I am using the player to listen to audio files while i am working in another application. (listening to classes while taking notes).
So i would really appreciate to be able to stop/resume/rewind a few secs, with special keys, while my pdf or note taking application remains in the foreground.
So far i tried with remote app for vlc, but it's too complicated (using a tablet as control surface). I also have a dj controller (with vdj) but that's overkill imho
Hence, the idea of using smp and remapping the controls to the windows media keys on my keyboard.
this is working!!
.... however it won't let me control smp while it's running in the background... which defeat the purpose of having dedicated media keys. 
Has anyone here been confronted with the same problem and found a way out? (if no smp then which player...?)
Thanks for the help!
aksha