VOB File Extension

What is VOB file?

Files with the .VOB extension contain multimedia streams, such file is a form a multimedia container. This means, that besides the physical video or audio files, it contains also subtitles , DVD disc’s menus, and other additional elements, and it stores them as a single stream.

What can VOB file contain?

• Digital video with MPEG-1 part 2 or H.262 - MPEG-2 part 2 coding,
• Digital audio with MPEG-1 Audio Layer II or MPEG-2 Audio Layer II coding,
• PCM, AC3 (Dolby Digital) or DTS sound,
• Subtitles or subpictures,
• DVD Menu with navigation.

VOB files are used to store movies on DVD discs, and they are usually located in the main catalogue - VIDEO_TS. They are based on the MPEG PS format – Program Stream, however, they can contain the so-called private streams, with untypical data. On a single DVD disc, there can be several VOB files comprising the whole, due to its volume restriction (up to 1 GB). The files can be encrypted in order to protect against copying. The extended VOB format – EVO, supports most types of video coding, while providing better quality.

Accompanying files

On a DVD disc, along with the VOB files, user may encounter also the IFO and BUP files. IFO file contains information utilised by a player – for instance: location of an audio stream or subtitles on a disc. BUP files contain a backup copy of an IFO file, in case of damaging the original.

Programs which support VOB file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open VOB files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with VOB extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 01/30/2022

How to open file with VOB extension?

Being unable to open files with VOB extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to DVD Video Object Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with VOB files.

Step 1. Download and install PowerDVD

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports VOB files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing PowerDVD or different compatible program, such as Media Player Classic, PowerProducer, PowerDirector. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download PowerDVD installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit CyberLink Corp. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of PowerDVD

If you already have PowerDVD installed on your systems and VOB files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of PowerDVD installed, it may not support VOB format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using PowerDVD.

Step 3. Assign PowerDVD to VOB files

After installing PowerDVD (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open VOB files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the VOB file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where PowerDVD is installed, check the Always use this app to open VOB files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the VOB file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with VOB extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the VOB for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the VOB file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the VOB file for viruses or malware

If the VOB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the VOB file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the VOB file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the VOB file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic VOB file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with VOB extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the DVD Video Object Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run PowerDVD

If the systems has insufficient resources to open VOB files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with DVD Video Object Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with VOB files affecting older versions of given software.

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