Download Sample TS Files (MPEG Transport Stream)
Download free sample TS files. The MPEG Transport Stream (.ts) format is the container used in HLS streaming and Broadcast TV. It chops video into small packets (188 bytes) to survive network errors. STANDARD Segments & Payloads File Name Content / Codec Size Action segment_h264.ts Standard Video Chunk 10-second segment containing H.264 Video and AAC…
Download free sample TS files. The MPEG Transport Stream (.ts) format is the container used in HLS streaming and Broadcast TV. It chops video into small packets (188 bytes) to survive network errors.
STANDARD
Segments & Payloads
| File Name | Content / Codec | Size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| segment_h264.ts Standard Video Chunk |
10-second segment containing H.264 Video and AAC Audio. 188-byte packet structure. | 2 MB | Download |
| segment_audio_aac.ts Audio Payload |
Contains only AAC Audio packets (ADTS). Used for alternate audio tracks in HLS. | 300 KB | Download |
| muxed_pat_pmt.ts Structure Test |
Starts with PAT (Program Association Table) and PMT. Essential for decoders to find the PID. | 1 MB | Download |
QA / BROADCAST
SCTE-35, Sync Errors & Packet Loss
| Test Case | Description | Size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCTE-35 Marker | Contains SCTE-35 Splicing Information. Used to trigger dynamic ad insertion in broadcast streams. | 1.5 MB | Download |
| Corrupted Sync Byte (0x47) | The first byte of packets is hex-edited (broken). Tests if your decoder can re-sync the stream. | 500 KB | Download |
| Continuity Counter Error | Packets are skipped. The “Continuity Counter” jumps unexpectedly. Simulates network packet loss. | 1 MB | Download |
Technical Specs: TS (MPEG-TS)
- Packet Size: Every TS packet is exactly 188 bytes long. This fixed size allows for error correction in unreliable transmission (Satellite, Cable).
- PID (Packet ID): A TS stream mixes many things (Audio, Video, Data). The PID tells the decoder what is what (e.g., PID 256 = Video, PID 257 = Audio).
- MIME Type:
video/mp2t.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between .ts and .mp4?
MP4 is designed for storage and indexing (you know the length of the movie before playing). TS is designed for transmission (TV/Live). You can start playing a TS file from any point without needing the beginning header, which is why it is used for HLS live streaming.
MP4 is designed for storage and indexing (you know the length of the movie before playing). TS is designed for transmission (TV/Live). You can start playing a TS file from any point without needing the beginning header, which is why it is used for HLS live streaming.
How do I inspect the packets of a TS file?
You need a Transport Stream Analyzer. For a quick check, FFmpeg (`ffmpeg -i input.ts`) or VLC (Tools > Codec Info) can show the PIDs. For deep analysis, tools like TSReader or DVB Inspector are required.
You need a Transport Stream Analyzer. For a quick check, FFmpeg (`ffmpeg -i input.ts`) or VLC (Tools > Codec Info) can show the PIDs. For deep analysis, tools like TSReader or DVB Inspector are required.
How to analyze TS files?
TS files are rarely watched for fun, they are usually analyzed for broadcasting quality.
- VLC Media Player: Can play raw .ts files and show basic Codec/PID info (CTRL+J).
- TSReader (Lite): The industry standard for inspecting tables (PAT, PMT), PIDs, and bitrates. Essential for broadcast engineers.
- DVB Inspector: An open-source Java tool to visualize the packet structure and DVB tables.
Developer’s Corner: Probing MPEG-TS
To handle TS files programmatically, use FFprobe (part of FFmpeg) to extract stream information as JSON.
# Python example using `subprocess` to call ffprobe
import subprocess, json# Extract Program IDs (PIDs) and Codecs
cmd = [
“ffprobe”, “-v”, “quiet”,
“-print_format”, “json”,
“-show_streams”, “broadcast_segment.ts”
]
result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True)
data = json.loads(result.stdout)print(f“Found {len(data[‘streams’])} streams”)
import subprocess, json# Extract Program IDs (PIDs) and Codecs
cmd = [
“ffprobe”, “-v”, “quiet”,
“-print_format”, “json”,
“-show_streams”, “broadcast_segment.ts”
]
result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True)
data = json.loads(result.stdout)print(f“Found {len(data[‘streams’])} streams”)