Which MIME types are related to file extension ".hgm"?
The .hgm file extension is associated with 1 MIME types:
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .hgm Files
HGM files are binary files used by the Hourglass movie capture system. Their MIME type is application/octet-stream, which means they store data in a raw format not meant for direct text viewing.
- Main Use: Capturing and storing video clips.
- Binary Data: They hold raw, non-textual movie capture data.
- Software: They are opened with the Hourglass movie capture application or compatible video software.
- MIME Details: The generic application/octet-stream label indicates that the system treats this as binary data.
Based on information from FilExt.com, these files are best handled by software designed for movie capture and playback.
Relationship between file extension and MIME type
A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.
File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.
File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.
Associated MIME types
FAQs
What is an .hgm file?
An .hgm file is a movie capture file created by Hourglass, a program used for recording Tool-Assisted Speedruns (TAS) of Windows games. Unlike standard video files, it contains binary data representing game inputs and state information required to replay a gaming session deterministically.
How do I open an .hgm file?
You need to download and install the Hourglass application to open these files. Once installed, you can load the .hgm file within the software, though you typically also need the original game executable (.exe) that was being recorded to replay the file correctly.
Can I convert .hgm files to MP4 or AVI?
Yes, you can convert them using the built-in encoding tools within the Hourglass software. The application allows you to "dump" or export the playback session to a standard video format like AVI, which can then be converted to MP4 using external tools like HandBrake.
Why won't .hgm files play in VLC or Windows Media Player?
These files are not standard video containers; they are proprietary binary files identified by the generic application/octet-stream MIME type. Standard media players like VLC do not have the necessary decoder to interpret the game input data stored inside an HGM file.
Are .hgm files dangerous?
Generally, .hgm files are safe data files containing replay instructions. However, because they are binary files often downloaded from gaming forums, you should always scan them with antivirus software and ensure they are opened only within the trusted Hourglass environment.
What should I do if my .hgm file fails to load?
Playback failures often occur due to version mismatches between the Hourglass software used to record the file and the version used to play it. Ensure you are using the exact version of Hourglass and the specific game ROM or executable required for that specific recording.
General 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 can one extension have multiple MIME types?
Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.