progress.setValue(idx)
-            Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
+        Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
+        for db in song_dbs:
             importer = OpenLPSongImport(self.manager, filename=db)
-            importer.doImport()
-        progress.setValue(len(song_dbs))
+            importer.doImport(progress)
+            Receiver.send_message(u'openlp_process_events')
+        progress.setValue(song_count)
         self.mediaItem.onSearchTextButtonClicked()
 
     def finalise(self):
@@ -287,3 +294,15 @@ class SongsPlugin(Plugin):
         songs = self.manager.get_all_objects(Song, Song.temporary == True)
         for song in songs:
             self.manager.delete_object(Song, song.id)
+
+    def _countSongs(self, db_file):
+        connection = sqlite3.connect(db_file)
+        cursor = connection.cursor()
+        cursor.execute(u'SELECT COUNT(id) AS song_count FROM songs')
+        song_count = cursor.fetchone()[0]
+        connection.close()
+        try:
+            song_count = int(song_count)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            song_count = 0
+        return song_count