If you install the Elecard MPEG2 demuxer you should be able to play ts files with pretty much anything - including Windows Media Player 9 and ZoomPlayer (not that there is anything wrong with VLC).
Download and install the Elecard package and then go to the components manager which gets installed and untick the MPEG2 player but keep the demuxer. The demuxer is free but the player you have to pay for.
You should then be able to open the files in any directshow player.
the sample (and fisrt disc) is on suprnova - a BT site
This version of FOTR is not in OAR though - its cropped to 16:9 although some shots you see more than the DVD (super 35 process) There is a 1080p version which someone is discussing converting to WMV9 - here's hoping!