MPTS

MPTS is an acronym that can refer to different concepts depending on the field, but it is most commonly associated with digital video broadcasting. In this context, MPTS stands for Multi-Program Transport Stream, a data container that multiplexes multiple program streams into a single transport stream. This allows a single transmission channel to carry several channels or services, such as television programs or data streams, within one MPEG-2 transport stream.

A multi-program transport stream typically includes multiple elementary streams for each program, each identified by a packet identifier (PID). The system uses a Program Map Table (PMT) to describe which streams belong to which program, and timing information such as Program Clock Reference (PCR) to synchronize playback. MPTS is widely used in satellite, terrestrial, and cable distribution and is contrasted with Single Program Transport Streams (SPTS), which carry only one program per stream. The format is compatible with common standards and packaging schemes used in DVB, ATSC, and other digital broadcasting environments.

Because MPTS can be used as an acronym in different contexts, its exact meaning outside broadcasting may vary by organization or domain. When encountered in non-broadcast materials, the intended meaning should be inferred from surrounding context or clarified in accompanying documentation. In general, the core idea behind MPTS in broadcasting remains the aggregation of multiple programs into a single transport stream for efficient delivery.