How to convert camcorder MTS files to MP4
Sony, Panasonic and Canon camcorders record AVCHD as .MTS files, split into pieces and often interlaced. How to join, convert and clean them up.
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In short: MTS files are AVCHD video from a camcorder: H.264 in an MPEG transport stream. Convert them to MP4 with the MTS to MP4 converter. If a recording is split across several MTS files, join them first with Merge Videos.
Where the files are
On the camcorder's card, under PRIVATE/AVCHD/BDMV/STREAM, as 00000.MTS, 00001.MTS and so on. M2TS is the same format with the name a computer import tool gives it.
Why one recording is several files
Camcorders split long recordings into pieces of about 2 GB, roughly ten to fifteen minutes each at full quality. Add the consecutive pieces to Merge Videos, choose MP4, and they come out as one file.
Interlacing
Most AVCHD camcorders record 1080i, which is interlaced. On a computer it shows combing on anything that moves. Run the MP4 through Restore Old Video with deinterlacing on.
Questions
Is MTS the same as TS?
Yes. An MTS file is an MPEG transport stream, the same format as TS, with AVCHD video inside.