Opening CHL Files

The CHL file type is primarily associated with Media software.

CHL	File extension: CHL
	File type:	data file

What is a CHL file?

CHL files mostly belong to Media software. CHL files are used primarily as channel list files that store digital broadcast information. They often use an internal JSON format to arrange data, making it easier for compatible software to parse and display the channel information.
This file type is mainly associated with storing lists of satellite and TV channels, but there is an alternative use where it functions as a saved game file for Black & White 2. Key details provided by FilExt.com include:

They hold data like channel identifiers, frequencies, and names.

Major implementations include satellite channel lists from GTMedia V8X-X8-9 Prime Mars and CHMax.

Total Media 3500 uses them as TV channel lists, with DVBDream also linked to this approach. For more details on this use case, check out Total Media.

Their JSON structure means you can often open them with a text editor or a JSON viewer.

How to open CHL files

You need a suitable software like Media software to open a CHL file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your CHL file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a CHL file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online CHL Text Viewer

Choose your .chl file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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Programs that open and convert CHL files:

Media software
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. CHL files are often referred to as Media software data files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Black and White 2 (Game Data Script) by Lionhead Studios
Black & White 2 is a video game developed by Lionhead Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It blends real-time strategy, city building and god game elements. The identifying characters used for this association are - Hex: 4C 48 56 4D, ASCII: LHVM. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: Black and White 2 Wikipedia Page
Chile
Chile is a compression program based on Burrows-Wheeler Transform by Alexandru Mosoi. The identifying characters used for this association are - Hex: 43 48 4C 21, ASCII: CHL!. This file format is classified as Archive.
Chromeleon
Configuration History Log
ConTEXT (Highlighter) by ConTEXT Project Ltd.
.CHL files are the way that modders using the ConTEXT highlighting engine change alot of in-editor syntax highlighting properties. ConTEXT uses text CHL files to allow users to create Highlighter Files for use with ConText application. Users submit the files and the company makes them available in the download section of their website. This file format is classified as Text.
Internet Explorer (Channel Information) by Microsoft Corporation
RealPlayer Live Channel

Technical Data for CHL File Extension

File classification:

Data

Identifier:

Hex: 4C 48 56 4D, ASCII: LHVM (provided by TrID database)

Related files:

epg, chls, chd, chi, txt, ter, bwe, lua, json, xml, cfg

Related links:

Black and White 2 Wikipedia Page

a chl data file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with CHL files

Associate the CHL file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open data files. Because only the current version supports the latest CHL file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available Media software update.
To make sure that your CHL file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .CHL file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.