You can use a orbiter to control your MD...
I don't think VFD is supported yet.
No need to start your projector to control your MD. The Orbiter software runs on a Webpad, laptop (Windows), PDA or even mobile phones. The cool thing with the Orbiter, is that you even get the Covers to your albums. You get full control over your MD and your collection. Not just MP3, but all media and anything else you have set up on your LinuxMCE.