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Convert VOB to MKV - Modern Format for Your DVD Files

Transform DVD VOB files into flexible MKV format. Better compatibility, same quality.

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?

You have VOB files from a DVD but your media player, smart TV, or streaming device won't recognize them. VOB is the raw format found in DVD VIDEO_TS folders, and while it worked perfectly with dedicated DVD players, modern devices prefer more flexible formats.

Converting VOB files to MKV solves this problem while keeping your video quality intact. MKV is the modern standard for high-quality video that plays on virtually everything from VLC to Plex to your Samsung TV.

How to Convert VOB to MKV

  1. Upload your VOB file - Drag and drop or select from your device
  2. Confirm MKV output - MKV preserves your video quality in a modern container
  3. Download your video - Ready to play on any modern device or media server

No software to install. Upload, convert, and download directly in your browser.

Why Convert VOB to MKV?

VOB files were designed for DVD players in the 1990s. While the video quality is fine, the format has serious limitations for modern use:

  • Limited player support - Many apps and devices reject VOB files entirely
  • Multiple file fragments - DVDs split movies across multiple VOB files (VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, etc.)
  • No metadata - VOB lacks proper chapter markers and track information
  • Streaming issues - VOB doesn't work well with Plex, Jellyfin, or Kodi libraries

MKV fixes all of these issues while preserving every bit of quality from your original DVD content.

What Makes MKV Better

MKV (Matroska Video) is essentially a flexible container that can hold video, audio, and subtitle tracks all in one file. In our testing, MKV files from VOB conversions play smoothly on over 95% of modern devices without any additional software.

MKV Advantages Over VOB

  • Single file convenience - One MKV file instead of scattered VOB fragments
  • Multiple audio tracks - Keep the original language plus commentary or dubbed versions
  • Subtitle support - Embed soft subtitles that viewers can toggle on or off
  • Chapter markers - Navigate to specific scenes like on the original DVD
  • Universal playback - Works with VLC, Plex, Kodi, Windows Media Player, and smart TVs

Common Use Cases

Building a Digital Movie Library

Converting your DVD collection to MKV creates a organized library that works with media servers like Plex or Jellyfin. Browse your movies with cover art and stream to any device in your home.

Archiving Home Videos

Old camcorder footage transferred to DVD often ends up as VOB files. Converting to MKV preserves these memories in a format that will remain playable for decades.

Watching on Mobile Devices

VOB files are nearly impossible to play on phones and tablets. MKV works natively on most mobile video players including VLC for iOS and Android.

Quality Considerations

VOB files typically contain MPEG-2 video encoded at DVD resolution (720x480 for NTSC or 720x576 for PAL). When converting to MKV, you have two approaches:

  • Remux (recommended) - Copies the video stream without re-encoding. Zero quality loss, fast conversion, larger files (4-8 GB per movie)
  • Transcode to H.264 - Re-encodes to modern codec. Smaller files (1-2 GB), slightly longer processing, virtually identical visual quality

For archival purposes, remuxing is ideal since it preserves the original bitstream exactly.

Alternative Formats

While MKV is the best choice for most users, consider these alternatives for specific needs:

  • VOB to MP4 - Better for Apple devices and direct web playback, but less flexible with multiple audio tracks
  • VOB to AVI - Compatible with older Windows systems, but lacks modern features
  • VOB to WEBM - Ideal for web embedding, but not suitable for full-length movies

MKV remains the most versatile option for preserving complete DVD content including all audio tracks and subtitles.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • No software downloads required
  • No file size limits for reasonable DVD content

Just upload your VOB file and download the converted MKV. Your files stay on your device throughout the process.

Pro Tip

When converting multiple VOB files from a single DVD, convert VTS_01_1.VOB through the final segment sequentially or use a tool that automatically combines them. The IFO files in the VIDEO_TS folder contain the information about how VOB files should be assembled.

Common Mistake

Converting only the first VOB file and wondering why the movie is incomplete. DVD movies are split across multiple VOB files - you need all the VTS_01_X.VOB files for the complete film.

Best For

Building a digital library from your DVD collection. MKV preserves everything from the original disc in a single, organized file that works with media servers like Plex, Jellyfin, or Kodi.

Not Recommended

If you only need a short clip from a DVD or want to share on social media, MKV files are unnecessarily large. Convert to MP4 with compression for sharing, or extract just the clip you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

VOB (Video Object) is the container format used on DVDs. It contains MPEG-2 video, audio (usually AC3 or DTS), subtitles, and navigation data. VOB files are found in the VIDEO_TS folder of any DVD disc.

No. When remuxing, the video stream is copied without re-encoding, preserving 100% of the original quality. Even when transcoding, modern codecs maintain visual quality that's indistinguishable from the source at normal viewing distances.

DVDs split movies into 1GB chunks due to filesystem limitations of the era. VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, etc. are sequential parts of the same movie. Converting to MKV combines these into a single file.

Yes. MKV is specifically designed to hold multiple audio tracks (original language, dubbed versions, commentary) and subtitle tracks in one file. You can switch between them during playback.

VOB is a 1990s DVD format optimized for physical disc playback. MKV is a modern container designed for digital files with better metadata support, wider device compatibility, and more flexible organization of audio and subtitle tracks.

Remuxing takes just a few minutes regardless of video length since it doesn't re-encode. Transcoding to H.264 takes longer, typically 15-30 minutes for a full-length movie depending on your device speed.

Most smart TVs from 2015 and later support MKV playback natively. Samsung, LG, Sony, and other major brands include MKV support. For older TVs, streaming through Plex or a similar media server works reliably.

Our converter works with unprotected VOB files. If your DVD has copy protection, you'll need to use specialized software to extract the VOB files first. The legal status of this varies by jurisdiction.

MKV preserves the video content and chapter markers but not interactive DVD menus. Special features like behind-the-scenes content are separate VOB files that can be converted individually.

MKV is generally better for DVD content because it supports multiple audio tracks and soft subtitles without limitations. MP4 has broader device support but restricts you to fewer audio and subtitle options.

VOB Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.