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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.

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FormatDrop doesn't convert VOB to MP4 yet. The methods below use free tools that do. FormatDrop's own converters cover common image, audio, video and PDF formats, all in your browser.

Free tools for VOB to MP4

  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. On its own, HandBrake can't read copy-protected commercial DVDs.

  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.

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 for DVDs) 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 often about half the size. 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 bans getting around DVD copy protection (CSS), even for a personal backup. In the UK, a private-copying exception from 2014 was overturned by the High Court in 2015, so copying a DVD you own isn't covered. Most EU countries also ban getting around copy protection. Home movies and other unprotected discs are different: there's no protection to break, so converting your own recordings is straightforward.
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