In addition to the system and required commands, each device supports a set of device-type specific commands. Where possible, these type-specific commands are identical between device types. When type-specific commands are common to multiple devices, they are considered basic commands. For example, the basic PLAY command is identical for videodisc, wave audio, and CD audio players.
Although these commands are optional for a device, if a command is used it must recognize the options listed here and return MCIERR_UNSUPPORTED_FLAG for options that are not applicable.
For those devices that do not support a basic command, such as a RECORD command sent to a CD audio player, an MCIERR_UNSUPPORTED_FUNCTION is returned by that MCD. If a message is sent to a device that is not recognized, then MCIERR_UNRECOGNIZED_COMMAND is returned. Before using a basic command, an application can issue a CAPABILITY query to see if the device supports the command.
The following commands are basic commands: