How to Convert and Split .VOB Files to Multiple .MP4 Videos: A Comprehensive Guide

The digital age allows us to preserve precious memories captured on video. For many of us, old DVDs harbor treasured moments from family events, birthdays, weddings, and perhaps more poignant memories, such as time spent with loved ones who’ve since passed on. You might have found yourself in a similar situation—a recent discovery of a DVD featuring family events with your late grandmother highlights the necessity of preserving these memories in a more accessible and shareable format. If the .vob files on these DVDs present a hurdle for you, this guide will walk you through the process of converting and splitting them into separate .mp4 video files. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with both the knowledge and tools needed to effortlessly share these precious moments with family and friends.

Understanding .VOB Files

Before diving into the conversion process, it’s important to understand what a .vob file is. VOB, or Video Object, is the container format in DVD-Video media that contains the actual video, audio, subtitle, and menu contents of a DVD. These files are typically found in the VIDEO_TS folder of a DVD and are notorious for being large in size, sometimes encompassing an entire movie or, in the case of home videos, hours of footage. The .vob format is not widely supported by all multimedia devices and platforms, which makes sharing and playing these files outside of a DVD player or computer with compatible Software a challenge.

Why Convert to .MP4?

The MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) format is one of the most universally compatible video formats available today. It’s supported by almost all media players, devices, and platforms, making it the ideal choice for both storage and sharing purposes. Moreover, MP4 files are often smaller in size while maintaining high quality, making them more efficient for streaming and uploading. Converting your .vob files to .mp4 ensures your treasured videos are easily accessible for viewing and sharing on social media, via email, or even cloud storage services.

Tools and Software for Conversion

Several Software options are available for converting .vob files to .mp4, each with its own strengths and functionalities. Below, we’ll discuss some popular tools that will help you convert and split your videos.

1. HandBrake

Overview: HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Features:
– Converts almost any video format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs.
– Batch scanning and queuing of encodes.
– Chapter markers, subtitle support, and live video preview.

Using HandBrake:
1. Download and install HandBrake from the official website.
2. Insert your DVD and open the .vob file from the VIDEO_TS folder in HandBrake.
3. Use the “Add to Queue” feature if you have multiple files to convert.
4. In the “Title” dropdown, select the segment of the video you wish to convert.
5. Choose “MP4” as the output format.
6. Click “Start Encode” to begin the conversion process.

2. VLC Media Player

Overview: Known primarily as a versatile media player, VLC is also capable of converting media files.

Features:
– Free and open-source.
– Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
– Supports a wide range of video and audio formats.

Using VLC:
1. Install VLC from the official website.
2. Open VLC and go to “Media” > “Convert/Save.”
3. Under “Disc” tab, select “DVD” and open your VIDEO_TS folder.
4. Click “Convert/Save” and choose “MP4” as the profile output.
5. Specify the destination file and start the conversion.

3. WinX DVD Ripper

Overview: A dedicated tool for ripping DVDs to other formats.

Features:
– Fast conversion speed.
– Supports over 350 output formats including MP4.
– High-quality engine and de-interlacing.

Using WinX DVD Ripper:
1. Download and install WinX DVD Ripper.
2. Insert your DVD, open the software, and click “DVD Disc” to load your DVD.
3. Choose “MP4 Video” as the output format.
4. Click “RUN” to start the ripping process.

4. Format Factory

Overview: A multifunctional media converter.

Features:
– Converts all video, audio, and image formats.
– Reduces multimedia file size.
– Rip DVDs to video files.

Using Format Factory:
1. Download and install Format Factory.
2. Select “MP4” under the video options.
3. Add the .vob file and start converting.

Splitting the Converted Video

Once you’ve converted your .vob file into .mp4, you may want to split the video into segments, especially if it contains multiple events. Here’s how to do it:

Using Avidemux

Overview: A simple video editor for cutting, filtering, and encoding tasks.

Features:
– Supports various video formats.
– Has a simple and intuitive interface.
– Offers frame-accurate cutting.

Steps:
1. Download and install Avidemux.
2. Open the converted .mp4 file in Avidemux.
3. Use the marker tool to set start (“A”) and end (“B”) points for each segment you want to extract.
4. Go to “File” > “Save” to save each segment.

Sharing Your Memories

Now that your videos are split and converted, it’s time to share them. Here are some tips for sharing your memories with family and friends:

• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook or Instagram are great for sharing short clips and special moments with a broad audience.
• Cloud Storage: Services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow you to store large video files and share download links with select individuals.
• Email: For quick sharing, email is a good option, but be mindful of attachment size limits.
• Dedicated Family Portals: For more private sharing, consider creating a family website or blog where you can upload videos, photos, and stories.

Conclusion

Converting and splitting your .vob files into .mp4 enables you to preserve precious family memories in a modern, versatile format. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can ensure these moments are easily accessible, viewable, and shareable with those you cherish. As technology continues to evolve, taking the time to update and secure your media is a worthwhile endeavor. Your family and future generations will appreciate the effort to keep these memories alive.