Extract Audio from HD Camcorder Footage
You have video footage from your Sony, Panasonic, or Canon HD camcorder saved as MTS files. Now you need just the audio-maybe for a podcast, voiceover project, or audio archive. Converting MTS to OPUS gives you compact, high-quality audio files that work across modern platforms.
OPUS is one of the most efficient audio codecs available today. In our testing, OPUS files at 128kbps sound indistinguishable from the original audio while being significantly smaller than MP3 or AAC at the same quality level.
How to Convert MTS to OPUS
- Upload your MTS file - Drag and drop or select your AVCHD video file
- Choose OPUS output - Select OPUS as your audio format
- Download your audio - Get your extracted audio in efficient OPUS format
The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required.
Why MTS Files Need Conversion
MTS is the file format used by AVCHD camcorders-developed by Sony and Panasonic in 2006 for recording high-definition video. These files use H.264 video compression with Dolby AC-3 or Linear PCM audio. The format is excellent for capturing footage but creates compatibility challenges:
- Limited software support - Many audio editors cannot open MTS files directly
- Large file sizes - HD video files are typically 1-4GB per hour of footage
- No audio-only playback - You cannot play just the audio from an MTS file in most players
- Complex container format - MTS uses MPEG-2 transport stream which audio apps do not recognize
Extracting to OPUS solves these problems while giving you a modern, efficient audio format.
Why Choose OPUS Format
OPUS is an open-source audio codec developed by the Xiph.Org Foundation and standardized by the IETF. It has become the preferred format for streaming, voice communication, and audio archiving due to its exceptional efficiency:
- Superior compression - OPUS reaches transparency (psychoacoustically lossless) at 128kbps, compared to 256kbps for AAC and 320kbps for MP3
- Excellent speech handling - Combines SILK (Skype's speech codec) with CELT for versatile audio encoding
- Low latency - 26.5ms algorithmic delay makes it ideal for real-time applications
- Royalty-free - No licensing fees unlike AAC or other proprietary codecs
For audio extracted from camcorder footage, OPUS provides professional-quality results at smaller file sizes than alternatives. If you need broader device compatibility, consider MTS to MP3 conversion instead.
Common Use Cases
Podcast and Interview Audio
Recorded an interview with your camcorder? Extract the audio as OPUS for editing in your DAW. OPUS handles speech exceptionally well-it was designed partly for voice communication.
Music Performance Archives
Captured a live performance on your HD camcorder? OPUS preserves the audio quality while keeping file sizes manageable for long-term storage.
Audio for Web Projects
Building a website that needs audio from your video footage? OPUS is natively supported in modern browsers and provides the best quality-to-size ratio for web delivery.
Quality Expectations
Your MTS file likely contains audio encoded in Dolby AC-3 at 256-448kbps or Linear PCM. When converting to OPUS, you can expect:
- Transparent quality at 128kbps for most content
- Excellent speech clarity even at lower bitrates (64kbps)
- Significant size reduction compared to the original audio stream
For archival purposes where you want maximum quality, OPUS at 192kbps provides more headroom than you will likely ever need. For general use, 96-128kbps is the sweet spot.
Alternative Formats
OPUS is excellent for modern workflows, but consider these alternatives based on your needs:
- MP3 - Universal compatibility with all devices and software, though larger files at equivalent quality
- WAV - Uncompressed audio for professional editing when file size is not a concern
- FLAC - Lossless compression for archival purposes when you need perfect preservation
For streaming platforms like Discord or web applications, OPUS remains the optimal choice due to its native support and efficiency.
Works on All Devices
Our MTS to OPUS converter runs entirely in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android devices
No downloads, no installations. Your MTS files are processed locally for privacy and speed.