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Convert WMV to VOB - DVD-Ready Video in Seconds

Turn Windows Media Video into DVD format. Play your videos on any DVD player.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Why Your WMV Files Need Conversion for DVD

You have WMV videos from Windows-maybe old home movies, recordings from Windows Movie Maker, or downloaded content-and you want to burn them to DVD. The problem? Standard DVD players cannot read WMV files directly. They require VOB format, the native container used on DVD discs since 1996.

In our testing, attempting to burn WMV files directly to disc results in a data DVD that only plays on computers. To create a proper video DVD that works on standalone players, PlayStation, Xbox, or car DVD systems, you need to convert your WMV files to VOB format first. This conversion transforms Windows-specific video into the universal DVD standard that works on millions of devices worldwide.

How to Convert WMV to VOB

  1. Upload your WMV file - Drag and drop or click to select your Windows Media Video
  2. Confirm VOB output - VOB is selected as your DVD-compatible target format
  3. Download your video - Your file is now ready for DVD authoring software

The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting. Upload, convert, download-then burn to disc with your preferred DVD authoring tool.

WMV vs VOB: Technical Comparison

Understanding the differences between these formats explains why conversion is necessary for DVD playback:

WMV (Windows Media Video)

  • Developer - Microsoft (1999)
  • Primary use - Windows streaming and playback
  • Codec - WMV7, WMV8, WMV9 (VC-1)
  • Container - ASF (Advanced Systems Format)
  • Typical resolution - Variable, up to 1080p
  • DVD player support - Rare (only some Nero Digital-certified players)

VOB (Video Object)

  • Developer - DVD Forum (1996)
  • Primary use - DVD-Video standard
  • Video codec - MPEG-2 (H.262) or MPEG-1
  • Audio codecs - AC-3 (Dolby Digital), PCM, DTS
  • Resolution - 720x480 (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL)
  • DVD player support - Universal (all DVD players)

In our testing, we found that VOB files must conform to strict MPEG-2 program stream specifications. Our converter handles this automatically, ensuring your converted files meet DVD-Video standards without manual configuration.

When to Convert WMV to VOB

Creating DVD Home Videos

You recorded family events in WMV format using Windows software. Converting to VOB lets you create proper video DVDs that grandparents can play on their living room DVD player-no computer required.

Archiving on Physical Media

Digital storage fails. Hard drives crash, cloud services discontinue, file formats become obsolete. DVDs stored properly last 25-100 years. Converting WMV to VOB format and burning to quality discs creates permanent physical archives.

Sharing Videos Without Internet

Not everyone has fast internet or streaming devices. A DVD works anywhere-no WiFi, no apps, no technical knowledge needed. Hand someone a disc and they can watch immediately.

Professional DVD Production

Creating training materials, promotional videos, or presentations for clients who need physical media? VOB format with proper DVD structure is the professional standard that ensures universal playback.

Quality Expectations

Converting from WMV to VOB involves transcoding between different video compression standards. Here's what you should know:

  • Resolution - DVD-Video supports maximum 720x480 (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL). Higher resolution WMV files will be downscaled
  • Bitrate - VOB files support up to 9.8 Mbps for video. Most WMV files are below this, so quality transfers well
  • Audio - Converted to AC-3 (Dolby Digital) for maximum DVD player compatibility
  • Aspect ratio - Preserved during conversion (4:3 or 16:9)

In our testing, WMV files encoded at standard definition (480p or 576p) convert with minimal visible quality loss. HD WMV files will show some softening due to the resolution downscaling inherent in DVD format specifications-this is unavoidable and affects all DVD creation from HD sources.

After Conversion: DVD Burning

Your converted VOB file is ready for DVD authoring. The typical workflow:

  1. Download your VOB file from our converter
  2. Import into DVD authoring software (Windows DVD Maker, ImgBurn, DVD Flick, or similar)
  3. Create menus if desired
  4. Burn to blank DVD-R or DVD+R disc

Important: Some authoring software expects VOB files within a VIDEO_TS folder structure. If your software requires this, simply create a VIDEO_TS folder and place your VOB file inside before importing.

Alternative Conversions

VOB isn't always the best choice. Consider these alternatives depending on your needs:

  • WMV to MP4 - Best for digital sharing, streaming, and modern device playback. MP4 works on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers without DVD burning
  • WMV to AVI - Compatible with older video editing software and some DivX-certified DVD players that support AVI playback
  • WMV to MKV - Ideal for archiving with multiple audio tracks or subtitles. Better for computer playback than physical media

Choose VOB specifically when you need to create standard video DVDs for standalone players. For digital distribution or modern device playback, MP4 is usually the better option.

Batch Conversion for Multiple Videos

Creating a DVD with multiple WMV videos? Upload and convert them all at once. Our batch processing handles multiple files simultaneously, saving time when preparing content for a multi-video DVD project.

In our testing, converting 10 average-length WMV files takes just minutes rather than the hours required by some desktop software. Browser-based conversion leverages modern web technology for efficient processing.

Works on Any Device

Convert WMV to VOB directly in your browser:

  • Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows 7
  • macOS (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)
  • Linux (all major distributions)
  • Chromebook

No software to download, no plugins to install, no operating system restrictions. If your device has a modern web browser, you can convert.

Pro Tip

After converting WMV to VOB, use DVD Flick or DVDStyler (both free) for authoring. These create the proper VIDEO_TS folder structure with IFO navigation files that DVD players require. The VOB file alone won't play-it needs the complete DVD structure.

Common Mistake

Burning the VOB file directly to disc as a data file instead of using DVD authoring software. This creates a data disc that only computers can read. Always use proper DVD authoring software to create video DVDs.

Best For

Converting Windows Movie Maker projects, recorded webinars, or any WMV content for playback on standalone DVD players, car DVD systems, or game consoles with disc drives.

Not Recommended

Don't convert to VOB if you're only playing on computers or smart TVs-use MP4 instead. VOB's quality ceiling (720x480) is lower than modern formats, and the extra DVD authoring step adds complexity without benefit for digital playback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, once properly burned to a DVD disc using authoring software. VOB is the native format for DVD-Video and has been universally supported by all DVD players since the format launched in 1996. The converted file must be burned as a video DVD, not a data disc.

Standard DVD players only recognize the MPEG-2 video format contained in VOB files. WMV uses Microsoft's proprietary codecs that DVD player hardware cannot decode. Burning WMV to disc creates a data DVD that only plays on computers, not standalone players.

Some quality difference is possible due to transcoding between different compression standards. For standard definition WMV files, the difference is minimal. HD WMV files will be downscaled to DVD resolution (720x480 or 720x576), which is a limitation of the DVD format itself, not the conversion process.

Converted VOB files use AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio for maximum DVD player compatibility. AC-3 supports stereo and surround sound configurations and is the most widely supported audio format in DVD players worldwide.

VOB files are typically larger than WMV due to MPEG-2 encoding. A 100MB WMV might become 300-500MB as VOB. Standard single-layer DVDs hold 4.7GB, so most converted videos fit comfortably on one disc.

The VOB format supports subtitle streams (subpictures), but adding them requires DVD authoring software after conversion. Our converter focuses on video and audio conversion. Use tools like DVD Flick or DVDStyler to add subtitles during the authoring phase.

DVD-Video supports maximum 720x480 pixels for NTSC regions or 720x576 for PAL. If your WMV is higher resolution, it will be scaled down to fit these specifications while preserving aspect ratio.

Yes, you need DVD authoring software to create a playable video DVD. Free options include DVD Flick, ImgBurn, and DVDStyler. Simply burning the VOB as a file to disc creates a data DVD that won't play on standalone players.

Yes. Convert each WMV file to VOB separately, then import all converted files into your DVD authoring software. Most authoring tools let you create chapter menus linking multiple videos on a single disc.

VOB is a container format that typically contains MPEG-2 video, but they're not identical. VOB adds DVD-specific features like navigation data, subtitle support, and multi-angle capability. It's based on MPEG-2 Program Stream with additional DVD-Video specifications.

Choose VOB specifically when creating DVDs for standalone players. If you're sharing videos digitally or playing on computers, phones, or smart TVs, MP4 is better. VOB is only necessary for burning traditional video DVDs.

Basic metadata like duration and aspect ratio is preserved. However, WMV-specific tags and chapter markers may not transfer directly, as VOB uses a different metadata structure designed for DVD navigation. For important metadata, add it during the DVD authoring phase.

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