Simple articles about MTS file extension, file structure, how to locate and find MTS files from camcorder, how to play and edit MTS files on Windows and Mac.

1. How
to
free
play
and
convert
Sony/Canon/Panasonic/JVC MTS files?
What is MTS file?
MTS files are high definition MPEG Transport
Stream video format, commonly called “AVCHD”
used
by
Sony,
Panasonic
and
other
HD
camcorders. It is based on the MPEG-2 transport
stream and supports 720p and 1080i HD video
formats.
MTS file structure
MTS files reside within a specific folder structure,
this highly structured system of folders tells the
appropriate software on the computer exactly
what the file contains and how to best utilize it.
When attempting to copy MTS files to computer,
by copying the main folder structure rather than
just the individual .MTS file, the transition to video
editing or viewing software will bu much more
smoother.

2. How
to
locate and
find
MTS
files
from
camcorder?
Set your camcorder in PC mode and connect it to
computer via a USB cable. Open the drive that
represents your camcorder, you will see a folder
named “PRIVATE”, click it to open a “AVCHD”
folder, Inside the AVCHD folder, there is a “BDMV”
folder, open the “BDMV” folder again and your will
see three folders “CLIPINF”, “PLAYLIST” and
“STREAM”, your MTS files is located inside the
“STREAM” folder.
How to play MTS files?
Free MTS file player: Windows Media Player 12,
VLC Media Player on Windows, Apple Final Cut Pro

3. X, VLC Media Player on Mac
If you wish to play MTS files on computer with
QuickTime, iTunes or transfer MTS to iPad, iPod,
iPhone or other portable devices, you can convert
MTS to MP4 file format, which is compatible well
on both Windows and Mac.
How to edit MTS files?
Although
many
non-linear
video
editing
application indicates that they have native editing
support for MTS files, however, you still end up
with failure when attempting to import MTS files
from high-definition camcorder, the main reason is
that most video editing application has its own
preferable video editing codec. Therefore, a codec
transcoding process is indispensable when trying
to import MTS files to iMovie, Final Cut Express or
Final Cut Pro. Best editing codecs for different
professional application:
iMovie/Final Cut Express: Apple Intermediate
Codec
Final Cut Pro/7/X: Apple Prores Codec

4. Avid Media Composer: Avid DNxHD
http://www.jihosoft.com/convert-video/mts-tomp4.html