How to Convert MTS to AVI: A Comprehensive Guide
Converting MTS files to AVI can be necessary for various reasons, including compatibility with older devices or software, easier editing, or simply to reduce file size. MTS files, commonly used by camcorders like Sony and Panasonic, can be challenging to work with directly due to their large size and specific codecs. AVI, on the other hand, is a widely supported and versatile format. This guide will walk you through the process of converting MTS to AVI using several different methods, covering both free and paid software options.
Why Convert MTS to AVI?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s briefly discuss why you might want to convert MTS to AVI:
* **Compatibility:** AVI is a universally supported format, meaning it can be played on almost any device or media player, including older ones.
* **Editing:** Some video editing software works better with AVI files than MTS. Converting can streamline your editing workflow.
* **File Size:** While AVI can also result in large files, you can often optimize the conversion process to reduce the output size without significant quality loss.
* **Archiving:** Converting to AVI can make your videos more accessible for long-term storage and sharing.
Choosing the Right Conversion Software
Several software options are available for converting MTS to AVI, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few popular choices:
* **Handbrake (Free & Open Source):** A powerful and versatile video transcoder available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers extensive customization options but can be a bit intimidating for beginners.
* **VLC Media Player (Free & Open Source):** While primarily a media player, VLC can also perform basic video conversions. It’s a convenient option if you already have VLC installed.
* **Any Video Converter (Free & Paid Versions):** A user-friendly converter with a simple interface. The free version offers basic conversion features, while the paid version unlocks more advanced options.
* **Movavi Video Converter (Paid):** A comprehensive video converter with a wide range of features, including batch conversion, editing tools, and support for numerous formats.
* **Wondershare UniConverter (Paid):** Another powerful converter with a clean interface and fast conversion speeds. It also includes additional tools like a video downloader and DVD burner.
* **Freemake Video Converter (Free):** Easy to use with a simple interface, but it may add a watermark in the free version and requires online installation.
For this guide, we will primarily focus on Handbrake and VLC Media Player, as they are both free and widely used. We’ll also touch upon Any Video Converter.
Method 1: Converting MTS to AVI with Handbrake
Handbrake is a powerful and versatile video transcoder that is completely free and open-source. It’s a great option for users who need fine-grained control over the conversion process.
**Step 1: Download and Install Handbrake**
Go to the official Handbrake website ([https://handbrake.fr/](https://handbrake.fr/)) and download the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Follow the installation instructions to install the software.
**Step 2: Open Your MTS File**
Launch Handbrake. You’ll be presented with a source selection window. You can either:
* Click on “File” and browse to the location of your MTS file.
* Click on “Folder” to import all MTS files from a specific directory.
* Drag and drop your MTS file directly into the Handbrake window.
**Step 3: Choose a Preset**
Once your MTS file is loaded, Handbrake will analyze it. In the “Preset” panel on the right side of the window, choose a preset that matches your desired output quality and resolution. For example:
* **General -> Fast 1080p30:** A good starting point for most users. It provides a decent balance between quality and file size.
* **General -> Very Fast 720p30:** A faster option if you need to prioritize speed over quality.
* **Web -> YouTube 1080p60:** Optimized for uploading to YouTube.
If you’re not sure which preset to choose, the “Fast 1080p30” preset is a safe bet. You can always customize the settings further if needed.
**Step 4: Configure Output Settings**
* **Container:** In the “Summary” tab, ensure that the “Format” is set to “AVI”. If it’s not there, you may need to select the desired container in the “Video” tab and then return to the Summary.
* **Save As:** At the bottom of the window, specify the output file name and location in the “Save As” field. Choose a descriptive name and a location that is easy to remember.
**Step 5: Adjust Video Settings (Optional)**
For more control over the output quality, you can adjust the video settings in the “Video” tab:
* **Codec:** Select the video codec you want to use. Xvid is a common and widely compatible codec for AVI files. H.264 is also available, but might cause playback issues with older players.
* **Frame Rate (FPS):** Keep the same frame rate as the source file or choose a standard frame rate like 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps.
* **Quality:** Handbrake offers two quality control methods:
* **Constant Quality (RF):** This is the recommended method. Lower RF values result in higher quality but larger file sizes. A good starting point is RF 20-22. Experiment with different values to find the best balance between quality and file size for your needs.
* **Average Bitrate (kbps):** Specify a target bitrate for the video. Higher bitrates result in higher quality but larger file sizes.
* **Resolution:** You can change the resolution of the output video in the “Dimensions” tab. Be careful when upscaling (increasing) the resolution, as it can lead to a blurry image. Downscaling (decreasing) the resolution can reduce file size.
**Step 6: Adjust Audio Settings (Optional)**
In the “Audio” tab, you can adjust the audio settings:
* **Codec:** Select the audio codec you want to use. MP3 is a widely compatible codec. AAC is another option that offers better quality at a similar bitrate.
* **Bitrate (kbps):** Specify the bitrate for the audio. Higher bitrates result in higher quality audio but larger file sizes. A good starting point is 128 kbps.
* **Mixdown:** Choose the number of audio channels. Stereo is a common choice for most videos.
**Step 7: Start the Conversion**
Click the “Start Encode” button at the top of the window to begin the conversion process. Handbrake will display a progress bar and estimated time remaining. The conversion time will depend on the size of the MTS file, the chosen settings, and the speed of your computer.
**Step 8: Locate the Output File**
Once the conversion is complete, you can find the AVI file in the location you specified in the “Save As” field.
## Method 2: Converting MTS to AVI with VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is primarily known as a media player, but it also has basic video conversion capabilities. It’s a convenient option if you already have VLC installed and only need to perform simple conversions.
**Step 1: Download and Install VLC Media Player**
If you don’t already have VLC installed, download it from the official VLC website ([https://www.videolan.org/vlc/](https://www.videolan.org/vlc/)) and follow the installation instructions.
**Step 2: Open the Convert/Save Dialog**
Launch VLC Media Player. Click on “Media” in the menu bar and select “Convert / Save…” (or press Ctrl+R).
**Step 3: Add Your MTS File**
In the “File” tab, click the “Add…” button and browse to the location of your MTS file. Select the file and click “Open”.
**Step 4: Choose the Conversion Profile**
Click the “Convert / Save” button at the bottom of the window. In the “Profile” dropdown menu, select a profile that is close to what you want. If there is no AVI profile, select one that fits your needs, and then edit it. To do that, click the wrench icon to the right of the Profile dropdown.
**Step 5: Customize the Profile (Essential)**
This is the most important step to ensure the output is AVI. In the Profile edition window:
* **Encapsulation Tab:** Select “AVI” as the encapsulation method.
* **Video Codec Tab:** Select a video codec like “Xvid” or “MPEG-4”.
* **Audio Codec Tab:** Select an audio codec like “MP3” or “AAC”.
* You can also adjust bitrate and other settings in these tabs.
* Click Save to save the profile.
**Step 6: Specify the Output File**
Click the “Browse” button and choose a location to save the converted AVI file. Give the file a name and ensure it has the “.avi” extension.
**Step 7: Start the Conversion**
Click the “Start” button to begin the conversion process. VLC will display a progress bar at the bottom of the window. The conversion time will depend on the size of the MTS file and the chosen settings.
**Step 8: Locate the Output File**
Once the conversion is complete, you can find the AVI file in the location you specified in the “Browse” dialog.
## Method 3: Converting MTS to AVI with Any Video Converter (Free)
Any Video Converter is another popular option, known for its user-friendly interface. While it has a paid version with more features, the free version can handle basic MTS to AVI conversions.
**Step 1: Download and Install Any Video Converter**
Download Any Video Converter Free from its official website. Be careful during installation, as it may try to install additional software. Uncheck any unwanted software during the installation process.
**Step 2: Add Your MTS File**
Launch Any Video Converter. Click the “Add Video(s)” button and browse to the location of your MTS file. Select the file and click “Open”.
**Step 3: Choose the Output Format**
In the output format dropdown menu, select “AVI” as the desired format. You may have several AVI options, choose the one with your desired codec, such as “AVI MPEG4”, “AVI Xvid”, or “AVI H.264”. Xvid is generally a good choice for compatibility.
**Step 4: Adjust Settings (Optional)**
Click the “Basic Settings” tab to adjust video and audio settings like codec, bitrate, frame rate, resolution, and audio channels. You can typically leave these settings at their default values, but you can adjust them to fine-tune the output quality and file size.
**Step 5: Specify the Output Folder**
At the bottom of the window, specify the output folder where you want to save the converted AVI file.
**Step 6: Start the Conversion**
Click the “Convert Now!” button to begin the conversion process. Any Video Converter will display a progress bar.
**Step 7: Locate the Output File**
Once the conversion is complete, you can find the AVI file in the output folder you specified.
## Tips for Optimizing Conversion Quality and File Size
Here are some tips to help you achieve the best possible results when converting MTS to AVI:
* **Codec Choice:** Experiment with different codecs to find the best balance between quality and compatibility. Xvid and MPEG-4 are widely supported codecs for AVI.
* **Bitrate:** Higher bitrates generally result in higher quality but larger file sizes. Lower bitrates result in smaller file sizes but lower quality. Find the sweet spot for your needs.
* **Frame Rate:** Keep the same frame rate as the source file, or choose a standard frame rate like 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps. Avoid increasing the frame rate, as it can create artificial frames and degrade the video quality.
* **Resolution:** Downscaling the resolution can reduce file size, but avoid upscaling, as it can lead to a blurry image.
* **Audio Settings:** Choose an appropriate audio codec and bitrate. MP3 and AAC are common choices. A bitrate of 128 kbps is usually sufficient for most videos.
* **Two-Pass Encoding:** Some converters offer two-pass encoding, which can improve the overall quality of the output video. However, it will take longer to convert.
* **Test Conversions:** Before converting a large MTS file, perform a test conversion with a small portion of the file to ensure that the settings are correct and the output quality is satisfactory.
## Troubleshooting Common Conversion Problems
Here are some common problems you might encounter during the conversion process and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Conversion Fails:** Ensure that you have enough disk space on your hard drive. Try closing other programs that might be using a lot of resources. Update your video drivers.
* **No Audio:** Make sure the audio codec is supported by the media player you are using. Try a different audio codec.
* **Distorted Video:** Check the video codec and bitrate settings. The settings might be incompatible with your hardware.
* **Slow Conversion Speed:** Video conversion is a resource-intensive process. The conversion speed depends on the speed of your computer. Closing other applications can help speed up the process.
* **Codec Errors:** Ensure that you have the necessary codecs installed on your computer. Some converters may include their own codecs, but others rely on system codecs.
## Conclusion
Converting MTS files to AVI is a relatively straightforward process with the right software and settings. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to convert your MTS files to AVI successfully and enjoy them on a wider range of devices and media players. Remember to experiment with different settings to find the best balance between quality and file size for your specific needs. Whether you choose Handbrake, VLC Media Player, Any Video Converter, or another tool, the key is to understand the basics of video conversion and to tailor the settings to your requirements. Good luck! Remember always to keep a backup of your original MTS files before you start the conversion process, just in case anything goes wrong.