MCI

Media Control Interface established by Microsoft Corporation that has become a popular standard for Windows authors and users. MCI menus drop down to let users select input sources such as CD-Audio inputs, videodisc inputs, MIDI sequencers, and auxiliary sources such as inputs from a stereo set or a videotape player. These standards also mean that certain types of files should play on MCI systems (e.g., WAV files should play audio and AVI files should play video on MCI systems). It is recommended that any hardware/software purchased for the PC go beyond MCI standards and be Sound Blaster compatible. This does not mean that you must buy multimedia upgrades from Creative Labs. It only means that your system is compatible with the popular standard established by Sound Blaster. (See also PCMCIA and MPC ) Also, a standard control interface for multimedia devices and media files, including a command-message interface and a command-string interface.

(1) Short for Media Control Interface, a high-level API developed by Microsoft and IBM for controlling multimedia devices, such as CD-ROM players and audio controllers. Both OS/2 and Windows support MCI.(2) A large telecommunications company.