What is VOB?

VOB (Video Object) files are the main content files on DVD discs, stored in the VIDEO_TS folder. Each VOB contains multiplexed MPEG-2 video, Dolby Digital (AC3) or DTS audio, DVD subtitles, chapter markers, and menu navigation data. VOB files are typically limited to 1 GB each due to file system restrictions, so longer movies span multiple VOB files (VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, etc.).

VOB is used for commercial DVD movies, home video DVDs, DVD backups, and video archiving. The format includes CSS (Content Scramble System) encryption for copy protection on commercial DVDs. VOB files can be played directly in VLC or other media players, but they're often converted to MP4 or MKV for easier playback on modern devices.

Did you know? VOB files are based on MPEG-2 Program Stream with DVD-specific extensions!

History

The DVD Forum created VOB as part of the DVD-Video specification to standardize digital video distribution and replace VHS tapes.

Key Milestones

  • 1995: DVD specification finalized
  • 1996: First DVDs released in Japan
  • 1997: DVD launches in USA
  • 2000s: Peak DVD sales era
  • 2006: Blu-ray begins replacing DVD
  • Present: Legacy format, still widely used

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • MPEG-2 Video: DVD-quality compression
  • Multi-Audio: Multiple language tracks
  • Subtitles: Multiple subtitle languages
  • Menus: Interactive DVD navigation
  • Chapters: Scene navigation
  • Copy Protection: CSS encryption (optional)

Common Use Cases

DVD Movies

Commercial video distribution

Backups

DVD ripping and archiving

Home Videos

Personal DVD authoring

Conversion

Convert to MP4/MKV

Advantages

  • DVD-standard format
  • Multiple audio/subtitle tracks
  • Chapter and menu support
  • Good video quality
  • Universal DVD player compatibility
  • Supports widescreen formats
  • Standard for home video

Disadvantages

  • Limited to SD resolution (720×480/576)
  • Large file sizes
  • Outdated MPEG-2 compression
  • Copy protection complications
  • Multiple files per movie
  • Limited modern device support

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .vob
MIME Type video/dvd, video/mpeg
Video Codec MPEG-2
Audio Codec AC3, DTS, PCM, MP2
Max Resolution 720×480 (NTSC), 720×576 (PAL)
File Size Limit ~1 GB per VOB file

Common Tools

  • Players: VLC, MPC-HC, Windows Media Player
  • Ripping: HandBrake, MakeMKV, DVDFab
  • Authoring: DVD Flick, DVDStyler, DVD Architect
  • Converters: FFmpeg, Any Video Converter, Format Factory