What is a TS File and how can we recover lost/deleted TS Files

While going through the contents of a standard DVD, you must have seen a sequence of TS files which are basically different parts of the video content stored on that disc. But what if you cannot access these TS files due to some unexpected cause? It can be quite frustrating to lose your favorite video files like your wedding film or the one which had captured your baby’s first steps. Isn’t it right? Do not worry as TS file recovery is possible. Whether the video file was deleted by mistake or due to some physical damage, we will tell you how to recover lost/deleted TS Files.

Before that, let us first understand what exactly is a TS file, how we can open it, and what if we delete them accidentally. Read on to learn all about TS files. 

What is a TS file?

TS or Transport Steam is basically a video format file that is used widely in broadcasting and streaming. The quality of the TS format is at par with other formats such as MP4. It uses the MPEG-2 compression standard to compress video data.

TS format was originally designed for broadcasting purposes at a constant bitrate (CBR). Apart from DVDs, it is also used in Blu-ray and digital video cameras. When TS format is used in a video camera, the packet size automatically gets increased to 192 bytes with the addition of 4-byte timecode (TC).

Basically the TS format stores data in the form of packets. Each packet holds 188 bytes of data. This has two advantages – one is that a small packet of data can be easily streamed with fewer latency issues and second, it has greater resistance to errors.

How can we open TS Files on Mac and Windows systems

As we all know by now that TS files are generally video files so the best way to open these files is through a good video player.

Here are some of the programs or video players which can be used to open TS files on your system:

VLC Media Player: This open-source video player works on both Windows and macOS systems. Also, it supports the TS file format.

Windows Media Player: The default media player for Windows can also be used to play TS files.

Elmedia Player: This is probably one of the most popular third-party video players for macOS and can play any TS video file without any conversion.

How to recover deleted TS files

Data loss is very common these days. Whether there was any system error or accidentally deleting the TS files, no matter what the reason was – you have to recover your lost data anyhow. Worry not as it is not impossible to do so. The best part is you can do that from the comfort of your home. We have listed down some methods which will tell you how to recover TS files effectively.

But before that, you need to make sure that you follow the given tips:

• Start the data recovery procedure as soon as you get to know about the data loss.
• Don’t use the storage device that contains the lost data as it can hamper the data recovery process. Also, do not save any new data on it.
• Try using a safe and reliable method for data recovery first. If you keep experimenting then the chances of data recovery will decrease substantially.

How to recover TS files using Windows Recycle Bin or Mac Trash?

If you have accidentally deleted the TS files, then you should first check the trash folder of Windows and macOS. The trash folders are called the Trash/Bin and Recycle Bin, in Mac and Windows, respectively.

Here’s how you can recover deleted TS files:

Windows Recycle Bin

1. Open the Recycle Bin folder in your system.
2. Then choose the TS files you want to retrieve.
3. Once you right-click the files, then it shows the option to ‘Restore’. 

Mac Trash/Bin

1. Open the Trash icon on the Dock.
2. Choose the TS files you want to retrieve.
3. Now right-click the TS files and choose the ‘Put Back’ option. 

By doing this, your deleted TS files will be restored to their original location/folder. However, if you can’t find the TS files, that means you have deleted the files permanently.

How to recover deleted TS files using Windows File History and Mac Time Machine

Another great feature that can be used to recover deleted TS files is that both Windows and Mac have automatic backup features. If this feature is in use then it means a copy of your deleted files can be manually restored when needed. This backup feature is called Windows File History and Mac Time Machine.

However, this feature will work only when you have enabled them in your respective systems. Another thing to note here is that the original folder should have been chosen as the folder where deleted TS files will go back once retrieved.

Windows File History

1. In the start menu search bar, type in ‘file history’.
2. Look for the option ‘Restore your files’ in the search results and select it.
3. Now select the folder which consisted of your deleted TS files.
4. Check all the available backups and see if it contains the one which has your deleted TS files.
5. Now select the TS files which you want to retrieve.
6. At the bottom of the window, you will see a ‘recover’ button. Select it to retrieve the files.

How to recover TS Files using photo recovery software

If you want to save time and effort, then the best way to retrieve lost TS files is by using reliable photo recovery software like Stellar Photo Recovery. It is easy to use and you can recover lost data with a few clicks only. The software first scans your storage device thoroughly and detects all lost TS files or data. Then you can preview all the recoverable files and retrieve them to their original location. 

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Here’s how to recover TS files using Stellar Photo Recovery software:

• Download and launch Stellar Photo Recovery software.

• Then choose the storage device which had your missing TS files. Click the ‘scan’ option.

• Once the process of scanning is complete, you can preview the files which can be recovered.

• Choose the TS files you want to retrieve by clicking on ‘Recover’ to save them at the desired location.

If you are not sure about using the paid version, then you can try out the free trial version here.

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Summing it up…

With the advancement of technology, different ways are there through which you can recover lost or deleted TS files. However, prevention is always better in the first place. 

That’s why we have listed down some tips which can help you avoid TS data loss:

Regular backup of TS files: You can take regular backups of the TS files either through an inbuilt backup feature or by backing up at regular intervals.

Keep multiple backups – As the famous saying goes- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, similarly, keep a backup of your TS files in 2-3 different places.

Good antivirus program – Computer virus is one of the major causes of abrupt data loss. Therefore, it is better to invest in a good antivirus program to enhance overall security.

Save your work regularly: While working on the TS files, make sure to save your work at regular intervals. This will be extremely helpful in case of a computer crash or power outage.

Even after following all the above-mentioned tips, if you lose access to your valuable TS files, then only a reliable photo recovery software like Stellar Photo Recovery can come to your rescue. 

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About The Author

Kajol Rustagi

Kajol Rustagi has more than 5 years of experience in various content development roles. She is a former journalist who has worked with the Indian Express and India Today in the past. She now works as a freelance writer and influencer marketer for several reputed brands and startups. When not clicking, she loves to travel, read poetry or watch short films.