MPEG-PS

On this page, you will learn about various aspects of the MPEG-PS format, including its definition, development history, specifications, and features.

MPEG Program Stream, commonly referred to as PS or MPEG-PS, is a container format defined by the MPEG-2 standard. It is designed to store and synchronize video, audio, and other data within a single multiplexed stream. MPEG-PS achieves this synchronization through the use of Presentation Time Stamps (PTS) and Decoding Time Stamps (DTS).

The structure of the Program Stream is optimized for reliable playback in environments where error correction is not necessary, such as DVDs and local storage systems.

The common file extensions for MPEG-PS include:

• .mpg
• .mpeg
• .vob (for DVD-Video files, which are a subset of MPEG-PS)
• .ps

The MPEG-2 Program Stream (MPEG-PS) is capable of containing the following formats:

Video:

• MPEG-1 Part 2 video
• MPEG-2 Part 2 video
• MPEG-4 Part 2 video (rarely used)

Audio:

• MPEG-1 Part 3 audio (MP3, MP2, MP1)
• MPEG-2 Part 3 audio
• MPEG-2 Part 7 audio (AAC)
• MPEG-4 Part 3 audio (AAC) (rarely used)

The MPEG-2 Program stream (MPEG-PS) has provisions for non-standard data (e.g. AC-3 audio or subtitles) in the form of so-called private streams.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has authorized SMPTE Registration Authority, LLC as the registration authority for MPEG-2 format identifiers. It publishes a list of compression formats that can be encapsulated in MPEG-2 Transport Stream (MPEG-TS) and Program Stream (MPEG-PS).

MPEG-PS is commonly used for storage applications such as DVDs.

MPEG-PS is designed for local playback, such as on DVDs, and is optimized for error-free environments.

MPEG-TS is also based on the MPEG-2 standard. However, it aims for less reliable transmission and is commonly used in broadcast systems such as DVB, ATSC, and IPTV.

👉 use a media player that supports the format, such as:

• VLC Media Player
• Windows Media Player
• Media Player Classic

👉 use a MPEG-PS converter to convert MPEG-PS to MP4, WMV, or other mainstream formats for smooth playback, such as:

• FFmpeg
• Handbrake
• WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory
• WonderFox DVD Video Converter WonderFox DVD Video Converter