Overview of DirectX, Audio/Voice, Video on Windows

DirectX Media Objects (DMOs) are COM-based data-streaming components. In some respects, DMOs are similar to DirectShow filters. Like DirectShow filters, DMOs take input data and use it to produce output data. However, the APIs for DMOs are much simpler than the corresponding APIs for DirectShow. As a result, DMOs are easier to create, test, and use. For encoders, decoders, and effects, you are encouraged to write a DMO instead of a DirectShow filter. DMOs can be used in many scenarios:

1. Applications based on DirectShow can use DMOs through a DirectShow filter called the DMO Wrapper filter. The distinction between filters and DMOs is transparent to the application. The application does not directly call the DMO APIs.
2. Applications based on DirectSound can use audio effect DMOs. Again, the application is shielded from the low-level DMO APIs by the higher-level DirectSound APIs.
3. Applications can use DMOs directly also.

http://www.programmersheaven.com/2/DIRECT-X-FAQ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Driver_Model

http://bbs.dalaba.me/viewthread.php?tid=4261

http://www.yesky.com/474/1645974.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technical_features_new_to_Windows_Vista#Audio