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M2TS - MPEG-2 Transport Stream

What is a M2TS file

M2TS files are commonly used to save video and audio data on Blu-ray discs, DVDs, hard drives, or other file storing devices. Those files are saved in high-definition, using the BDAV (Blu-ray Disc Audio/Visual) format. While M2TS files include such BDAV information, the refer mostly to the MPGEG-2 Transport Stream. Additionally, M2TS files are used in a high-definition video recorder format called AVCHD - a simpler version of the Blu-ray disc standard.

Used on Blu-Ray discs, M2TS files can contain various video and audio compression formats. When it comes to AVCHD, more restrictions apply to the transport stream containers. It can only contain a much smaller number of compressed formats than M2TS containers used on Blu-ray discs. The file name of M2TS files compose of a 5-digit number which corresponds to the audiovisual clip. Files with the same number but a different file extension than M2TS are related to the same clip. M2TS files support both 720p and 1080i formats.

Here's a small, but not exhaustive list of programs that can open M2TS documents:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Player
  • VideoLAN VLC media player
  • Adobe Flash Professional CC
  • Sony Picture Motion Browser