MOD is a format containing MPEG-2 video and AC3 audio. The extension is rarely used, that is why it can be opened only with special programs. Also MOD files can be playback by DVD players. If you want to open it with a standard player, the easiest way is to convert the file to MPG. Usually the format is used by Panasonic and JVC for recording video, the data is saved to a hard disk or SD card.

MPEG-2 is a video coding format, first standardized in 1995 and revised in 2013. Due to relatively low computational complexity this standard gained popularity and massive native implementations in video hardware. Hence MPEG-2 has actually become a standard in satellite and cable broadcasting. MPEG-2 is also used for creating DVDs for the same reasons (native hardware support by DVD players).