Published on May 17, 2025 5 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Converting M2TS to AVI for HDTV Losslessly

If you've tried watching an M2TS video on your HDTV, you might have faced compatibility issues—many TVs don't support this format. M2TS files, often originating from Blu-ray discs or AVCHD camcorders, offer excellent quality but aren't easily playable across devices. Conversely, AVI is a format that works on nearly every media player and smart TV.

So, how can you convert M2TS to AVI without sacrificing the crisp HD quality? This is the challenge. Many tools compress or downgrade the video excessively. However, with the right tool, you can maintain that clean, sharp look. This guide explores the best free tools for converting M2TS to AVI on both Windows and Mac—no technical expertise required.

10 Best Tools to Convert M2TS to AVI for HDTV

HandBrake

HandBrake is an open-source tool that receives regular updates. Although it doesn't natively support AVI output, you can first convert M2TS to MP4 or MKV, then use another tool for the final conversion. It's a two-step process but worth it for the quality. HandBrake excels in video compression and format control, allowing you to adjust frame rate, bitrate, resolution, and filters easily.

VLC Media Player

VLC is more than just a media player; it's also a file converter. It can read M2TS files and convert them to AVI with specific settings. While the interface isn't the most user-friendly, it gets the job done without additional installations. While it lacks advanced encoding controls, it's efficient for straightforward conversions.

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is targeted towards experts. It's command-line oriented but one of the most precise tools available. You can transcode M2TS to AVI without losing any quality if you know the correct commands. Developers and video editors favor it for its comprehensive control over codecs, bitrate, and filters.

Avidemux

Avidemux is a great choice if you want something easier than FFmpeg but still flexible. It supports M2TS input and AVI output, allowing you to cut, filter, and encode videos. You can also choose different codecs like Xvid, MPEG4, or H.264 for AVI. While the layout is plain, it’s stable and efficient.

Freemake Video Converter

Freemake is beginner-friendly. It handles M2TS files well and offers AVI as an output option. The only downside is that the free version adds a watermark. If you're okay with that or opt for the premium version, it’s a great tool. The interface is smooth and easy to navigate.

Convertio

Convertio is a web-based tool. Simply upload your M2TS file and select AVI as the output. It operates from your browser, so no download is needed. It’s ideal for small files—anything over 100MB requires payment or a signup. It's suitable for quick, one-time jobs.

OnlineConvert

OnlineConvert supports a variety of formats, including M2TS and AVI. You can upload from your device, Dropbox, or Google Drive. It offers settings to control resolution, frame rate, and audio channels. While not the fastest, it's good for users who want custom output without software installation.

Format Factory

This all-in-one converter is designed for Windows users. Format Factory supports a wide range of file types, including M2TS to AVI. The interface can be a bit cluttered, but it's packed with options. It also includes a built-in repair tool for damaged video files.

Any Video Converter (AVC)

AVC is a popular choice for everyday users. It supports both M2TS input and AVI output, offering basic editing features like trimming, cropping, and adding subtitles. The free version works well, but the premium version unlocks faster speeds and batch conversions.

VidCoder

VidCoder is based on HandBrake but offers a more user-friendly interface. Although it doesn’t support AVI directly, you can easily convert M2TS to MP4 or MKV. Like HandBrake, it’s open-source and allows you to experiment with encoding settings to maintain high quality.

Converting M2TS to AVI with Avidemux

Avidemux is one of the most straightforward tools for converting M2TS files to AVI while preserving video quality. It’s free, available on both Windows and Mac, and avoids overwhelming users with complicated settings.

Begin by downloading and installing Avidemux from its official website. Once installed, open the program and drag your M2TS file into the main window. Alternatively, load it using File > Open. When the video appears in the timeline, check the options on the left-hand panel. Under “Video Output,” select a codec—“Xvid" or "MPEG4 ASP" are suitable choices. For HDTV playback, Xvid typically offers the best compatibility. Under “Audio Output,” you can choose “Copy” to retain the original audio or “MP3 (lame)” if your TV prefers MP3 audio. For the “Output Format,” select “AVI Muxer” to ensure the final file is saved in AVI format.

Once everything is configured, click File > Save or press Ctrl+S, then choose a filename ending with “.avi". The conversion will start and should complete in a few minutes, depending on the video size and your system's speed. The resulting AVI file should play smoothly on most HDTVs without any quality loss. Avidemux is efficient, avoids unnecessary re-encoding, and keeps file sizes manageable, making it one of the easiest and most effective tools for this task.

Conclusion

Converting an M2TS file into a format your HDTV can play doesn’t have to be frustrating. The key is maintaining the video’s sharpness and smoothness while changing it to a more widely supported format. With the right settings, you can preserve the high-definition quality and enjoy your content without interruptions. It requires a bit of patience and the right approach to ensure the result looks just as good as the original. No need to settle for blurry or choppy playback—make the switch and enjoy your videos on the big screen.