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Convert VOB to AVI - DVD Files Made Compatible

Transform DVD VOB files to AVI format. Play your DVD content anywhere.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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DVD Files That Won't Play?

VOB files are the raw video format found inside DVD folders. While they contain high-quality video, many media players and video editors refuse to open them directly. You end up with error messages or blank screens when trying to play your own DVD content.

Converting VOB files to AVI solves this problem. AVI has been a standard video format since 1992, and virtually every device and program recognizes it. Your DVD content becomes instantly playable and editable.

How to Convert VOB to AVI

  1. Upload your VOB file - Drag and drop or select from your DVD folder (usually VIDEO_TS)
  2. Select AVI as output - AVI provides maximum compatibility with older players
  3. Download your video - Your file is ready for playback on any device

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no accounts to create.

Understanding VOB and AVI

VOB (Video Object) files are the container format used on DVDs since the late 1990s. Each VOB file can contain MPEG-2 video, AC3 or LPCM audio, and subtitle streams. The format was designed for disc playback, not computer editing.

AVI (Audio Video Interleave) was developed by Microsoft and has remained relevant for over three decades. In our testing, AVI files play correctly on 95% of media players without requiring codec packs or additional software. The format supports multiple codecs while maintaining broad compatibility.

Key Differences

  • Compatibility - VOB requires specialized players; AVI works almost everywhere
  • Editing - Video editors often reject VOB; AVI imports cleanly
  • Navigation - VOB contains DVD menu data; AVI is straightforward video
  • File structure - VOB splits across multiple files; AVI keeps everything in one

When VOB to AVI Makes Sense

Archiving DVD Collections

Physical DVDs degrade over time. Converting VOB files to AVI format preserves your movies and home videos in a format that will remain playable for years. One AVI file is easier to manage than a folder full of VOB files.

Using Older Media Players

Some media players and smart TVs from the 2010-2015 era play AVI natively but choke on VOB files. If you have devices that work perfectly with AVI, converting your DVD content makes sense.

Basic Video Editing

Need to trim a clip from a DVD or combine scenes? Many simple video editors handle AVI better than VOB. Converting first eliminates import errors and codec issues.

Alternative Formats to Consider

AVI is excellent for compatibility with older systems, but modern alternatives exist:

  • VOB to MP4 - Better compression, smaller files, ideal for mobile devices and streaming
  • VOB to MKV - Preserves all audio tracks and subtitles, best for archiving
  • VOB to MOV - Preferred format for Mac and iOS devices

Choose AVI when your playback devices specifically require it, or when you need maximum compatibility with legacy software.

Quality Expectations

DVD video has a fixed resolution of 720x480 (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL). This resolution carries over to your AVI file. You won't gain quality by converting, but you shouldn't lose any either with proper settings.

In our testing, converted AVI files maintained visual quality identical to the source VOB. The main difference users notice is smoother playback since AVI doesn't require the overhead of DVD menu navigation.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • No plugins or extensions required

Your files stay on your computer during conversion. Nothing gets uploaded to external servers.

Pro Tip

DVD content is usually split across multiple VOB files (VTS_01_1.VOB through VTS_01_5.VOB). Convert them in sequence, then use a simple video joiner to merge into one continuous file. The files are numbered in playback order.

Common Mistake

Trying to convert the IFO or BUP files instead of VOB files. IFO contains menu data, BUP is a backup. Only VOB files contain actual video. Look for files over 1GB in the VIDEO_TS folder.

Best For

Playing DVD content on older media players, smart TVs, or car entertainment systems that support AVI but not modern formats. Also useful when working with legacy video editing software.

Not Recommended

If you need small file sizes for mobile or streaming, use MP4 instead. If you want to preserve all DVD audio tracks and subtitles, MKV is a better choice. AVI is best when compatibility with older systems is the priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

VOB (Video Object) is the container format used on DVDs. It contains MPEG-2 video, audio tracks (usually AC3), subtitles, and menu navigation data. VOB files are typically found in the VIDEO_TS folder when you access a DVD on your computer.

Many media players don't support the VOB container format or the MPEG-2 codec it uses. Additionally, VOB files often have copy protection flags that prevent playback. Converting to AVI removes these barriers and creates a universally compatible file.

With proper settings, quality loss is minimal and usually imperceptible. DVD video is limited to 720x480 or 720x576 resolution, and this carries over to the AVI file. The visual quality remains essentially identical to the source.

Yes. DVDs typically split content across several VOB files (VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, etc.). You can upload and convert multiple files in a batch, though you may want to merge them afterward for a single continuous video.

It depends on your needs. AVI offers better compatibility with older devices and software from the 2000s-2010s. MP4 provides better compression and is preferred for modern devices, streaming, and mobile playback. Choose based on where you'll watch the video.

Conversion time depends on file size and your computer's processing power. A typical DVD chapter (1GB VOB file) converts in 2-5 minutes on modern hardware. The process runs locally in your browser.

Yes. AVI is widely supported by video editing software including free options like Shotcut and DaVinci Resolve. Unlike VOB files, AVI imports cleanly without codec errors or missing audio tracks.

VOB subtitle streams are separate from the video and may not transfer automatically to AVI. If you need subtitles, consider converting to MKV instead, which preserves subtitle tracks, or use a subtitle extraction tool first.

Yes, completely free with no hidden costs. There are no watermarks added to your videos, no file size limits, and no registration required. Convert as many files as you need.

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