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How-To Guide

How to Convert VOB to MP4

VOB (Video Object) files are the video containers on DVD discs — they hold the MPEG-2 video, audio, and subtitle streams of a DVD. Converting VOB to MP4 lets you watch your DVD videos on any device, phone, or TV without a DVD player. HandBrake is the easiest free tool; FFmpeg gives the most control.

Open VOB to MP4 Converter

Step-by-step instructions

  1. 1

    Convert with HandBrake (easiest)

    Download HandBrake (handbrake.fr — free). Go to File → Open Source and select the VOB file or the VIDEO_TS folder from a DVD. Choose a preset: Fast 1080p30 or Fast 720p30. Set container to MP4. Under Subtitles, add any subtitle tracks you want. Click Start Encode. HandBrake converts the MPEG-2 VOB to H.264 MP4.

    Go to converter
  2. 2

    Convert with FFmpeg

    Single VOB: `ffmpeg -i input.vob -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -c:a aac -b:a 192k output.mp4`. To combine multiple VOB files from DVD chapters: `ffmpeg -i 'concat:VTS_01_1.VOB|VTS_01_2.VOB|VTS_01_3.VOB' -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -c:a aac output.mp4`. CRF 18–22 is high quality; lower CRF = larger file.

  3. 3

    Handle the DVD structure

    DVDs store video as multiple numbered VOB files (VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, etc.) that should be combined for the complete video. HandBrake handles this automatically when you open the VIDEO_TS folder. With FFmpeg, use the concat method shown above. The IFO files contain chapter and stream information.

  4. 4

    Check audio tracks

    DVDs often have multiple audio tracks (languages, commentary). To list them: `ffprobe input.vob`. To select a specific track: `ffmpeg -i input.vob -map 0:v:0 -map 0:a:1 -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output.mp4` (where 0:a:1 is the second audio track). HandBrake shows all audio tracks in its Audio tab with language labels.

Why convert VOB to MP4?

DVD players are disappearing from modern devices. Converting your DVD collection to MP4 lets you watch your videos on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices — without needing a DVD drive. MP4 files are also significantly smaller than the raw VOB files.

Your files never leave your device

FormatDrop runs the conversion engine entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly. No file upload. No server. Nothing stored. You can verify this by opening DevTools → Network tab and watching: zero upload requests.

Frequently asked questions

Can I convert a DVD VOB to MP4 without HandBrake?
Yes — FFmpeg is the most flexible alternative: `ffmpeg -i input.vob -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -c:a aac output.mp4`. VLC also converts VOB files: Media → Convert/Save → Add VOB → set output to MP4. MakeMKV (free) can extract VOB content to MKV first, which you can then convert to MP4.
What is the quality difference between VOB (MPEG-2) and MP4 (H.264)?
H.264 is significantly more efficient than MPEG-2. An H.264 file at the same visual quality as an MPEG-2 VOB is 50–70% smaller. DVDs typically use 3–8 Mbps MPEG-2 video. The equivalent H.264 quality requires only 1–3 Mbps. You can make MP4 files much smaller than VOB while keeping the same visual quality.
Are there legal issues with converting VOB from my own DVDs?
Laws vary by country. In the US, the DMCA makes it technically illegal to circumvent DVD copy protection even for personal backups, though this is rarely enforced for personal use. In the EU and UK, personal copies of DVDs are permitted under fair dealing provisions. If your VOB files are from unprotected DVDs such as home movies or unencrypted discs, conversion is straightforward with no CSS issue.
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