Remote Control

Windows Media in Vista can be controlled by a remote.
They come in all flavours:
Simple ones offering you an array of buttons using IR.

 

Universal ones includes a nice touch screen and allows you to control almost any piece of equipment in your home using RF

Remote desktop

There is another way to control a PC, login from another computer using the Remote Desktop.
Today's netbooks are cheaper than many luxury remote controls.
No, you can't control other equipment.
Yes, you have exactly the same interface as if you where working on the remote computer locally so you can not only select a song but edit it too.

Asus Eee PC 4G  € 299,-

 

To login on a remote computer you need XP Pro or Vista Business/Ultimate on the remote
In case of XP you can also use TightVNC.
In case of Vista freeware like TeamViewer will do.

 

RDP allows you to play the music stored on the remote to play on the computer you use to login.
Sound quality leaves much to be desired for.

Maybe the Win7/WMP12 option Play To will change this.