Free online MTS to XVID converter

Some older media players, televisions, editing applications, and archive workflows accept AVI video encoded with Xvid but do not handle AVCHD MTS files. Converting an MTS recording to Xvid also makes it easier to share with legacy systems, although the conversion can reduce quality and increase processing time.

What the MTS format is

MTS is a filename extension commonly used for AVCHD video stored in an MPEG transport stream. Sony and Panasonic HD camcorders frequently create MTS files, and the same recordings may appear as M2TS files after being copied from an AVCHD or Blu-ray structure.

An MTS file usually contains H.264/AVC video with AC-3 or LPCM audio at 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution. You may encounter it after copying footage from a camera memory card, opening a camera backup, or exporting video from certain camcorder software. Modern players and editors generally support MTS, but older hardware and applications often expect AVI instead.

What the Xvid format is

Xvid is an implementation of the MPEG-4 Part 2 Advanced Simple Profile video codec. It is not a container by itself: an Xvid-encoded video is commonly stored in an AVI file, although other containers can also hold the codec.

Xvid is useful for older DVD players, media players, televisions, and editing programs that support MPEG-4 ASP or AVI but lack H.264 support. It produces smaller files than uncompressed or lightly compressed video, but H.264 and newer codecs normally provide better quality at the same bitrate. Choose Xvid when the receiving device specifically requires Xvid or MPEG-4 ASP rather than for general-purpose modern playback.

How to convert MTS to Xvid

Using FFmpeg

FFmpeg provides a reliable command-line method. Use a build that includes the libxvid and libmp3lame encoders, then open a terminal in the folder containing the source file and run:

ffmpeg -i input.mts -vf "yadif,scale=trunc(iw/2)*2:trunc(ih/2)*2" -c:v libxvid -q:v 4 -c:a libmp3lame -b:a 192k output.avi

Replace input.mts with the actual filename. The yadif filter deinterlaces common 1080i camcorder footage; remove yadif, if the source is progressive or you need to preserve interlacing. The scale expression ensures even dimensions required by many MPEG-4 encoders. In FFmpeg's Xvid encoding mode, lower -q:v values generally produce higher quality and larger files; values from 3 to 6 are a practical starting range.

For a smaller output, increase the quality number or use a target bitrate, for example:

ffmpeg -i input.mts -vf yadif -c:v libxvid -b:v 2500k -c:a libmp3lame -b:a 128k output.avi

Check the available encoders with ffmpeg -encoders. If libxvid is absent, install an FFmpeg build compiled with Xvid support or use a desktop converter that exposes an Xvid video setting. In a graphical application that supports the codec, select Open video → choose the MTS file → Video codec: Xvid → Audio codec: MP3 → Output container: AVI → Save. The exact menu names vary by application.

Using the online converter

You can convert the file for free on the 101convert.com website without installing software. Upload the MTS file, select Xvid as the output video format, start the conversion, and download the resulting file when processing finishes. Large camcorder recordings may take longer to upload than to convert locally.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

Conversion from H.264 in MTS to Xvid is a second lossy encode, so it cannot improve the source and may introduce block artifacts, ringing, or softened detail. Keep the original MTS files for editing and archival use, and use the Xvid copy only for playback or delivery.

Many MTS recordings are interlaced. Deinterlacing improves playback on progressive computer screens and modern televisions, but it changes the motion representation; preserve interlacing only when the destination device handles interlaced AVI correctly. Xvid AVI compatibility is also limited by the audio stream, so MP3 audio is usually safer than AC-3 or LPCM for older players.

Some devices require a specific resolution, frame rate, FourCC code, or maximum bitrate even when they advertise Xvid support. If an AVI file does not play, try standard 720×576 or 720×480 output, match the source frame rate, use MP3 audio, and verify that the file identifies its video codec as Xvid rather than another MPEG-4 ASP encoder.