Chapter 2 The Media Control Interface (MCI)

The Media Control Interface (MCI) provides applications with device-independent capabilities for controlling devices such as audio and visual peripherals. Your application can use MCI to control standard multimedia devices for audio playback, audio recording, and animation playback. MCI can also control optional devices such as videodisc players.

This chapter contains an introduction to MCI and provides background information you need to use it. Topics discussed in this chapter include the following:

General information on MCI devices

Using the MCI command-message interface

Sending and using MCI commands

Using callback functions with MCI commands

Obtaining MCI system information

Using the MCI command-string interface

Chapter 4, “High-Level Audio Services,” and Chapter 6, “The Multimedia Movie Player,” both contain specific details and programming examples on how to use MCI to control specific MCI devices.