VPB File Extension

What is VPB file?

Files with .VPB extension store bitmaps - raster images for workstations or dedicated Quantel software application that has been used since the 1980s for creating computer graphics for TV stations. Video PaintBox workstations were used by large TV broadcasters, such as NBC and revolutionized television program production.

VPB image - bitmap parameters

VPB format supported a limited color space and image dimensions closely related to TV image specifications. Format documentation is not available as it is a proprietary format, however one can find various projects that aim at recovering the format using reverse engineering techniques.

VPB graphics overlays on video images

Files in Video Paintbox Quantel - VPB Image were used for storing images or graphics in older versions of Quantel devices in the 1980s and 1990s. This format was used chiefly for producing TV graphics for news programs by enhancing the output video images. This format is no longer supported and no official format documentation is available. The VPB extension is also used by Microsoft Photos backup image files, however it is a different file format.

Programs which support VPB file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support VPB files. VPB files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 12/26/2023

How to open file with VPB extension?

Problems with accessing VPB may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with VPB extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install XnView

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening VPB files is that no program that can handle VPB files is installed on user’s system. To address this issue, go to the XnView developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading XnView installed is by going to developer’s website (Pierre-Emmanuel Gougelet) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of XnView and update if needed

If the problems with opening VPB files still occur even after installing XnView, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of XnView is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of XnView installed, it may not support VPB format. The most recent version of XnView is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Quantel VPB Image Format files with XnView

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate VPB files with latest version of XnView you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the VPB with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where XnView is installed, check the Always use this app to open VPB files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the VPB file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with VPB extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the VPB for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the VPB file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The VPB may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the VPB is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the VPB file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with VPB extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic VPB file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with VPB extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Quantel VPB Image Format file.

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

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with VPB extension. In this case close the other applications.

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

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Quantel VPB Image Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle VPB files.

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