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Convert MOV to MTS - QuickTime to AVCHD Format

Transform Apple MOV videos to MTS format for Blu-ray authoring and camcorder compatibility.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Why Convert MOV to MTS?

You have video files from your iPhone, Mac, or Final Cut Pro in MOV format, but your workflow requires AVCHD MTS files. Maybe you're authoring a Blu-ray disc, integrating footage with Sony or Panasonic camcorder clips, or working with software that specifically requires the MTS container format.

MTS (MPEG Transport Stream) is the standard format used by HD camcorders from Sony and Panasonic under the AVCHD specification. In our testing, converting MOV files to MTS maintains excellent video quality while enabling compatibility with professional video workflows that expect AVCHD-formatted content.

How to Convert MOV to MTS

  1. Upload your MOV file - Drag and drop or click to select your QuickTime video
  2. Select MTS as output - Choose MTS format for AVCHD-compatible output
  3. Download your converted video - Get your MTS file ready for Blu-ray or camcorder workflows

The entire conversion happens in your browser. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting for server processing.

MOV vs MTS: Understanding the Formats

MOV and MTS serve different purposes in video production:

MOV (QuickTime Container)

  • Developed by Apple in 1998 for QuickTime
  • Default format for iPhone, iPad, and Mac video recording
  • Supports multiple codecs including H.264, ProRes, and HEVC
  • Widely used in macOS video editing applications
  • Flexible container with excellent metadata support

MTS (AVCHD Format)

  • Developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic in 2006
  • Standard recording format for HD camcorders
  • Uses H.264/AVC codec with Dolby Digital or Linear PCM audio
  • Compatible with Blu-ray Disc structure
  • Supports 720p, 1080i, and 1080p HD resolutions

In our testing, MTS files typically achieve slightly better compression than MOV at equivalent quality settings, though the difference is minimal for most practical applications.

Common Use Cases

Blu-ray Disc Authoring

MTS format is derived from the Blu-ray Disc specification. When creating Blu-ray discs from iPhone or Mac footage, converting MOV to MTS first ensures compatibility with authoring software. The AVCHD structure integrates seamlessly with Blu-ray menus and chapter markers.

Mixing Footage from Multiple Cameras

If you're editing a project with clips from both an iPhone (MOV) and a Sony or Panasonic camcorder (MTS), converting all footage to a common format simplifies your timeline. Many editors find working with uniform MTS files reduces rendering issues.

Camcorder Workflow Integration

Some professional workflows require footage in the exact format expected by broadcast or archival systems. Converting MOV to MTS ensures your Apple-originated content matches the specifications of camcorder-based production pipelines.

PlayStation and Smart TV Playback

Sony PlayStation 3 and certain Panasonic Viera TVs handle MTS files natively as part of their AVCHD support. If you're preparing video for these devices, MTS format ensures smooth playback without transcoding on the device side.

Quality Considerations

Converting from MOV to MTS involves re-encoding your video, which technically introduces a generation of compression. However, in our testing with properly configured conversion settings, the visual difference is imperceptible for most content.

Key factors for quality preservation:

  • Bitrate - MTS supports up to 24 Mbps for 1080p video, sufficient for broadcast-quality content
  • Resolution - AVCHD supports 1920x1080, 1440x1080, and 1280x720 natively
  • Audio - Dolby Digital AC-3 or Linear PCM audio maintains original sound quality
  • Frame rate - Both 24p, 30p, 50i, and 60i are supported in the MTS container

For archival purposes where every bit matters, keep your original MOV files. Use the MTS conversion for delivery and compatibility needs.

Alternative Formats to Consider

MTS isn't always the right choice. Consider these alternatives:

  • MOV to MP4 - Better for web sharing and universal playback. MP4 is the most widely supported format across devices and platforms.
  • MOV to MKV - Ideal for archiving with multiple audio tracks and subtitles. MKV offers more flexibility than MTS for complex video files.
  • MOV to AVI - Legacy format for older Windows applications that don't support modern containers.

Choose MTS specifically when you need AVCHD compatibility, Blu-ray integration, or camcorder workflow requirements. For general-purpose conversion, MP4 to MTS or direct MOV to MP4 conversion often makes more sense.

Browser-Based Conversion

Our converter works entirely in your web browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook compatible
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge supported
  • Works on mobile devices including iPhone and Android
  • No software installation required
  • Your video files stay on your device during processing

In our testing across different browsers, conversion speed primarily depends on your device's processing power rather than internet connection, since the actual encoding happens locally.

Batch Conversion

Have multiple MOV files to convert? Upload them all at once. Our batch processing handles multiple conversions simultaneously, saving time compared to converting files one by one. This is particularly useful when preparing an entire project's worth of iPhone footage for a camcorder-based editing workflow.

Pro Tip

When mixing iPhone MOV footage with Sony or Panasonic camcorder MTS clips in the same timeline, converting all files to MTS first can reduce rendering headaches. Many NLEs handle homogeneous footage more efficiently than mixed container formats.

Common Mistake

Converting to MTS for general web sharing or social media upload. MTS is a specialized format for camcorder workflows and Blu-ray. For YouTube, Instagram, or email sharing, MP4 is the better choice with wider platform support.

Best For

Blu-ray disc authoring from iPhone or Mac footage, integrating Apple-originated video with AVCHD camcorder clips, or workflows that specifically require AVCHD-formatted content for broadcast or archival systems.

Not Recommended

Don't convert to MTS if you just need to share videos online or play them on mobile devices. MP4 offers better compatibility for general use. Reserve MOV to MTS conversion for specific AVCHD workflow requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

MTS is a high-definition video file format used by Sony and Panasonic HD camcorders under the AVCHD standard. It stores video using H.264/AVC compression with Dolby Digital or Linear PCM audio. MTS files are compatible with Blu-ray Disc structure and can be played directly on Blu-ray players, PlayStation 3, and many smart TVs.

Convert to MTS when you specifically need AVCHD compatibility - for Blu-ray disc authoring, mixing footage with Sony/Panasonic camcorder clips, or workflows that require the AVCHD structure. For general sharing and playback, MP4 is usually more practical since it has broader device support.

Any format conversion involves re-encoding, which technically adds a generation of compression. However, with proper settings, the quality loss is imperceptible for most content. MTS supports up to 24 Mbps bitrate for 1080p video, which preserves excellent visual quality.

Yes, most Blu-ray players can play AVCHD content including MTS files when burned to a compatible disc or accessed from USB storage. The MTS container is derived from the Blu-ray Disc specification, making it inherently compatible with Blu-ray playback systems.

Both are AVCHD file extensions using the same underlying format. MTS is the extension used when files are recorded directly on camcorders. When you transfer these files to a computer or create them for Blu-ray authoring, they typically use the M2TS extension. The actual video content is identical.

Yes. iPhone videos saved as MOV can be converted to MTS format. This is useful when you need to integrate iPhone footage with AVCHD-based workflows, author Blu-ray discs, or match the format of Sony/Panasonic camcorder footage.

MTS supports standard HD resolutions including 1920x1080 (Full HD), 1440x1080, and 1280x720. It can handle both progressive (p) and interlaced (i) video at various frame rates including 24p, 30p, 50i, and 60i.

No. Our converter works entirely in your web browser. Upload your MOV file, select MTS as the output format, and download the converted file. Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices without any software installation.

Yes. Our batch conversion feature lets you upload multiple MOV files and convert them all to MTS format simultaneously. This saves significant time when preparing multiple videos for AVCHD-based workflows.

Neither format is inherently better quality - both can store high-definition video. MOV is more flexible with codec options (H.264, ProRes, HEVC), while MTS uses a standardized H.264 implementation optimized for camcorders and Blu-ray compatibility. Choose based on your workflow needs, not quality expectations.

MTS files typically contain Dolby Digital AC-3 audio or uncompressed Linear PCM audio. During MOV to MTS conversion, your original audio is transcoded to one of these compatible formats while maintaining quality.

Yes. VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player (with appropriate codecs), and most modern video players support MTS files. On Mac, QuickTime may require additional codec support, but VLC works without any extra installation.

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