Camcorder Footage Won't Play?
You recorded precious moments with your Sony or Panasonic camcorder, but the MTS files won't open on your computer or TV. MTS (MPEG Transport Stream) is the format HD camcorders use, but not every device recognizes it.
Converting to MPEG gives you a universally compatible video format. MPEG has been a standard since the 1990s and works on virtually every media player, TV, and editing program. In our testing, MPEG files play reliably on devices where MTS files were rejected entirely.
How to Convert MTS to MPEG
- Upload your MTS file - Drag and drop your camcorder footage or tap to select
- Choose MPEG as output - Select MPEG for maximum compatibility
- Download converted video - Get your MPEG file ready for playback anywhere
The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting.
Understanding MTS and AVCHD
MTS files come from AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) camcorders. Sony and Panasonic developed this format together, and it's also used by Canon, JVC, and other manufacturers. While MTS captures excellent 1080p and 1080i HD video with MPEG-4 AVC compression, it's not universally supported.
MPEG format has decades of industry adoption behind it. Every DVD player, smart TV, media center, and video editor supports MPEG playback. When you need your camcorder footage to work everywhere, MPEG is the reliable choice.
If you're working with other MTS files, you can explore all available conversion options from our format hub.
When MTS to MPEG Conversion Helps
Family Event Recordings
Weddings, graduations, and birthday parties recorded on HD camcorders often end up stuck on memory cards. Convert to MPEG to share with family members who have older computers or want to watch on their TV.
Video Editing Projects
Some video editors struggle with MTS files or import them slowly. MPEG files load faster and timeline scrubbing is smoother. Professional editors like Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro handle MPEG without issues.
Archive and Backup
For long-term storage, MPEG provides better peace of mind. The format has been around for decades and will remain playable far into the future. MTS support could become harder to find as AVCHD camcorders become less common.
DVD Creation
Building DVDs from camcorder footage requires MPEG format. DVD authoring software expects MPEG-2 video. Converting your MTS recordings is the first step toward creating playable discs.
Quality Preservation
Your HD camcorder captured detailed footage, and we preserve that quality during conversion. Both MTS and MPEG support high-definition video, so your 1080p recordings stay sharp and detailed.
In our testing, converted MPEG files maintained excellent visual quality while gaining universal compatibility. The file size may differ slightly depending on the specific encoding, but the viewing experience remains excellent.
MTS vs Other Video Formats
MTS files are essentially MPEG-4 AVC video in a transport stream container. While the underlying codec is modern, the container format causes compatibility issues. Here's how conversion options compare:
- MPEG - Maximum compatibility with older devices, TVs, and DVD software
- MTS to MP4 - Best for modern devices, smartphones, and web sharing
- MTS to AVI - Good for Windows-based workflows and older editing software
Choose MPEG when broad compatibility matters most, especially for playback on TVs, DVD players, and older systems.
Works on Any Device
Our MTS to MPEG converter runs entirely in your web browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- Tablet browsers for on-the-go conversion
Your camcorder footage stays on your device throughout the conversion process. Nothing gets uploaded to external servers.