I've noticed that when I try to launch Sins directly, I get a task bar icon, but the screen switch and videos never start. The task bar icon just hangs down there 'til I close it.
However, launching from Impulse works fine.
This is on Windows 7 x64, launching from the non-system drive. ("E:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock Games\Sins of a Solar Empire\SINS_Launcher.exe")
Known issue? Is there a way to launch it without going to Impulse? (I prefer to launch it off the most-recently used list on the start menu - saves a step.)