CSK Research Institute
From Sega Retro
CRI Middleware Co. Ltd. formerly known as CSK Research Institute Corp., subsidiary of CSK In 1983., producing video games for the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis. also develop games for the Mega CD, Sega 32X, Sega Saturn and Sega Dreamcast before it was incorporated as CRI Middleware Co. Ltd. in 2001. In 1988, After developing an expert system development tool, multimedia is established as a second research object. In 1989, CRI develops Japan's first CD-ROM software: After Burner for the Fujitsu FM-Towns system. In 1993, Using its skills gained in CD-ROM technology, the institute takes part in the development of the Sega Saturn. CRI develops the Saturn's BIOS file system, development tools and supplies technical support for the system. In 1996, CRI Sofdec (formerly CRI MPEG Sofdec) and CRI ADX are developed. On September 30, 1999, CSK sold its 100% interest in CSK Research Institute Corp. By Sega. to Isao Okawa for $853 million. The sales price was based on an appraisal performed by a third party. In 2000, During the split-up of Sega, CRI merges with Sega AM2. As part of the deal, the merged company gains the rights to Shenmue series. In 2001, The company turns to multi-platform development. When the game developers move to Sega AM2 the company is rebranded as the middleware developer name Changed CRI Middleware Co. Ltd. present, Their customers have included high-profile clients such as also Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Nintendo, Capcom, Konami, Namco Bandai Games, Atari Infogrames, Sony Computer Entertainment and Square Enix.
Products and services
These products and services are now offered by CRI under the collective name of "CRIWARE".
ADX
ADX is a streamed audio format which allows for multiple audio streams, seamless looping and continuous playback (allowing two or more files to be crossfaded or played in sequence) with low, predictable CPU usage. The format uses the ADPCM framework. It is now known as CRI ADX.
Sofdec
Sofdec is a streamed video format supporting up to 24bit color which includes multistreaming and seamless playback with a frame rate of up to 60 frames per second. It is essentially a repackaging of MPEG-1/MPEG-2 video with CRI's proprietary ADX Codec for audio playback. It is now known as CRI Sofdec.
Clipper
Clipper is an automated lip-syncing program which analyzes waveforms and outputs an appropriate lip pattern into a text file, for later substitution into the facial animations of the (in-game) speaker. It is now known as CRI Clipper.
ROFS
ROFS is a file management system for handling a virtual disc image, an extension of the CD-ROM standard. It has no limitations on file name format, or number of directories or files, and has been designed with compatibility with ADX and Sofdec in mind. It is now known as CRI ROFS.
Sound Factory
Sound Factory is a GUI-based video game audio tool for effective sound design without input from programmers. It has support for the previewing and playback of generated audio. It is now known as CRI Sound Factory.
Movie Encode
Movie Encode is a video encoding service by which CRI generates Sofdec or MPEG files from other media. For a fee (designated by the length of the file to be encoded), files are converted to the desired format with the quality specified by the client. It is now known as CRI Movie Encode.