iMovie for Windows > Video Editor > iMovie Formats > Edit TS Files on Mac and Windows

Need to Open and Edit TS Files?

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What's a TS File?

TS, or called MPEG-TS (Transport Stream) and MTS, is a standard file container format for storing and transmission of video and audio, whose file extension is typically .ts (not .mts or .m2ts). It is originally designed for broadcast systems such as DVB, ATSC and IPTV. Later it was adapted for usage with video cameras, recorders and portable players.

Talking about MPEG-TS, it's avoidable to mention MPEG-PS, whose full name is MPEG Program Stream. MPEG-TS (usually with .ts suffix) is mainly used for programs transmitted in real time, such as real-time broadcast TV programs, while MPEG2-PS (usually with .mpeg, .mpg, or .vob) is mainly applied to stored programs with fixed durations, such as DVD movies. What are the main differences between these two file formats? Let's put a metaphor, you cut off the front of the VOB file on the DVD (or simply data corruption), then the entire file can not be decoded and played. By contrary, the TV programs could be decoded and played anytime when you turn on your TV.

open and edit TS files

Due to the popularity of DVD disc, PS format is more popular than TS format. Many media player and editor are unfamiliar with how to decode TS. Sometimes you may simply change the file extension from .ts to .mpeg so that your player could recognize it. But it's not recommended because it may introduce quality loss. To get better compatibility, you're recommended converting the container from TS to PS using Avidemux.

VLC is recommended to play TS video files. If failed, these applications are considerable depending on your operating system and budget: Movavi Video Editor, KMPlayer, PotPlayer, iMovie, Final Cut Pro,Wondershare Filmora, Adobe Premiere, etc.

How to Open TS Files with Movavi Video Editor

Open TS files in Windows

In the main screen, go to the Media tab on the left sidebar and click the Add Media Files button.
Go through the top menu bar File > Add Media Files, or simply press Ctrl+O.
Resize Mov Video Editor's window and then drop TS files to the timeline.

Open TS files on Mac

Go to the Media tab on the left sidebar and click the Add Media Files button.
Go through File > Add Media Files in the top menu bar, or press Command+O.
Drag and drop TS files from Finder to the timeline.

Open TS Video on All Modern Computers

Windows 10	Windows 8	Windows 7	Windows Vista	Windows XP
macOS Big Sur	macOS High Sierra	macOS Sierra	macOS el Capitan	Mac OS X 10.7 or higher

FAQs on TS Playback in Windows, Mac and Mobile Devices

Question: Can Windows Media Player play .TS files?

Answer: The TS files can be easily found from an HDTV broadcast as well as HD camcorders such as Panasonic, Canon, Sony and more. Unfortunately, TS files has poor compatibility with most of media players including WMP, portable devices and video editing tools. By far, the best software to play TS video is VLC media player. For better compatibility, consider converting TS to MP4 using a high quality video converter.

Question: Can I Import TS files to iMovie?

Answer: No. It's unable to directly import TS files for editing with iMovie. TS is not the iMovie compatible format as distributed by Apple. However, you could either convert TS to make it iMovie friendly, or turn to an iMovie-like video editor that supports TS format. Check out how to convert and import TS to iMovie here.

Movavi Video Editor Opens TS Files and Many More Video File Formats

Not only can TS Video Editor opens TS files but also all popular video formats. Movavi Video Editor is an all-in-one video editing application for Mac and Windows.

TS Video Editor Introduction