Summary
In this chapter, we have examined several methods by which an application can provide graphics or multimedia support. First, we took a closer look at the Windows GDI and how many aspects of this interface are abstracted by the VCL. We looked at the TCanvas , TBrush , TPen , TFont , and TColor classes and their use in rendering graphical output. We also examined several image file formats and discussed techniques for using TBitmap and TJPEGImage objects.
Finally, we investigated how multimedia files are supported through use of the MCI. We examined the various MCI- related command messages and discussed their generic use in controlling multimedia devices. We also looked at the AVIFile services and Waveform Audio Interface and how these interfaces are used to manage and affect playback of waveform audio files.
Although we covered a lot of ground for supporting graphics and multimedia, there are additional components and libraries available for Windows that you should be made aware. This includes DirectX, which contains DirectShow, DirectSound, and DirectDraw for providing high-performance graphics and multimedia. Unfortunately, a discussion of DirectX is not in the scope of this chapter; however, a lot of material is available on the Web and within the newsgroups that you might find useful. Despite the lack of DirectX discussion, the information provided to you in this chapter is quite extensive and should help you develop interesting and innovative multimedia applications.
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