Are you tired of dealing with incompatible video files? Do you have a collection of VOB files that you want to play on Windows Media Player, but can’t seem to get them to work? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this article, we’ll take you on a step-by-step journey to convert VOB files to Windows Media Player, so you can enjoy your favorite videos without any hassle.
What are VOB Files, and Why Can’t Windows Media Player Play Them?
Before we dive into the conversion process, let’s take a brief look at what VOB files are and why Windows Media Player has trouble playing them.
VOB (Video Object) files are container files used on DVDs to store video, audio, and other multimedia data. They contain a combination of MPEG-2 video, AC-3 audio, and other data that makes up the DVD’s content. VOB files are not native to Windows Media Player, which is why the player can’t recognize or play them directly.
Windows Media Player, on the other hand, is a media player developed by Microsoft, designed to play various multimedia files, including audio, video, and images. While it can handle many file formats, VOB files are not one of them. This means that if you try to open a VOB file in Windows Media Player, you’ll likely get an error message or a blank screen.
The Need for Conversion: Why You Should Convert VOB Files to Windows Media Player
So, why should you bother converting VOB files to Windows Media Player in the first place? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Compatibility: Converting VOB files to a compatible format like MP4 or AVI allows you to play them on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
- Portability: By converting VOB files, you can transfer them to external hard drives or cloud storage services, making it easier to manage and share your video collection.
- Organization: Converting VOB files helps you organize your video library, making it easier to find and play your favorite movies and TV shows.
Method 1: Using a Video Converter Software
One of the most popular ways to convert VOB files to Windows Media Player is by using a video converter software. There are many options available, both free and paid, but we’ll focus on a few popular ones.
Using Freemake Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter is a free, easy-to-use software that can convert VOB files to over 500 different formats, including MP4, AVI, and WMV.
Here’s how to convert VOB files using Freemake Video Converter:
- Download and Install Freemake Video Converter: Head over to the Freemake website and download the video converter software. Follow the installation instructions to install it on your computer.
- Add VOB Files: Launch Freemake Video Converter and add the VOB files you want to convert by clicking on the “Add Video” button. You can add multiple files at once.
- Choose the Output Format: Select the output format you want to convert your VOB files to. For Windows Media Player, choose either MP4 or AVI.
- Customize Settings (Optional): You can customize the conversion settings by clicking on the “Edit” button. Here, you can adjust video and audio settings, trim the video, and add subtitles.
- Convert VOB Files: Click on the “Convert” button to start the conversion process. Freemake Video Converter will do the rest, converting your VOB files to the selected format.
Using Handbrake
Handbrake is another popular video converter software that can convert VOB files to Windows Media Player-compatible formats.
Here’s how to convert VOB files using Handbrake:
- Download and Install Handbrake: Head over to the Handbrake website and download the video converter software. Follow the installation instructions to install it on your computer.
- Add VOB Files: Launch Handbrake and add the VOB files you want to convert by clicking on the “Source” button.
- Choose the Output Format: Select the output format you want to convert your VOB files to. For Windows Media Player, choose either MP4 or AVI.
- Customize Settings (Optional): You can customize the conversion settings by clicking on the “Video” or “Audio” tabs. Here, you can adjust video and audio settings, add subtitles, and more.
- Convert VOB Files: Click on the “Start” button to start the conversion process. Handbrake will do the rest, converting your VOB files to the selected format.
Method 2: Using an Online Video Converter
If you don’t want to download and install video converter software, you can use an online video converter. These tools allow you to upload your VOB files and convert them to Windows Media Player-compatible formats directly in your web browser.
Using Online Convert
Online Convert is a popular online video converter that can convert VOB files to over 200 different formats, including MP4, AVI, and WMV.
Here’s how to convert VOB files using Online Convert:
- Head Over to Online Convert: Go to the Online Convert website and click on the “Convert Video” button.
- Upload VOB Files: Click on the “Choose File” button to upload the VOB files you want to convert. You can upload multiple files at once.
- Choose the Output Format: Select the output format you want to convert your VOB files to. For Windows Media Player, choose either MP4 or AVI.
- Customize Settings (Optional): You can customize the conversion settings by clicking on the “Advanced Settings” button. Here, you can adjust video and audio settings, add subtitles, and more.
- Convert VOB Files: Click on the “Convert” button to start the conversion process. Online Convert will do the rest, converting your VOB files to the selected format.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Converting VOB files to Windows Media Player can be a smooth process, but you may encounter some common issues along the way. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome them:
VOB File Not Recognized
If the video converter software or online tool can’t recognize your VOB file, try the following:
- Check the File Extension: Make sure the file extension is correct. VOB files should have a “.vob” extension.
- Verify the File Integrity: Try playing the VOB file in another media player to ensure it’s not corrupted.
Conversion Failure
If the conversion process fails, try the following:
- Check the Output Format: Ensure you’ve selected a compatible output format for Windows Media Player.
- Reduce Video Quality: Lowering the video quality can sometimes resolve conversion issues.
Conversion Takes Too Long
If the conversion process takes too long, try the following:
- Use a Faster Computer: Converting VOB files can be resource-intensive. Try using a faster computer or one with more processing power.
- Split Large Files: Break large VOB files into smaller chunks to speed up the conversion process.
Conclusion
Converting VOB files to Windows Media Player is a straightforward process that can be done using video converter software or online tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to convert your VOB files to a compatible format and enjoy them on your Windows Media Player. Remember to troubleshoot any common issues that may arise during the conversion process, and happy converting!
What is a VOB file and how is it different from other video file formats?
A VOB file is a type of video file that is commonly used on DVDs. It contains the video and audio content of a DVD, as well as menu navigation and other interactive features. Unlike other video file formats, such as MP4 or AVI, VOB files are not compatible with most media players, including Windows Media Player.
This is because VOB files are encoded in a specific way to ensure compatibility with DVD players, which are designed to read and play back DVDs. As a result, VOB files often require specialized software or hardware to play back on a computer. This can make it difficult to view VOB files on devices that don’t have a DVD drive or aren’t designed to play back DVDs.
Why can’t I play VOB files on Windows Media Player?
Windows Media Player is designed to play back a wide range of video and audio file formats, but VOB is not one of them. This is because VOB files are encoded in a specific way that is not compatible with Windows Media Player. The player is not designed to read or decode the proprietary format used by DVDs, which is why it can’t play back VOB files.
To play back VOB files on Windows Media Player, you’ll need to convert them to a compatible format, such as MP4 or WMV. This can be done using specialized software, such as a video converter, which can read the VOB file and convert it into a format that Windows Media Player can understand.
What is the best way to convert VOB files to Windows Media Player?
The best way to convert VOB files to Windows Media Player is to use a high-quality video converter software. This type of software is specifically designed to read and convert VOB files into a compatible format, such as MP4 or WMV. Look for software that is easy to use, supports batch conversions, and has a high success rate for converting VOB files.
When choosing a video converter software, be sure to read reviews and check the features and settings to ensure that it can handle VOB files. Some software may have specific settings or profiles for converting VOB files to Windows Media Player, so be sure to check for these features before making a conversion.
Will converting VOB files to Windows Media Player affect the video quality?
Converting VOB files to Windows Media Player can potentially affect the video quality, depending on the software and settings used. If you use a high-quality video converter software and choose the right settings, the video quality should remain high. However, if you use low-quality software or choose the wrong settings, the video quality may degrade during the conversion process.
To minimize the risk of video quality degradation, be sure to choose a high-quality video converter software and select the highest quality settings available. You may also want to experiment with different settings and software to find the one that produces the best results for your specific VOB files.
Can I convert VOB files to other file formats besides Windows Media Player?
Yes, VOB files can be converted to a wide range of file formats, including MP4, AVI, MOV, and more. The specific formats available will depend on the video converter software you use, but most software will offer a range of options. You can also convert VOB files to formats optimized for specific devices, such as iPads or smartphones.
Converting VOB files to other file formats can be useful if you want to play back the videos on different devices or share them with others. For example, you may want to convert VOB files to MP4 format to play back on an iPad or Android device.
How long does it take to convert VOB files to Windows Media Player?
The time it takes to convert VOB files to Windows Media Player will depend on several factors, including the size and complexity of the VOB file, the speed of your computer, and the software and settings used. In general, converting a single VOB file can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Batch conversions, which involve converting multiple VOB files at once, can take longer. However, using a high-quality video converter software with support for batch conversions can help speed up the process. You can also experiment with different software and settings to find the one that produces the fastest conversion times for your specific VOB files.
Are there any free VOB file converters available?
Yes, there are several free VOB file converters available, both online and offline. Online converters allow you to upload your VOB files to a website and download the converted files. Offline converters, on the other hand, are software programs that you can download and install on your computer.
While free VOB file converters can be convenient, they may have limitations, such as lower video quality, slower conversion times, or limited file size support. Be sure to read reviews and check the features and settings before using a free VOB file converter to ensure that it meets your needs.