Knowledge Base

File Extension HMT

The file extension HMT is related to HighMAT, which is an application that allows different devices to easily playback digital media that is created using a PC. HighMAT stands for High Performance Media Access Technology and was developed as the result of a partnership between Microsoft and Panasonic.

HighMAT is a patented technology which provides an innovative way to save digital multimedia which is created on your PC to optical media such as a CD/RW disk. The technology ensures that you can playback videos, music, and view photo collections on additional electronic devices such as a DVD player or car stereo.

Although Microsoft discontinued support for HighMAT, the technology is used to store multimedia on a CD as a single file which is then read by a multimedia player. This helps you to easily find and access multimedia files using an easy to navigate menu and provides an alternative to other file burning formats.

HMT files that are associated with HighMAT are a multimedia file type which is saved in a proprietary format using Windows XP and contains videos, audio, and photo collections. The files are saved in HighMAT to allow for playback on a variety of media players and electronic devices which support HighMAT.

How to Open HMT Files

If you are running Windows XP, you can use the included HighMAT technology to save multimedia files to a CD using the HighMAT proprietary format. Since Microsoft discontinued HighMAT only a few years after it was introduced on the market, Windows XP is the only operating system that will support HMT files created with HighMAT.

In the event you decide to upgrade a Windows XP computer to a later version of Windows such as Vista or Windows 7, you lose the capability to create multimedia CDs in the HighMAT format. Also, if you already have a HighMAT CD created with Windows XP, it is likely you will have trouble opening and playing the CD with a later version of Windows. Additionally, manufacturers of electronic devices are no longer producing media players with hardware or software that supports CDs which use the HighMAT proprietary format.

For the reasons described above, one of the few ways that you can open and play HMT files is by using an older electronic device which supports HighMAT or by using a computer that is equipped with the Windows XP operating system. The Windows XP computer would also need to have an older version of Windows Media Player installed which supports HighMAT.

Another alternative is to convert the HMT file to another format using a file conversion application. This would make the file usable by a broader range of applications. There are a number of file conversion programs available as a free download on websites such as CNET and Softpedia which will convert HMT files for you.

You can also use an online resource such as Zamzar which will perform free file conversion. Simply log onto the website, browse for the HMT file, choose a new format, enter your email address, and click on Convert. Within minutes you will receive the newly converted file in your email inbox.