TS file format
MPEG Transport Stream (.ts): TV recordings, AVCHD camcorders (MTS/M2TS) and streaming segments.
Transport streams are built for broadcasting, so you get them from TV recorders, IPTV boxes, Sony and Panasonic AVCHD camcorders (.mts / .m2ts) and downloaded streaming segments. They often already contain H.264 video, so conversion to MP4 can be almost instant.
| Full name | MPEG Transport Stream |
|---|---|
| File extension | .ts, .mts, .m2ts, .m2t |
| MIME type | video/mp2t |
| Created | mid-1990s by the MPEG group |
| Usual codecs | H.264, HEVC or MPEG-2 video with AAC, AC-3 or MP2 audio |
| Plays on | TVs, set-top boxes, VLC; phones and editors often struggle |
| Best for | TV recordings, AVCHD camcorders (MTS/M2TS) and streaming segments |
Advantages
- Robust for broadcast and recording
Drawbacks
- Not accepted by most websites and phones
- Clumsy to edit
Convert TS to…
Frequently asked questions
What is a .ts file?
Transport streams are built for broadcasting, so you get them from TV recorders, IPTV boxes, Sony and Panasonic AVCHD camcorders (.mts / .m2ts) and downloaded streaming segments. They often already contain H.264 video, so conversion to MP4 can be almost instant.
How do I open a TS file?
TS files open on TVs, set-top boxes, VLC; phones and editors often struggle. If a program will not open yours, convert it to a more common format.