What is MTS?

MTS (MPEG Transport Stream) files are recorded by AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) camcorders to SD cards, SDHC/SDXC cards, and internal hard drives. The format uses H.264/MPEG-4 AVC compression at 1080i or 1080p resolution with Dolby Digital AC-3 audio. MTS files are stored in AVCHD folder structure (BDMV/STREAM/) similar to Blu-ray discs. Identical to M2TS but used for camcorder recordings.

MTS is used by videographers shooting with Sony Handycam, Panasonic Lumix, Canon Vixia, and other AVCHD camcorders for weddings, events, documentaries, and home videos. The format offers excellent HD quality in compact file sizes. Often converted to MP4 or imported to video editing software for post-production. Popular with prosumer videographers before 4K mirrorless cameras became affordable.

Did you know? MTS and M2TS are the same format - just different file extensions!

History

Sony and Panasonic developed AVCHD format to bring high-definition video recording to consumer camcorders using memory cards instead of tape.

Key Milestones

  • 2006: AVCHD format announced
  • 2007: First AVCHD camcorders released
  • 2009: 1080p60 support added
  • 2011: 3D AVCHD introduced
  • 2014: XAVC-S begins replacing AVCHD
  • Present: Still used in entry-level cams

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • Full HD: 1920×1080 resolution
  • H.264: Efficient compression
  • Memory Card: Tapeless recording
  • Dolby Digital: AC-3 audio
  • AVCHD Structure: BDMV folders
  • Camcorder Standard: Wide adoption

Common Use Cases

Weddings

Event videography

Home Videos

Family recordings

Documentaries

Field production

Corporate

Business video

Advantages

  • Excellent HD video quality
  • Efficient H.264 compression
  • Camcorder standard format
  • Good file size/quality ratio
  • Dolby Digital audio
  • Memory card convenience
  • Wide software support

Disadvantages

  • Complex folder structure
  • Limited device playback
  • Often requires conversion
  • Interlaced video (1080i)
  • Not ideal for editing
  • Superseded by 4K formats

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .mts (same as .m2ts)
MIME Type video/mp2t
Video Codec H.264/MPEG-4 AVC
Audio Codec Dolby Digital AC-3
Resolution 1920×1080 (Full HD)
Bitrate 12-24 Mbps

Common Tools

  • Players: VLC, Windows Media Player, MPC-HC
  • Editors: Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Vegas Pro
  • Converters: HandBrake, FFmpeg, Freemake
  • Import: iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, Kdenlive