.ts video file format and its use in streaming services

Do not miss this exclusive book on Binary Tree Problems. Get it now for free.

You might have seen a “.ts” video file format on your computer when you saved files from your DVD to your computer or another storage. TS stands for Transport Stream, you will notice it by the file extension ".ts" in video files such as DVD, and it’s also used for streaming digital videos online. In this OpenGenus article, we will dive into this video file format and get into more details in the context of video streaming services.

What is TS File Format?
Comparison with MP4
Why Streaming Services Use TS Files
Technical Aspects of TS Files
Advantages of TS Files
Key Takeaways

What is TS File Format?

A TS video format is more of a holding place than a video type. Inside a TS file, there’s a bunch of streams. The main one uses MPEG coding, like MPEG-2 or the latest HEVC, to carry the pictorial bits. There’s also a sonic part in MP2 or another squished sound setting that brings the noise. Then, you’ll see a part that’s like a guide telling devices the setup of the stuff and how to line up sounds with pictures.
Small stand-alone packets make up the TS file. If errors happen when sending only a tiny bit of the video or sound gets hit making less trouble for people watching. The TS file can change streams for different net speeds. This means streaming services can give a good watch no matter how slow your internet is. TS files keep playing without breaks. After starting, data packets keep coming one after another so you don’t miss any part of your show.

Comparison with MP4

TS and MP4 files both hold video content, but they serve different purposes. MP4 is a common format for videos, used widely for saving and watching videos on devices such as PCs, phones, and websites like YouTube. It’s helpful for many applications. MP4 works with many video and sound types, making it compatible with various gadgets and programs. You can compress MP4 files for easy online sharing without losing much quality. Most video players can play MP4 files without additional setups needed.
However, for live streaming, MP4 isn’t ideal because it doesn’t handle errors or weak internet connections well, which are common in streaming. This is where TS files excel, as they can better manage these issues.

Why Streaming Services Use TS Files

Here are some reasons streaming services use TS files:
• Fast Sending: The internet accepts TS files for moving data across big networks. They fix mistakes themselves and adjust to keep the video smooth even when some data doesn’t arrive.
• Live Videos: TS files work well for live videos because they send data continuously. This allows them to show videos as they are being recorded and transmitted.
• Working with TV Shows: Streaming platforms use TS files because they come from traditional TV sources like satellite or cable. This makes it easy for these services to utilize TV content.

Technical Aspects of TS Files

Understanding the technical aspects of TS files can help in appreciating their importance in various applications. Here are some key technical features:
• Packet Structure: TS files are made up of small packets, each 188 bytes in size. These packets contain video, audio, and other data streams. The small packet size helps minimize the impact of errors during transmission.
• Error Correction: TS files have built-in error correction mechanisms. This ensures that even if some packets are lost or corrupted during transmission, the overall quality of the video and audio remains intact.
• Synchronization: TS files have synchronization features that ensure the video and audio streams are perfectly aligned. This is crucial for providing a seamless viewing experience.

Advantages of TS Files

The use of TS files offers several advantages, especially in the context of streaming and broadcasting:
• Scalability: TS files can be easily scaled to accommodate different network conditions. This means they can be used for both high-definition and standard-definition broadcasts.
• Flexibility: TS files can carry multiple streams of data, including video, audio, and metadata. This makes them highly flexible and suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Compatibility: TS files are compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms. This ensures that the content can be easily accessed and viewed by a large audience.

Key Takeaways

• TS (Transport Stream) files are essential for streaming and broadcasting due to their robust error correction and synchronization features.
• Compared to MP4, TS files are better suited for live streaming and environments with variable network conditions.
• TS files' packet structure and ability to carry multiple data streams make them highly scalable and flexible for different applications.
• Their compatibility with various devices and systems makes TS files a preferred choice for delivering high-quality content to a broad audience.

Table of Contents