Which MIME types are related to file extension ".hsi"?
The .hsi file extension is associated with 2 MIME types:
text/xml, application/octet-stream.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .hsi Files
HSI files are files that serve two distinct functions.
They can be XML-based MAME hash files or binary JPEG bitmap files.
- MAME Hash (text/xml): These files contain XML data that holds checksums or hash values. They help the MAME emulator verify game ROM data.
- HSI JPEG bitmap (application/octet-stream): These are binary files. They store image data compressed in a JPEG-like format. Specialized software may be needed to open them directly.
The XML version is plain text and can be opened with any text editor. The binary version may require image viewers like IrfanView or editors such as Adobe Photoshop.
According to FilExt.com, correct handling of each type depends on its MIME classification.
FilExt.com info on HSI
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
text/xml, application/octet-stream
FAQs
What is an HSI file?
An HSI file can be one of two very different formats: an XML-based MAME hash file or a binary JPEG bitmap. The MAME version contains text data for verifying game ROMs, while the bitmap version is a compressed image file. You can usually determine which type you have by trying to open it in a text editor.
How do I open an HSI file?
To open the MAME XML version, use any text editor like Notepad, Notepad++, or Sublime Text. If you have the bitmap image version, you will need a versatile image viewer like IrfanView, XnView, or potentially Adobe Photoshop with the correct plugins installed.
How can I convert an HSI image to JPG or PNG?
If your file is an image, open it in a viewer like IrfanView or Konvertor. From the File menu, select Save As or Export and choose a common format like .jpg or .png. Note that you cannot convert the XML version of an HSI file into an image format.
Why does my HSI file contain text code instead of an image?
You likely have a MAME hash file, which stores checksums and verification data in XML format. This is not an error; the file is simply designed to be read by the MAME emulator to check ROM integrity, not to be displayed as a picture.
What is the MIME type for HSI files?
The MIME type depends on the specific function of the file. The XML-based MAME files are typically identified as text/xml, while the binary image versions are often treated as image/jpeg or the generic application/octet-stream. For a comprehensive list of types, check mime-type.com.
How do I use HSI files with the MAME emulator?
In MAME, HSI files act as a database to validate software lists. You typically place them in the emulator's hash directory. MAME reads the XML structure inside the file to verify that the game ROMs you are trying to load match the known correct checksums.
Are HSI files dangerous?
HSI files are generally safe. The XML version is plain text and cannot execute code, while the image version is a static graphic. However, as with any downloaded file, you should scan it with antivirus software before opening it, especially if the source is unknown.
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.