MPEG-TS
MPEG-TS (MPEG transport stream) is a standard container format for sending video, audio and data over broadcast and network links that may drop or corrupt packets. It splits media into small fixed-size packets of 188 bytes, with error-handling and timing information. MPEG-TS powers digital TV broadcasting and is a long-standing segment format for HLS streaming.
Why it matters
MPEG-TS is how many live feeds travel from venues, broadcast trucks and TV channels into the cloud. Because it tolerates lost data, a brief network glitch does not ruin the whole stream. Live sports and news teams depend on it to get feeds online reliably.
How it works
- Video, audio and data streams are split into small fixed-size packets of 188 bytes.
- Each packet carries an ID showing which stream it belongs to, plus timing information.
- Packets from all streams are mixed together and sent over a broadcast or network link.
- The receiver regroups packets by ID, uses timing data to resync, and skips damaged packets.
What is the difference between MPEG-TS and MP4?
MPEG-TS is built for sending video over unreliable links, while MP4 is built for storing finished files. A TS stream can be joined at any point and survives lost packets. An MP4 file needs its index to play and is smaller, so it suits downloads and editing.
Is MPEG-TS used for live streaming?
Yes, MPEG-TS is widely used in live streaming, both for contribution and delivery. Encoders send MPEG-TS over SRT or UDP from venues to the cloud, and many HLS streams deliver video to viewers as TS segments. Newer HLS and DASH setups increasingly use fMP4 for the viewer side.
Where it's used
Live sports producers send MPEG-TS feeds from stadiums to the cloud, and OTT services use it to turn broadcast channels into internet streams for phones, browsers and TVs.
By the numbers
- MPEG transport stream packets are 188 bytes long and each starts with the sync byte 0x47; the format is standardized as ISO/IEC 13818-1 and ITU-T Rec. H.222.0. (MPEG transport stream (Wikipedia))
