Can't connect to TV Server with RTSP - services might not be running? (2 Viewers)

[Crackofdawn]

MediaPortal Version: 1.1.0 RC1
MediaPortal Skin: Streamed MP 1.0RC2
Windows Version: Windows 7 Ultimate
CPU Type: AMD Phenom II X2
HDD: WD Green 750G
Memory: 2GB DDR2
Motherboard:
Video Card: ATI 4200HD IGP
Video Card Driver: Latest Catalyst as of last night
Sound Card:
Sound Card AC3:
Sound Card Driver:
1. TV Card: ATI TV Wonder 600 Hybrid Tuner
1. TV Card Type: Hybrid Tuner
1. TV Card Driver: Latest Catalyst as of last night
2. TV Card:
2. TV Card Type:
2. TV Card Driver:
3. TV Card:
3. TV Card Type:
3. TV Card Driver:
4. TV Card:
4. TV Card Type:
4. TV Card Driver:
MPEG2 Video Codec:
MPEG2 Audio Codec:
h.264 Video Codec:
Satelite/CableTV Provider:
HTPC Case:
Cooling:
Power Supply:
Remote:
TV:
TV - HTPC Connection:

I have a problem - I just recently installed MP 1.1.0 RC1 with TV server and part of my goal is to be able to connect to the MP TV server via RTSP from a laptop. I tried last night using VLC mediaplayer with the IP address of my HTPC and the protocol RTSP but it just times out and says it couldn't connect.

I remember when installing the TV server it said something about me having some services disabled (WMC and Media Sharing). Do either of these services need to be enabled for this RTSP connection to work? Also does the TV actually have to be "on" for the laptop to connect via RTSP or can someone else on the HTPC be watching a bluray or something while streaming occurs?

Just trying to figure out where to look first to solve my issue. Thanks in advance for any help!