A VOB converter is a software program that converts various video formats into Video Object (VOB) files for burning to DVD. The VOB format is the standard format for creating DVDs that are playable on any DVD player. For the purpose of burning an AVI, MP4, M4V or other video file to DVD for playing on the home entertainment center, a VOB converter is used before the converted files can be burned to DVD disc.
VOB files are a container format within the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard. VOB files include video, audio, subtitle and other data streams such as menu and chapter information. The data streams are multiplexed inside the VOB container, allowing for effortless playback of DVD movies.
After using a VOB converter, there will be two title-set (TS) folders left in the target directory. These are always named VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS. Inside the former folder will be one or more video streams and navigational or informational files with the extension IFO. These files act as maps for the DVD player, letting it know how the movie and its attendant files are organized. In case one of the IFO files becomes unreadable due to disc damage or poor handling, backup files with the extension BUP mirror the IFO data.
Using a VOB converter is easy. In most cases one need only add the video file to be converted to the main window of the converter program, and press the "Convert" or "Go" button. Optional advanced settings will allow one to tweak the conversion process to taste. Available settings typically include parameters that deal with output quality of both audio and video.
A VOB converter might have a DVD burner incorporated, or it might use pre-installed third party burner such as ImgBurn©. Before burning the project to disc, menu creation is possible using either the converter or another DVD burner, depending on the software being used.
To translate one file format to another, the VOB converter uses codecs. Not all converters contain all codecs, so most converters recognize a specific set of file formats and can only convert files for which it has the codec. If there is a specific type of file that needs to be converted, the VOB converter being used needs to support that file type. Also, beware that some converters incorporate a watermark on the resulting video.
A few VOB converters include E.M. Free MKV Video2Dvd© for converting MKV videos to VOB. This program, for Windows® and Mac® users, allows menu creation and will burn to disc. It will also convert other file types but imposes a watermark in those cases unless the upgrade is purchased. Daniusoft™ iTunes® M4V to VOB Converter will convert movies purchased from iTunes® to VOB, and will also convert MOV and QT videos; however, a third-party burner is required. The free Simplified Universal Player Encoder & Renderer, better known as SUPER© by eRightSoft is also quite popular, and also requires an external burner.
For more program choices, enter the format being converted into any search engine along with "+VOB converter" minus the quotes. If looking for Linux® or Mac® software, enter "+Linux" or "+Mac" to further refine results.