VOB (file format)
VOB files are a fundamental part of DVDs, containing the video, audio, subtitles, and navigation contents that make up the DVD experience. Understanding what VOB files are and how to work with them can help you get the most out of your DVDs and solve any issues you may encounter.
What is a VOB file?
A VOB (Video Object) file is a container format in DVD-Video media. It can contain digital video, digital audio, subtitles, DVD menus and navigation contents multiplexed together into a stream form. VOB files are a core part of any DVD, storing the main content of the disc.
VOB files are typically saved in the VIDEO_TS directory at the root of a DVD and are used to store all the data that a DVD needs to play back in a DVD player or a DVD playback software. They are based on the MPEG program stream format, but with additional limitations and specifications in the private streams.
Understanding the structure of VOB files
VOB files can be thought of as the building blocks of DVDs. They contain multiple components that work together to create the complete DVD experience.
Video and audio streams
The primary components of a VOB file are the video and audio streams. The video stream is typically encoded in MPEG-2 format, a widely used format for DVDs and other types of video content. The audio stream, on the other hand, can be in various formats such as AC3, DTS, MPEG-1 Audio Layer II (MP2) or MPEG-2 Audio Layer II (MPA).
These streams are multiplexed together, meaning they are combined into a single stream of data. This allows the video and audio to be synchronized and played back simultaneously, providing a seamless viewing and listening experience.
Subtitles and navigation contents
In addition to video and audio streams, VOB files also contain subtitles and navigation contents. Subtitles are text overlays that provide a transcription of the dialogue or commentary in the video. They can be in various languages, allowing viewers from different regions to understand the content.
Navigation contents, on the other hand, are used to navigate the DVD. They include DVD menus and interactive features that allow viewers to select different options, such as playing a specific scene or changing the language of the subtitles.
Playing VOB files
VOB files can be played on a DVD player or with DVD playback software on a computer. Some popular media players, such as VLC Media Player and Windows Media Player, can also play VOB files directly. However, it's important to note that not all media players support VOB files, so you may need to download additional codecs or use a different player.
If you're having trouble playing a VOB file, it could be due to a variety of issues. The file could be corrupted, or there could be a problem with the media player or the codecs it's using. In such cases, it may help to try a different media player or to update your current player to the latest version.
Converting VOB files
Sometimes, you may need to convert a VOB file to another format. This could be necessary if you want to play the file on a device that doesn't support VOB files, or if you want to edit the video in a video editing software. There are many tools available that can convert VOB files to other formats, such as MP4, AVI or MKV.
When converting a VOB file, it's important to choose a tool that maintains the quality of the video and audio. Some tools may compress the file during the conversion process, which can result in a loss of quality. Therefore, it's recommended to use a high-quality conversion tool and to choose the highest quality settings possible.
The go-to online conversion tool for VOB files is Restream’s VOB to MP4 video converter. It’s fast, free, and easy to use. Simply drop your VOB file into the online converter, start the process, and download the resulting MP4 file right after it’s finished.