Have you encountered a TS file before? Or you currently possess one but don't know how to open it? It is true that this file format is rare and supported by only a limited number of programs and devices, but this is even more reason to convert .ts to MP4. If you are wondering how to convert, this article offers several methods, including using an online tool, a media player, a professional video converter, and more.
- What Are TS and MP4 Formats?
- Method 1: Convert TS to MP4 with AVAide Video Converter
- Method 2: Convert TS to MP4 with VLC
- Method 3: Convert TS to MP4 with HandBrake
- Method 4: Convert TS to MP4 with FFmpeg
- Method 5: Convert TS to MP4 Online (Free & Browser-Based)
- Method 6: Convert TS to MP4 on Android
- How to Choose the Right Method?
What Are TS and MP4 Formats?
Before we move on to conversion, it is best to have a basic understanding of the file formats and their functions. This knowledge will help you convert .ts to MP4, including tweaking the necessary settings to achieve your preferred results.
TS File
The Transport Stream (TS) format was developed for audio and video streaming, specifically for cable TV and satellite services. Its main purpose is to optimize transmission efficiency over networks. Breaking the media into small packets, it enables smooth streaming over limited bandwidth. Still, it is not designed for general playback, so it is mostly not supported on any device.
MP4 File
On the other hand, MP4 is a widely used video format that can contain various data, such as audio, subtitles, and video. It can be flexible in its settings, allowing various codecs, sample rates, and bitrates to be modified. It is integrated on most devices so that it can be watched, edited, and shared with ease
TS vs MP4: Quick Comparison
Comparing a TS file to an MP4 reveals a significant accessibility gap. Let's take a look at the table below for a quick comparison.
| Category | TS | MP4 |
| Developer | Microsoft in 1995 | Microsoft in 2001 |
| Feature | Designed for real-time streaming while fixed damaged data packets in unstable broadcasting | Use lossy compression for a smaller file size while being widely supported on devices and platforms |
| Purpose | Used for digital television broadcasting and live streaming | Used for storing multiple tracks like audio, video, and subtitles |
| File Size | Larger file size | Can be smaller in size |
Method 1: Convert TS to MP4 with AVAide Video Converter
The easiest and most professional way to convert TS to MP4 is to use AVAide Video Converter. The dedicated tool is designed to convert rare file formats like TS to suitable formats, supporting over 300 formats and converting to MP4, MOV, HEVC, and others. It processes files quickly, so it can complete even a batch conversion in a few minutes. Moreover, it prioritizes the conversion outcome, allowing you to tweak output settings such as resolution, quality, and frame rate. Enjoy a high-quality conversion with more tools for compressing, enhancing, and editing in AVAide Video Converter.
Step 1Click the Download button to get the TS to MP4 Converter on your computer. Once it is installed successfully, open the software and upload the video file.
FREE DOWNLOAD For Windows 7 or later
FREE DOWNLOAD For Mac OS X 10.13 or later
Step 2From the Settings menu, choose MP4 as the output format. You can also change output settings, such as the sample rate, encoder, and others.
Step 3You may also do a batch conversion by adding more files. Once done, click the Convert All button to process and export the TS files as MP4 files.
Method 2: Convert TS to MP4 with VLC
VLC is a popular media player that supports the playback of CDs and DVDs. But beyond unlimited playback, the tool also offers free conversion of TS to MP4. So, you can use the media player for a quick conversion by following these steps:
Step 1From the main VLC interface, go to Media and select the Convert/Save option.
Step 2Click Add to select the TS file you want to convert from your folder. Then, click the Convert/Save button to continue.
Step 3Find and choose the MP4 format from the Profile menu and make sure to choose a destination path. Click Start to convert the TS file to MP4.
Method 3: Convert TS to MP4 with HandBrake
If you want more of a free tool for conversion, HandBrake can be your alternative. It is a free and open-source video transcoder that supports converting file extensions to modern formats. It can be used on any OS, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. With that said, here's how to turn TS files into MP4 using HandBrake:
Step 1Start the TS-to-MP4 converter and upload the TS file you want to convert.
Step 2Open the Container drop-down menu and choose the MP4 option. You can also select the output codec and frame rate from the Video menu.
Step 3Go to Browse to choose the location path where you want to save the converted files. Once done, click the Start Encode button to start converting.
Method 4: Convert TS to MP4 with FFmpeg
For tech-savvy users, FFmpeg is a great choice for transcoding. It serves as a background engine across platforms and programs, but it can also be used for conversion, encoding, and filtering. Keep in mind that it uses a command-line interface, which can be overwhelming for a beginner. Still, use the following steps to change TS to MP4 in FFmpeg:
Step 1You can download the FFmpeg package from the official website. Unzip the package and move the files to a separate folder. Make sure to remember the folder's name.
Step 2Launch Run and enter cmd. Then, enter cd\ in the command line. Enter the name of the folder where you moved the files.
Step 3In the next line, enter cd bin to open the folder, then ffmpeg.exe. You can now enter the following command line to convert TS to MP4: ffmpeg -i yourvideoname.ts -c:v libx264 outputfilename.mp4.
Method 5: Convert TS to MP4 Online (Free & Browser-Based)
Downloading conversion programs can take up a lot of storage space. However, you can use an online TS-to-MP4 converter for free without installing software. In this case, XConvert is a recommended online tool that offers a free conversion service to various formats, including TS, MKV, FLAC, and others. Not only that, it also allows you to do various editing, such as rotating a video online.
Step 1Use your search engine to find XConvert and upload the TS file to its official website.
Step 2Choose MP4 from the Format menu, then click Convert to export to your computer.
Method 6: Convert TS to MP4 on Android
While it is true that TS is not remotely supported on mobile phones, you can still use a converter on Android using a third-party app. TS to MP4 Converter by Browser Hub is a free app on Google Play that allows offline conversion without a watermark. To get started with this alternative, follow the steps below:
Step 1Go to Google Play and download the app. Upload a TS video to convert.
Step 2Tap the Convert to MP4 button to convert the TS file into MP4 immediately. After that, you can enjoy watching the video instantly.
How to Choose the Right Method?
It is only natural to be overwhelmed by the many conversion options, but you can easily choose the right method by identifying your needs. For example, if you only need a quick conversion, choosing VLC or FFmpeg can immediately change formats without re-encoding. But you need to re-encode; it is recommended to use AVAide Video Converter or HandBrake. You can also consider not installing programs on your device and just using an online converter.
In this article, you have discovered how to convert a TS file to MP4. But among the solutions provided, we encourage you to use AVAide Video Converter for a quick, high-quality conversion. Try the free trial by downloading the free version on Windows or Mac.
Your complete video toolbox that supports 350+ formats for conversion in lossless quality.