VOB Files
From VOBs and MPGs, to OGVs and MP3s — selecting the perfect file format for your project isn’t easy. There are advantages and disadvantages to each format that could make them more ideal for you.
Explore VOB files and how they work.
What is a VOB file?
A .VOB file (VOB meaning Video Object) is a container file format that can contain digital multimedia data. This includes digital video and audio, subtitles, as well as DVD menus and navigation.
These video files are from DVDs and often stored in the “Video_TS” folder on the DVD. Each file has a 1GB file size limit, but this isn’t dependent on playback length.
History of the VOB file.
DVD Forum developed the .VOB file format, based on — and formatted in — the MPEG-2 compression format. This allows video and audio data to be compressed, with high-quality remaining.
The MPEG-2 format also supports encryption, often to prevent VOB files from being extracted from DVDs in breach of copyright laws. As DVDs have become less widely used, it means VOB files aren’t used as commonly today.
How to use VOB files.
The VOB file format is specifically designed for DVD-Video multimedia to display video and audio, as well as provide data for subtitles, DVD menus, and navigation.
DVD menus.
VOB files make the perfect choice for adding a DVD menu to a title, with the capability to add high-quality visuals that display chapters, navigation etc.
Metadata storage.
VOB files also contain vital metadata that identifies a video and affects the features that can be selected when the title is played back. This includes subtitles.
Pros and cons of VOB files.
Every file format comes with its advantages and disadvantages and VOB files are no exception. Here’s some reasons you may or may not want to use a VOB:
Pros.
- Encrypted. You can protect VOB files for additional privacy and copyright reasons when publishing content.
- Low compression / high quality. You can compress the overall file size of a VOB file, while still keeping its quality.
- Holds large amount of data. VOB files can hold significant amounts of data and content, giving you more freedom with storage space.
Cons.
- Files are large. Unless compressed, VOB files can take up a lot of disk storage space when published.
- Editors may not support the file. Some video editors may not be compatible with VOB files, which mean you will need to convert them.
- Encryption can make it difficult to copy or edit. If a VOB file is encrypted, editing it can be difficult, without the use of proprietary software.
Find out which container file types are supported by Adobe Premiere
How to open a VOB file.
VOB files are not natively compatible with Windows and macOS. There are other ways to open a VOB file, but methods may require third-party media players.
In some instances, you may be able to convert a VOB into another file type, but the encryption could make this difficult.
How to create and edit a VOB file.
Creating or editing a VOB file can be difficult without third-party software and may infringe on the copyright of the VOB file depending on the source. Many VOBs are also encrypted making them difficult to edit.
One of the easiest ways to play a VOB is with third-party media players, but this comes with its own risks and isn’t officially supported.
Questions? We have answers.
VOB files are designed for DVD-viewing and contain audio, video, and menu navigation data. They are designed to be watched and are often encrypted.
Because VOB files can hold good quality videos it’s possible, through the use of a program, to burn VOB files directly to DVD without having to worry about quality loss.
It’s possible to convert VOB files to other formats but this may require the use of third-party applications.
Yes — though VOB files ripped from DVDs may be encrypted, and most native media playback programmes don’t support the .VOB file format. Third-party media players can provide playback but come with their own risks as they are not officially supported.
VOB files are difficult to edit due to encryption. Converting the .VOB to another commonly used file formats such as MP4 may allow for easier editing.
Learn more about similar file types to VOB.
MP4.
Discover MP4, one of the most common video files. Although it’s a lossy format, its compression allows you to store files more efficiently — learn how.
OGG.
Learn more about OGG, an audio-focused multimedia format which is ideal for streaming due its ability to hold meta data.
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What are VOB files? | VOB explained | Adobe
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