1. A computer implemented method of interfacing with a media accelerator comprising: providing a processor executing commands; providing a commands layer executing on the processor, the commands layer sending commands to the media accelerator; providing a capabilities layer executing on the processor, the capabilities layer obtaining application capabilities from an application; and, providing a discontinuity layer executing on the processor, the discontinuity layer providing explicit discontinuity commands to the media accelerator, the explicit commands capable of being provided any time during playback, the explicit discontinuity commands comprising a channel change command and an end of file command.