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Full name
MPEG-2 Transport Stream
Format type
Video
Developed by
Blu-ray Disc Association
Description
The M2TS format was created to store high-definition video files, and it’s the format used by most HD camcorders to record videos. M2TS is also known as BDAV (Blu-ray Disc Audio-Video), and you will find this file type on Blu-ray discs and AVCHD. If you’re wondering how to open and play an M2TS file, we’ve listed below the programs that support playback of these files. You’ll also find information about the M2TS format specifications.
File extension
.m2ts
Technical details
A Blu-ray contains files that can be in one of three video formats: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.262/MPEG-2 Part 2, or SMPTE VC-1. The audio formats are DTS, Dolby Digital, or Linear PCM. M2TS supports 720p and 1080i resolution formats. In addition to video and audio, an M2TS file can also contain metadata, chapters, and interactive menus. Some M2TS files use a specific copy protection method that prevents conversion to a different format.
Associated programs
Adobe Flash Professional, the VLC media player, CyberLink PowerDVD, and Windows Media Player
Full name
Matroska Multimedia Container
Format type
Video
Developed by
Lasse Kärkkäinen
Description
MKV (or Matroska Multimedia Container) is a free, open source video container format created in 2002. It’s officially called Matroska after the Russian matryoshka dolls because all the video, audio, and subtitle tracks are held within a single file. This format enables synchronous playback of audio and video tracks. Since MKV supports a large number of codecs and even uncompressed video, this format retains the original quality, allowing you to enjoy your videos in HD. Check this table if you want to know how to open MKV files and which programs can play them.
File extension
.mkv, .mk3d, .mka, .mks
Technical details
Videos with the MKV file type have a data channel for each type of track, making this format closer to other media containers such as AVI or MP4. A disadvantage of the MKV format is that very few modern programs can play files with these specifications correctly, so users have to install additional applications or codecs, for example, the VLC player or K-Lite Codec Pack.
Associated programs
VLC
How to use a file converter? First, download the version of the software for Microsoft Windows or Macintosh, launch it, and proceed following the on-screen instructions. When the app is installed to your computer, it will run automatically.
Locate the M2TS files you want to convert and drag-and-drop them into the program’s window. The application can convert big batches of files – there’s no limit to how many files you can transfer at once.
In the Formats menu, select the file type you want to turn your media into and choose the target format for the files. Also, you can change the conversion settings: choose a different bitrate, resolution (including HD, Ultra HD, and even 4K), codec, etc. Pay attention to the SuperSpeed label: it indicates that the conversion will be performed with a very high speed and without losing quality.
To specify the output folder, click the Save to button. Hit the Convert button to launch the process. When the converting is done, the new media files will be saved to the chosen folder.
Now you know how to change the file format using the Movavi converter. With this tool, you can also reduce the file size, cut out clips from videos, crop pictures, and create animations from your favorite movies. Get the free trial version and test it out!
Yes, if you use "remuxing" (changing the container). This moves the video and audio streams into an MKV file without re-encoding, preserving 100% of the original Blu-ray quality.
MKV is a more flexible container that supports a wider variety of subtitle formats and audio tracks compared to the rigid M2TS structure used by camcorders.
M2TS isn't natively supported by QuickTime. Converting M2TS to MKV allows you to play the file easily using VLC or other third-party media players on macOS.
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