The data sources are on the left, and the data destinations are on the right. The input data might be digital data coming from a computer file that is decompressed and presented to the user with the monitor and speakers. Alternately, the input data might be analog data that is digitized, and then compressed and stored in a computer file, and routed for display on a monitor and speakers.
The blocks in the diagram are controlled with the digital-video MCI commands. The following table lists some of the commands that control the functions represented by the blocks:
| Block | Typical commands that control it |
| Input Switching and Effects | setaudio input volume setvideo source |
| Compress | setvideo algorithm |
| File I/O | save record |
| Workspace | play stop |
| Clipboard | cut copy |
| Monitor Switch | monitor |
| Audio Output Effects | setaudio output treble |
| Video Output | setvideo output brightness |
| Frame Buffer | put frame freeze |
| Capture | capture setvideo still algorithm. |