M2TS (MPEG-2 Transport Stream)
The M2TS Video file format
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.
Technical details of M2TS files
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.
More information about the M2TS file format
| File extension | .m2ts |
| File category | Video |
| Example file |
Download example.m2ts file (9.8 MiB) Download example_small.m2ts file (520.31 KiB) |
| Associated programs | Microsoft Windows Media Player VideoLAN VLC media player Adobe Flash Professional CC Sony Picture Motion Browser |
| Useful links | Further information on the M2TS format |
| Developer | Sony |