What is MIME type "application/x-spectrum-tzx"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/x-spectrum-tzx is a MIME type for a cassette tape image format used with the ZX Spectrum computer system.
It holds digital copies of tape data that originally came from cassette tapes. These images capture the precise timing and control signals needed to load software as if from real tapes.

Preservation: It keeps vintage software in a format that emulators can read.
Emulation: It lets modern PCs run classic programs by mimicking original tape loading behavior.
Detail: It stores block-level data and timing details for accurate playback.

Files using this format typically have extensions like CDT and TZX.
This MIME type is essential for tools that emulate or archive ZX Spectrum cassette tapes.
For additional insights, visit World of Spectrum.

Associated file extensions

.cdt, .tzx

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/x-spectrum-tzx

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/x-spectrum-tzx">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/x-spectrum-tzx');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.cdt, .tzx

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.