skills.rest
sadnescity
sadnescityOFFICIAL
Explore all skills by this author →
WebsiteGitHub

cdrom-xa-iso

Analyze CDROM XA subheaders, ADPCM audio, ISO9660 descriptors, and PSX copy protection.

3|Updated Feb 25, 2026
Search Tags:#data structures#file format analysis#cdrom xa#iso9660#xa-adpcm#psx copy protection
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/sadnescity/psx-spx-claude-plugin --skill cdrom-xa-iso
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cdrom-xa-iso
Source: https://github.com/sadnescity/psx-spx-claude-plugin/tree/main/skills/cdrom-xa-iso
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/sadnescity/psx-spx-claude-plugin --skill cdrom-xa-iso

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) and assets (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides deep insights into the technical intricacies of CD-ROM XA and ISO file formats, including headers, audio compression, and protection schemes, offering a comprehensive guide for developers and enthusiasts.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • CDROM XA Subheader Analysis: Understand the structure and purpose of XA subheaders for data sectors, with detailed breakdowns of file number, channel number, submode, and coding info.
  • XA-ADPCM Audio Compression: Dive into the details of XA-ADPCM audio compression, including subheader decoding, data word interpretation, and emphasis processing.
  • ISO9660 Volume and File Descriptors: Explore the ISO9660 file system, including primary volume descriptors, boot records, and file and directory descriptors.
  • PSX Copy Protection: Learn about PSX-specific copy protection methods, including SCEx strings, modchips, and LibCrypt.
  • Use Case: For a developer looking to implement CD-ROM support in a game engine or for a hobbyist reverse-engineering PSX games, this Skill serves as an invaluable resource.

Quick Start

Analyze the CDROM XA and ISO formats in the provided 'cdrom-example.iso' file to understand the structure of XA subheaders and ISO volume descriptors.

Frequently Asked Questions about cdrom-xa-iso

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I parse CD-ROM XA subheaders in an ISO9660 image?▼

To parse CD-ROM XA subheaders in an ISO9660 image, you must analyze the file number, channel number, submode, and coding info fields within each sector. This Skill provides detailed structural breakdowns to decode these XA data sectors accurately.

What is XA-ADPCM audio compression and how does it work in PSX games?▼

XA-ADPCM audio compression is an audio encoding scheme used in PSX games that requires subheader decoding, data word interpretation, and emphasis processing. This Skill details how to interpret these compressed audio streams within CD-ROM XA sectors.

How does PSX copy protection like LibCrypt and SCEx strings work?▼

PSX copy protection mechanisms like LibCrypt and SCex strings function by embedding specific data sequences into the CD-ROM subchannels to prevent unauthorized duplication. This Skill explains how modchips interact with these SCEx strings to bypass regional and copy locks.

How do I read ISO9660 volume and file descriptors for CD-ROM support?▼

Reading ISO9660 volume and file descriptors involves parsing the primary volume descriptor, boot records, and directory structures to map the file system. This Skill guides you through locating and interpreting these descriptors within a raw ISO image.

Do I need prior knowledge of file system parsing to analyze CD-ROM XA formats?▼

Yes, analyzing CD-ROM XA formats requires existing knowledge of CD-ROM data structures and file system parsing. This Skill is designed for developers and hobbyists who already understand binary data extraction and need deep insights into XA-specific headers.

What is the best way to reverse engineer PSX game ISO files?▼

The best way to reverse engineer PSX game ISO files is to systematically parse the ISO9660 descriptors and CD-ROM XA subheaders to extract data and audio streams. This Skill serves as a comprehensive resource for decoding these structures and bypassing protection schemes.

Related Skills

Explore More Software Engineering Skills→
jakubciszakjakubciszak
1

sarif-parsing

Parse, deduplicate, and aggregate SARIF 2.1.0 findings across multiple runs.

Community
Advanced
sadnescitysadnescity
3

spu

Analyze PlayStation 1 SPU ADPCM samples, pitch, volume envelopes, and memory access.

Official
Advanced
sadnescitysadnescity
3

cdrom-file-exe-tim

Analyze PlayStation 1 CD-ROM file formats including executables, textures, audio, and archives.

Official
Advanced
winsorllcwinsorllc

web-fetch

Fetch and parse web content from specified URLs.

Community
Basic