Can play .mts file on new MacBook but not old one. Why?

Hi everyone,

I recently started using a Canon Vixia HF R700 camcorder and when I play the AVCHD (.mts) files from my SD card reader on my 2015 Macbook Pro (OS X El Capitain v10.11.16), I'm able to do so automatically with Quicktime (I have VLC media player installed, if that makes any difference). However, when I try to play it with my 2009 Macbook Pro (OS X v 10.6.8; 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; 4 GB 1067 MHZ DDR3 ram), I get a message saying I can't play the file type. I also have VLC media player installed on this older laptop.

What exactly is the explanation for this? Is it because the operating system is different? Is there software specifically in the new macbooks that allow me to play .mts files automatically? Or is it the combination of new operating system and VLC media player on my newer laptop that allows me to play the file?

Is there anything I can do with my old laptop to allow it to play .mts files?

Your help would be really appreciated!

Thanks!

G'day and welcome to the forums.

If you read the bottom part of this AVCHD download, Part 2, note it advises one needs Mountain Lion OS X.8 or later. Snow Leopard is a very old operating system.


https://videoconverter.iskysoft.com/play-video/avchd-player-for-mac.html

See this thread, http://apple.stackexchange.com/ques...play-mts-videos-from-my-sony-camera-on-my-mac

Under Snow Leopard playing that type of file generally required the MPEG-2 Playback Component. I used to use MPEG Streamclip for these files but it requires that component as well. I think the component is still buried on the Apple set. you can find more information at the MPEG Streamclip site.

You might give Handbrake a try. I think it can convert this type of file without having the MPEG Playback Component installed. With that installed you can convert the .mts file to something that can be more easily edited / shared. I use it regularly. There is a version on the site for 10.6.

Edit: Recent incarnations of OS X have not needed that component.

Not because the OS is different so much as because it's ancient.


Sent from my iPhone using Mac Forums

Is there anything I can do with my old laptop to allow it to play .mts files?

Click to expand...

Use Rewrap AVCHD:
http://download.cnet.com/RewrapAVCHD/3000-2194_4-75570723.html

It changes the movie "container" from AVCHD to Quicktime. There's no conversion so no loss of quality.

I think you'll need Perian as well:
https://perian.org

Thank you, all of you (harryb2448, ferrarr, Slydude, Rod Sprague, MightyGem), for all your quick and helpful responses!