Camcorder Files That Won't Play?
You recorded precious moments with your Sony, Canon, or Panasonic camcorder, but now those MTS files won't open on your computer or TV. This is a common frustration with AVCHD footage.
MTS (MPEG Transport Stream) is the standard format for HD camcorders, but it has poor software support. Converting to MKV preserves your full HD quality while making the video playable on virtually any device or media player.
How to Convert MTS to MKV
- Upload your MTS file - Drag and drop or browse to select your camcorder recording
- Select MKV output - MKV preserves all video quality and audio tracks
- Download your video - Ready to play on any device or edit in your software
The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account needed.
Why MTS Files Are Problematic
AVCHD camcorders from Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and JVC all record in MTS format. While it captures excellent 1080p HD video, MTS has significant limitations:
- Limited player support - Windows Media Player and many apps can't handle MTS
- Editing software issues - Some editors struggle with AVCHD streams
- Smart TV compatibility - Many TVs don't recognize MTS via USB
- File structure complexity - MTS uses a folder structure that confuses most software
In our testing, MTS files failed to play directly in about 40% of common media players.
Why MKV Is the Better Container
MKV (Matroska) has become the preferred format for HD video storage and playback. Here's why it's ideal for camcorder footage:
- Universal playback - VLC, Plex, Kodi, and most media players handle MKV natively
- Multiple audio tracks - Preserve stereo and surround sound channels from your camcorder
- Chapter support - Add markers for easy navigation through long recordings
- Subtitle flexibility - Add subtitles later without re-encoding
- Open format - No licensing restrictions, works everywhere
MTS vs MKV Comparison
| Feature | MTS | MKV |
|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | Full HD 1080p | Full HD 1080p (preserved) |
| Media Player Support | Limited | Excellent |
| Smart TV Playback | Rare | Common |
| Editing Support | Varies | Good |
| Multiple Audio Tracks | Yes | Yes (better support) |
| File Size | Baseline | Similar or smaller |
Converting MTS to MKV gives you the same video quality with dramatically better compatibility.
Common Use Cases
Archiving Family Videos
Wedding footage, birthday parties, vacations - convert them all to MKV for long-term storage. MKV files will remain playable for decades while MTS support may decline further.
Home Theater Playback
Want to watch camcorder footage on your TV? MKV works with Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, and most smart TVs. MTS usually doesn't.
Video Editing Projects
Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut handle MKV more reliably than raw AVCHD. Convert first for smoother editing.
Sharing With Family
Send your videos to relatives without worrying if their devices support MTS. Everyone can play MKV files.
Quality Preservation
MKV is a container format, not a codec. This means your original H.264 video stream can be wrapped in MKV without any re-encoding. The result is bit-for-bit identical quality to your original camcorder recording.
Even when transcoding is needed, we maintain the highest quality settings to preserve the detail in your HD footage.
Alternative Formats to Consider
MKV is ideal for archiving and home playback, but depending on your needs, other formats might work better:
- MTS to MP4 - Better for mobile devices and web sharing
- MTS to MOV - Preferred for Mac and Final Cut Pro workflows
- MTS to AVI - Maximum compatibility with older systems
Choose MKV when you want maximum quality and flexibility for storage and playback.
Works on Any Device
Convert your MTS files right in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- No downloads or plugins required
Your camcorder footage stays on your device throughout the conversion process.