# DSK (CPCEMU)

> disk image format

**Wikidata**: [Q28600483](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28600483)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dsk-cpcemu

## Summary
DSK (CPCEMU) is a disk image format established in 1991, designed to store the complete contents and structure of a disk volume. Identified by the `.dsk` file extension, it serves as a digital representation of physical disks. This format is crucial for preserving and utilizing software originally found on physical media, particularly within the context of the Amstrad CPC ecosystem.

## Key Facts
*   DSK (CPCEMU) is a disk image format.
*   It is also known by the aliases "CPCEMU disc image format" and ".dsk".
*   The format was established in 1991.
*   The standard file extension for this format is `.dsk`.
*   The media type for DSK (CPCEMU) files is `application/octet-stream`.
*   DSK (CPCEMU) files can be identified by a hexadecimal pattern `4D56202D20435043` found at the beginning of the file (offset 0).
*   It is an instance of a disk image.

## FAQs
### Q: What is DSK (CPCEMU)?
A: DSK (CPCEMU) is a disk image format created in 1991. It is used to store the entire contents and structure of a disk volume, allowing for the digital preservation and use of software from physical media.

### Q: When was the DSK (CPCEMU) format established?
A: The DSK (CPCEMU) format was established in 1991.

### Q: What is the file extension for DSK (CPCEMU) files?
A: The standard file extension for DSK (CPCEMU) files is `.dsk`.

### Q: How can DSK (CPCEMU) files be identified?
A: DSK (CPCEMU) files can be identified by a specific hexadecimal pattern, `4D56202D20435043`, which is located at the very beginning of the file (offset 0).

### Q: What is the media type for DSK (CPCEMU) files?
A: The media type associated with DSK (CPCEMU) files is `application/octet-stream`.

## Why It Matters
The DSK (CPCEMU) format matters because it provides a standardized method for digitally storing the complete contents and structure of a disk volume. As a disk image format, it enables the preservation and accessibility of software and data that originally resided on physical media. This is particularly significant for historical computing platforms, as it allows users to interact with vintage software on modern systems through emulation. The format's establishment in 1991 highlights its early role in facilitating the digital representation of physical disks. By encapsulating an entire disk's data, including its file system and boot sectors, DSK (CPCEMU) files ensure that original computing experiences can be accurately replicated and studied. This capability is fundamental for digital heritage, educational purposes, and for enthusiasts seeking to run classic applications without needing original hardware. Its defined structure and identification patterns further contribute to its utility and longevity as a reliable format for disk imaging.

## Notable For
*   Being an early disk image format, established in 1991.
*   Its specific association with the `.dsk` file extension for disk images.
*   Having a defined hexadecimal pattern (`4D56202D20435043`) for file identification at the beginning of the file.
*   Its role in digitally preserving the contents and structure of disk volumes, particularly for systems like the Amstrad CPC (implied by "CPCEMU").

## Body

### Overview
DSK (CPCEMU) is a disk image format. It is classified as an instance of a disk image, meaning it is a computer file that contains the complete contents and structure of a disk volume.

### Identification
*   The format is known by the aliases "CPCEMU disc image format" and ".dsk".
*   The standard file extension for DSK (CPCEMU) files is `.dsk`.
*   Files of this type are assigned the media type `application/octet-stream`.
*   A specific hexadecimal pattern, `4D56202D20435043`, serves as a file format identification pattern. This pattern is located at the beginning of the file, at offset 0.

### History
*   The DSK (CPCEMU) format was established in 1991.

### Resources
*   Further details on the DSK format are described at `http://www.cpctech.org.uk/docs/dsk.html`. An archived version of this page is available from 2022-07-02.
*   Additional information on extended DSK formats can be found at `http://www.cpctech.org.uk/docs/extdsk.html`. An archived version of this page is available from 2021-10-04.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.cpc-emu.org/docu_e.html#7.8)
2. [TrID](https://mark0.net/soft-tridscan-e.html)