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REC TS
File conversion

Convert REC to TS

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jun 16, 2026
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Is it possible to convert REC to TS?
Yes - REC converts to TS.

Use tfrec2ts to remove the Topfield header and write a .ts file, or use ffmpeg with -c copy for a direct remux. If VLC already plays the .rec, VLC's Convert/Save can also produce .ts. No quality is lost.

Also to TS: MJS · JS · TRP

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert REC to TS?

A Topfield .rec is already an MPEG-2 transport stream internally; the proprietary header is the only barrier to compatibility. Removing it makes the recording immediately playable in VLC, HandBrake, ffmpeg, and any TS-aware editor.

How to convert REC to TS

tfrec2ts FREE

Run tfrec2ts on the .rec file; it strips the Topfield header and writes a clean .ts transport stream with no quality loss.

ffmpeg OPEN-SOURCE

Run ffmpeg -i yourfile.rec -c copy yourfile.ts to remux without re-encoding. If the header causes an error, de-header with tfrec2ts first, then run ffmpeg on the result.

VLC media player FREE

If VLC plays the .rec directly, use Media > Convert/Save, select .ts as the output format, and click Start. VLC remuxes without re-encoding.

About these formats

.REC Topfield PVR Recording

A REC file is a TV recording saved by a Topfield personal video recorder. Try VLC first - it plays many of them directly. If VLC fails, strip the Topfield header with rec2mpg or tfrec2ts to…

Open .REC details →
.TS MPEG Transport Stream

A .ts file is an MPEG Transport Stream - a video container format from digital TV, PVR recordings, AVCHD camcorders, and HLS streaming. VLC media player opens it on any OS. To convert it to…

Open .TS details →

Quality & what to watch

  • The .rec body is a standard MPEG-2 transport stream with 188-byte packets; stripping the header is effectively lossless.
  • The Topfield header contains channel name and EPG data, which is discarded in the .ts output.
  • CCTV .rec files have a different proprietary structure and are not compatible with tfrec2ts or similar Topfield tools.

Frequently asked questions

Is there quality loss when converting REC to TS?
No - this is a header-strip operation, not a re-encode; no pixels or audio samples are changed.
What if tfrec2ts fails?
Try VLC first; if VLC plays the .rec, use VLC's Convert/Save to produce the .ts without needing tfrec2ts.
Where can I download tfrec2ts?
Search for tfrec2ts on the VideoHelp forum, which is the most reliable and safe source.
What if my .rec came from a CCTV camera?
CCTV .rec files use a manufacturer-specific format; tfrec2ts will not work - use the camera manufacturer's software instead.