The parts are on order for my first HTPC build based, plus I plan to use Vista 64 (I know that you're laughing but I figured I'd score some points with my wife, so stop it.) The display will be our existing projector. It suddenly dawned on me that having to power up the projector just to schedule a recording or to listen to music is inconvenient. So, I intend on using Remote Desktop from an XP notebook that we normally use for checking email, news, etc. I have no problem using Remote Desktop to access my PC at work (XP to XP) but now I'm facing accessing the HTPC (Vista) from an XP notebook. Am I in for a lot of trouble here? I would really appreciate any suggestions. Should I forget Vista and go with XP on the HTPC?

No trouble at all, Will function exactly the same, RDP works the same connecting to any windows box from Windows 2000 to Windows 20003 Enterprise 64x