Can't Play Your Camcorder Videos?
You recorded important footage with your Sony, Panasonic, or Canon camcorder, but when you try to play it on your computer, nothing happens. The files are in MTS format (also called AVCHD), and most media players don't support it natively.
Converting MTS to AVI solves this problem instantly. AVI is one of the oldest and most widely supported video formats - virtually every media player, editing software, and device can handle it. In our testing, AVI files played without issues on every system we tried, from Windows XP to the latest macOS.
How to Convert MTS to AVI
- Upload your MTS file - Drag and drop or click to select your camcorder footage
- Confirm AVI output - AVI is preset as the target format for maximum compatibility
- Download your video - Your footage is now ready to play anywhere
The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no accounts to create, no waiting.
Understanding MTS and AVCHD
MTS stands for MPEG Transport Stream and is part of the AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) standard. Sony and Panasonic developed this format specifically for HD camcorders, and it's been widely adopted since 2006.
AVCHD records stunning 1080i/1080p video with excellent compression, but the format's complexity causes headaches:
- Windows Media Player - Won't play MTS without codec packs
- Video editors - Many programs import MTS poorly or not at all
- Smart TVs - Hit or miss MTS support depending on brand
- Social media - YouTube and most platforms reject direct MTS uploads
AVI, developed by Microsoft in 1992, remains universally compatible despite its age. It's a container format that works with virtually any codec, making it ideal for archiving and sharing footage.
When to Use MTS to AVI Conversion
Editing in Older Software
If you're using video editing software that struggles with MTS files, converting to AVI provides smooth import and timeline performance. Programs like older versions of Windows Movie Maker, Pinnacle Studio, and even some newer editors handle AVI more reliably.
Sharing with Others
When you need to share camcorder footage with someone and don't know their system specs, AVI is the safest choice. They won't need to install special codecs or players.
Archiving Footage
For long-term storage where future compatibility matters, AVI's widespread support means your videos will remain playable for years to come.
Playback Issues
If your computer stutters or freezes when playing MTS files, the conversion to AVI often resolves performance issues, especially on older hardware.
What About Quality?
Your video quality remains excellent after conversion. We process MTS files carefully to preserve the HD quality your camcorder captured. The AVI container supports high-quality video compression, so you won't see degradation in your footage.
File sizes may differ slightly depending on the codec used. In our testing, converted AVI files were comparable in size to the original MTS footage while maintaining visual fidelity.
Alternative Output Formats
While AVI offers maximum compatibility, other formats might suit specific needs:
- MTS to MP4 - Better for web sharing and mobile devices
- MTS to MOV - Ideal for Mac users and Final Cut Pro
- MTS to MKV - Best for preserving all video features
Choose AVI when you need guaranteed playback on any system, especially older computers or Windows-based environments.
Works on Any Device
Convert MTS to AVI directly in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- No plugins or extensions required
Your files stay on your device throughout the conversion process. No uploads to external servers means your personal footage remains private.