DVD Files Not Playing on Apple Devices?
You have video files from a DVD sitting in a VIDEO_TS folder, but your iPhone or iPad won't recognize them. VOB files are the standard format for DVD video content, but Apple devices don't support them natively.
Converting VOB to M4V solves this problem. M4V is Apple's preferred video format, designed specifically for iTunes and iOS devices. Your VOB files become instantly playable across your entire Apple ecosystem.
How to Convert VOB to M4V
- Upload your VOB file - Drag and drop or select from your computer
- Choose M4V as output - M4V is selected for optimal Apple compatibility
- Download your video - Ready to import into iTunes or play on any Apple device
The entire process runs in your browser. No software installation required.
Why Convert to M4V?
M4V is essentially Apple's version of MP4. Apple created this format to work seamlessly with iTunes, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac. While technically similar to MP4, M4V files are recognized immediately by Apple software without any compatibility questions.
In our testing, M4V files imported into iTunes library more reliably than other formats, with proper metadata and chapter support preserved when available.
Key M4V Benefits
- Native iTunes integration - Add to your library with proper organization
- iOS device sync - Transfer to iPhone and iPad through iTunes or Finder
- Apple TV playback - Stream or sync to your television
- QuickTime support - Plays natively on Mac without extra software
Understanding VOB Files
VOB (Video Object) files are the container format used on DVDs. When you open a DVD folder on your computer, you'll find these files in the VIDEO_TS directory. Each VOB file can contain video, audio tracks, subtitles, and menu data.
The problem with VOB files:
- Apple devices have no native VOB support
- Files are often split into multiple parts (VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, etc.)
- Uses older MPEG-2 codec that's less efficient
- Large file sizes compared to modern formats
Converting to M4V gives you a single, efficient file that Apple devices understand.
Common Use Cases
Digitizing DVD Collection
You have a shelf of DVDs collecting dust. Convert the VOB files to M4V and build a digital library in iTunes. Watch your old movies and shows on any Apple device.
Travel Entertainment
Long flight coming up? Convert DVD content to M4V and load videos onto your iPad. No need to carry discs or a DVD player.
Home Video Preservation
Family videos burned to DVD years ago can be converted to M4V for long-term storage and easy sharing across Apple devices.
VOB vs M4V Comparison
| Feature | VOB | M4V |
|---|---|---|
| Codec | MPEG-2 | H.264/HEVC |
| Container | DVD-specific | Apple MP4 variant |
| File Size | Larger | Smaller (better compression) |
| Apple Support | None | Full native support |
| iTunes Compatible | No | Yes |
| iOS Playback | No | Yes |
Alternative Output Formats
M4V isn't your only option. Depending on your needs, consider:
- VOB to MP4 - Universal format that works on everything, not just Apple devices
- VOB to MKV - Better for preserving multiple audio tracks and subtitles from DVDs
- VOB to MOV - Another Apple-friendly option, common in video editing
Choose M4V when your primary goal is Apple device playback and iTunes library integration.
Works in Any Browser
Our VOB to M4V converter runs entirely in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- No software downloads or installations
- No account registration required
Upload, convert, download. That's all there is to it.