Convert VOB to AVI Online
VOB files from DVD discs require DVD player software to play. Converting to AVI creates a standard video file playable by Windows Media Player and most media players.
Our converter handles encrypted and unencrypted VOB files and produces AVI output with full video and audio quality.
VOB is the raw DVD video format; AVI is an older but still widely supported container that many Windows media players and editors handle natively. Converting VOB to AVI is a common path for getting DVD footage into legacy software. This guide explains what VOB holds, how AVI compares to MP4, and how to convert in the browser.
What is VOB?
VOB (Video Object) is the primary video file format on DVD discs. VOB files contain MPEG-2 video, Dolby Digital (AC3) audio, and subtitle data in a special container.
VOB files cannot be played directly by most media software - they require DVD player software like VLC or the Windows DVD Player app.
What is AVI?
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is Microsoft's standard video container format. AVI files play in Windows Media Player, VLC, and virtually any Windows video application.
Converting VOB to AVI creates a standard video file without the DVD-specific container, making it accessible to any media player.
What VOB Contains and Why DVDs Split It
VOB (Video Object) is the DVD container, carrying MPEG-2 video, AC-3 audio, subtitles, and menu data. Because the DVD spec caps each VOB at roughly 1 GB, a single title is spread across numbered files (VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, and so on). When you convert, you often need to join those segments in order so the AVI plays as one continuous video.
AVI vs MP4: Which Target Is Right?
| Property | AVI | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy Windows / editor support | Excellent | Good |
| Modern phones, browsers, streaming | Limited | Excellent |
| File size | Larger | Smaller (H.264) |
| Best for | Old players, some editing tools | Sharing and modern playback |
Choose AVI when a specific old player or editor requires it; choose MP4 for anything you plan to share or watch on modern devices.
Why Convert VOB to AVI?
Windows Native
AVI plays in Windows Media Player without any additional codecs or software.
Broad Compatibility
Convert your DVD VOB files to AVI for long-term storage without needing a DVD drive.
DVD Archiving
Convert your DVD VOB files to AVI for long-term storage without needing a DVD drive.
Easy Playback
AVI files play with a simple double-click in Windows without DVD player software.
How to Convert VOB to AVI
Upload VOB
Select your VOB file from your extracted DVD.
Choose AVI output
Select AVI as your output format.
Convert
Click convert. VOB to AVI conversion can take several minutes for full-length movies.
Download AVI
Save your AVI file for direct playback in any Windows media player.
Convert in the Browser, No Upload
The FileFormer video converter turns VOB into AVI directly in your browser. Because it runs on your device, your footage is never uploaded to a server. (Convert only unprotected VOB files, such as your own recordings.)
Ready to Convert VOB to AVI?
Use our free online converter. No signup, no watermarks, practical limits.
Convert VOB to AVIPro Tips
Consider MP4 instead
For modern use, MP4 is a better choice than AVI due to smaller file size and wider compatibility.
Rip complete VOB set
DVD movies are often split across multiple VOB files. Combine them before or after conversion.
Check for subtitles
VOB files contain subtitle tracks that may not transfer to AVI. Save subtitles separately if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play VOB without converting?
VLC media player can play VOB files directly. Convert to AVI for compatibility with other players.
Do I need a DVD drive to convert VOB?
No, you just need the VOB files. You can rip them from DVD first using software like HandBrake.
Will the audio and subtitles transfer?
Audio transfers with the video. Subtitles may not transfer to AVI - save them as separate SRT files.
Is AVI or MP4 better for converted DVD content?
MP4 is recommended for modern use as it has better compression and compatibility than AVI.
How large will the AVI file be?
AVI uses less compression than MP4. A 2-hour movie DVD (4.7GB) typically converts to 2-5GB AVI.
Should I convert VOB to AVI or MP4?
Use AVI if a specific legacy player or editor needs it. For sharing or watching on modern phones, browsers, and TVs, MP4 is smaller and more compatible.
How do I combine multiple VOB files into one AVI?
DVDs split a title across numbered VOB files. Convert and join them in order, or use a tool that merges the segments so the AVI plays as a single continuous video.