If you have come across a VOB file extension and you are not sure what the file contains, chances are the file originated from core files typically found on a DVD disk. VOB stands for Video Object and is the primary file that contains actual movie data, an MPEG movie stream and the corresponding audio file.
VOB is often confused with IFO files, but the difference is the VOB file contains the actual movie content and the IFO file contains the information that tells the DVD player where the chapters in the movie begin and end. When VOB files are used with a DVD disk, the files are stored in the VIDEO_TS folder just like the audio files are stored in the AUDIO_TS folder.
How to Open VOB Files
In order to open and play VOB files, it is necessary to use a DVD player that is capable of handling the VOB format. It is also possible to open VOB files using the media player on your PC or other device.
If you run Windows, you can use Windows Media Player to open VOB files as long as you use version 12 or higher. You can also use VideoLAN VLC Media Player or CyberLink PowerDVD 12. If for any reason you want to view the contents of a VOB file, you can locate the DVD file in Windows Explorer, open it and then look for the VIDEO_TS folder. You should also be able to see the IFO and BUP files as well, which will provide you with more information on the VOB file content.
If you use Mac OS X, you can open VOB files with Apple DVD Player or by using the VideoLAN VLC Media Player which also works with the Linux operating system. Other programs such as Roxio Toast and Popcorn 4 also work well for opening VOB files.
Some of the more recent file conversion programs such as the Lighting VOB Converter are capable of converting VOB files to a wide variety of formats which include AVI, MKV, 3GP, WMV, ASF, and MOV file formats. There is also a special function which is capable of converting VOB files into high definition MP4 format for use with the iPad, iPhone, and iPod. The files can also be opened and played using Android devices, Microsoft Zune, and PlayStation Portable.
Also, if you want to use any of the older formats such as MP3, WAV, and AAC, the newer VOB file conversion software is capable of converting to these formats as well, in addition to transferring VOB files to DVD, SVCD, and VCD.
