TS: A Multimedia Container for Video Streams and Data Information

You may have encountered TS files several times when playing DVDs or watching broadcast videos on the web browser. But it does not seem easy to find a compatible TS player and converter. So, this post has gathered all details about the TS format and offered you useful tips.

Part 1. What is TS Format?

TS, abbreviated from Transport Stream, is a standard container format to transmit and store multimedia data, including videos, audio and PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol). Compressed with the .mpeg videos, TS can carry multiple programs and store videos. It was developed by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group by ISO and IEC) and enjoyed wide currency during the 1990s and 2000s. But soon after the appearance of more compatible formats with multimedia players like MP4, WMV and more, it was eclipsed by its limited support.

Part 2. Compare TS with Other File Formats

TS VS MP4

MP4 is also known as MPEG-4 Part 14, which is most commonly used to store videos, audio, subtitles and image data. It is a perfect choice for online video streaming on your computers and mobiles. But TS, on the other hand, can also function as a multimedia container but supports video streaming in a professional way.

TS VS M2TS VS MTS

The full name of the M2TS format is MPEG-2 Transport Stream. This is also a container format for HD video streaming on Blu-ray Discs and AVCHD. Just like M2TS, MTS function the same way and offer HD quality for video files so there is hardly difference between the two. Their compression technology works well for AVCHD camcorders like Sony, Canon, Panasonic, etc. But TS is more like a communication protocol for multimedia data on DVD.

TS VS WMV

WMV is short for Windows Media Video. It takes ASF (Advanced Systems Format) as the basis and is part of the Windows Media framework. Just as its name indicates, WMV would be a top choice compatible with Windows PCs and saves enough space with the compressed file size. But TS, by contrast, is not a Window-target format but is aimed at video streaming.

Part 3. How to Open and Play TS Files

With a deeper understanding of the TS format, you can learn to open and play TS files on your computers with flexible options. For Windows users, you can try VLC Media Player. Audials One, CyberLink PowerProducer and more TS-supported players. While for Mac users, you can continue with the built-in DVD Player, Elmedia Player, Handbrake and so on.

Part 4. How to Convert TS from/to Other Formats

To better match the popular multimedia players and enjoy a quick and smooth experience of video watching, you are suggested to convert between TS files and other files. Here we strongly recommend ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate for you. With this powerful converter, you can achieve a smooth and quick TS file conversion easily.

Simple Steps to Convert TS

Below is the conversion list you can take into account during the conversion.

Convert TS to Other Formats

• TS to MP4
• TS to AVI
• TS to MP3
• TS to WMV
• TS to M4V
• TS to DV
• TS to 3GP
• TS to MXF
• TS to SWF
• TS to M3U
• TS to MKV
• TS to MP3
• TS to MOV
• TS to MPEG
• TS to FLV
• TS to VOB
• TS to WebM
• TS to OGV
• TS to OGG
• TS to M4A
• TS to M3UB
• TS to WAV
• TS to ARF
• TS to AVCHD
• TS to VHS

Convert Other Formats to TS

• MP4 to TS
• AVI to TS
• MP3 to TS
• WMV to TS
• M4V to TS
• DV to TS
• 3GP to TS
• MXF to TS
• SWF to TS
• M3U to TS
• MKV to TS
• MP3 to TS
• MOV to TS
• MPEG to TS
• WebM to TS
• VOB to TS
• OGG to TS
• OGV to TS
• FLV to TS
• M4A to TS
• M3UB to TS
• WAV to TS
• ARF to TS
• AVCHD to TS
• VHS to TS

Part 5. FAQS about TS

• Can I convert TS file to MP4?

  Certainly. You just need to download and install ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate on your Mac or Windows and easily convert TS to any popular file format like MP4, WMV, FLV, etc.

• Can I upload TS files to YouTube?

  The answer would be no. YouTube supports popular video formats like FLV, MOV, MP4, WebM, 3GPP and more, but you can convert your TS videos to YouTube-supported formats via ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate before you upload your files.

• How to convert TS to MP4 for free?

  You can visit ArkThinker Free Video Converter Online and upload your TS file for conversion. You can convert it to MP4, AVI, MKV and any other popular format without a penny.