Why do you think that the overhead from Remote Desktop or remote assistance will be a problem? RDP was my immediate thought about a simple solution. I'm about to do something very similar.
PC Remote Control
I’m streaming Tidal via a dedicated Windows 7 laptop. I turned off all non-essential programs. Due to power supplies and cable lengths, it is parked on the rack with everything else. I’d love to figure out a remote control by my listening chair via my Windows Surface RT.
I got the Remote Desktop app functioning on my Surface. But it simply transferred the sound from the rig to the Surface’s tiny speakers. Ha! What was appealing about the Remote Desktop app was that it was all contained via my home network. Remote Assistance might work since that functionality controls the actual streaming laptop. Yet, it would introduce another program running in the background. Since I went to the trouble of turning off all the other programs, it seems counter-productive. Any suggestions?
I got the Remote Desktop app functioning on my Surface. But it simply transferred the sound from the rig to the Surface’s tiny speakers. Ha! What was appealing about the Remote Desktop app was that it was all contained via my home network. Remote Assistance might work since that functionality controls the actual streaming laptop. Yet, it would introduce another program running in the background. Since I went to the trouble of turning off all the other programs, it seems counter-productive. Any suggestions?