What is a MOD file
MOD files are used and were created by Panasonic and JVC for digital video recording with tapeless camcorders. Both Panasonic and Canon use MOD, while Panasonic can use MOD and TOD. Despite the wide use, neither MOD nor TOD have long-form names — the file names are basically meaningless. MOD data is recorded onto a hard disk or SD card. This format can be compared to MPEG2, XDCAM EX, HDV, and AVCHD, though MOD is still used for some digital video recording equipment. Standard and high definition video is capable using this format, though TOD (the sister file of MOD) is more often used for high definition due to the capability TOD files have of 1080i quality.
Any computer or device that can reproduce MPEG-2 video can view MOD files and due to the compliance with DVD-video standards MOD files can be viewed on DVD players as well. Both MOD and TOD files can be renamed to MPG files, thus changing the file type, due to the similarities. These files play video at a maximum resolution of 720x480 with a video signal of 480i or 576i and aspect ratios of either 4:3 or 16:9. Metadata (date, time, composer/director, etc.) is recorded to MOD files using the MOI file extension. In the 1980’s, a file extension using the name MOD was created for the storage of sound files for Amiga consoles. This is of no relation to the MOD video files discussed here.
Here's a small, but not exhaustive list of programs that can open MOD documents:
- Quicktime Player
- VLC Media Player
- Windows Media Player
