Can Plex Handle TS Files? Is It Necessary to Convert TS to MP4 for Plex?
"Do I need to convert ts files to MKV or MP4? Because I read that Plex does not support the use of ISO, IMG, Video_TS, or other 'disk image' formats. If you wish to use those with Plex, it's recommended that you convert them to a compatible format." - from Reddit
You see, many users are confused about whether they need to convert TS to MP4 for Plex. Some of them hold the idea to convert TS to MP4 as Plex does not suppot the use of Video_TS format. However, please...Video_TS is different from .TS file. They are totally different things. Plex can read .TS files and play it well. As for why some users would like to convert TS to MP4, scroll down...
Table of Contents
Part 1. Does Plex Support .TS Files?
Firstly, Plex can handle TS files very well.
A TS file is a Video Transport Stream (TS) file that stores video data compressed with standard MPEG-2 (.MPEG) video compression. It's often utilized for saving video on a DVD disc but may also be used to store streamed or broadcast video. While A Video_TS folder stores all data for the DVD movie. The folder contains three types of Video_TS files: Video_TS.BUP, Video_TS.IFO, Video_TS.VOB.
Thus, from the format compatibility, it's not a necessity to convert TS to MP4.
Still, there are many people want to convert TS to MP4 for Plex. That's because MP4 enjoys better comaptibility on various devices like computer, TV, and PS4/5, not to mention that it has smaller file size compared with TS file.
Part 2. How to Convert TS to MP4 with or without Re-encoding for Plex
1. Winxvideo AI
Generally, you can convert TS into something much more compatible with a TS to MP4 converter. Winxvideo AI can transcode TS to Plex compatible formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, etc. speedily by using Intel, NVIDIA, AMD hardware acceleration. There's no noticeable quality loss during the transcoding process thanks to its cutting-edge High-quality Engine. Supported by 370+ video audio codecs, the program can handle almost all video codec formats, MP4, AVI, WMV, H.264, HEVC, DivX, Xvid, VP9, MPEG4, AV1, to name a few.
The unique "Auto Copy" feature allows users to convert TS to MP4 without re-encoding. It just changes the TS container to MP4 container without changing the underlying codec.
Free download Winxvideo AI and use the guide below to transcode TS to MP4 easily.
Guide to Convert TS Videos to MP4 for Better Compatibility and Smaller Size on Plex
Step 1. Download, install, and open Winxvideo AI on your computer. Choose Video Converter on the main interface, then cllick the "+ Video" button at the top left corner or drag and drop to load the source TS file(s). An output profile window will appear.
Step 2. Select MP4 format as the output format for Plex through going to General Profiles and select MP4 Video. There're 420+ preset profiles. You can also select other Plex supported formats as the output format as you prefer.
Note: If you'd like to convert TS to MP4 without re-encoding, just tick on the box of Auto Copy. This will help you convert TS to MP4 without transcoding the underlying codec.
Step 3. Click the "Browse" button to specify a destination folder to save the transcoded file. Finally, click the RUN button to start converting your TS video.
2. FFmpeg
FFmpeg is also widely used to convert video formats in Plex. It's an open-source tool that uses command lines. Thus, it might be a little bit difficult for teh novices. But if you know something about command lines, FFmpeg can be super easy. The -c copy feature allows you to convert TS to MP4 for Plex in batch. Moreover, you can also choose to re-encode TS to MP4 or not.
How to Convert TS to MP4 with FFmpeg
Step 1. Download and install FFmpeg on your computer. Open the cmd Command Prompt window.
Step 2. Type in the FFmpeg command of input and output video as follow:
ffmpeg -i input.ts -map 0 -c copy output.mp4
If you'd like to change the underlying codec of TS, you can omit the "-map 0 -c copy". It will directly convert TS to MP4 in x264 encoder.
Step 3. Press the Enter on the keyboard, and wait. The TS to MP4 converting will be finished after a while.
Final Words
Plex can handle TS files in desktop for direct play. But when it comes to other devices, TS is not as comaptible as MP4. Thus you need to convert TS to MP4 sometimes. This task can be done easily with a professional video converter like Winxvideo AI. It allows you to convert TS to MP4 with or without re-encoding as you like.
Free download Winxvideo AI and have a try now!
