VOB to MKV Video Converter

The VOB (Video Object) format is a type of file developed for DVD-Video, introduced in 1995 by the DVD Consortium (now known as the DVD Forum). These files are essentially multimedia containers based on the MPEG-2 format, specifically designed to organize and store the content of video DVDs.

A VOB file can simultaneously contain several data streams: video, audio (potentially including multiple tracks in different languages), subtitles, and menus. The video is generally encoded in DVD quality with a standard resolution of 720×480 pixels (NTSC) or 720×576 pixels (PAL), while the audio may be in AC-3 or DTS format. This versatility makes it a format particularly suitable for commercial and personal DVDs.

VOB files are typically accompanied by IFO (information) and BUP (backup) files that contain the necessary metadata for DVD navigation, such as chapter structures and playback settings. A peculiarity of VOB is its size limitation to 1 GB, which explains why a movie is often divided into several files (VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, etc.). Although this format remains widely used for DVDs, it has been gradually supplanted by more modern formats such as Blu-ray for high-definition content. VOB file playback is now supported by most media players, although certain copy protection measures may sometimes limit their accessibility.

The Matroska Video format is an open-source multimedia container format developed in 2002 by Steve Lhomme and the team at the Matroska project. Inspired by Apple's MCF (Multimedia Container Format), it was designed as a free and flexible alternative to existing proprietary formats.

MKV is distinguished by its exceptional ability to encapsulate practically all types of modern codecs in a single file. It can contain multiple audio tracks, subtitles, chapters, and metadata, making it a preferred choice for HD movies and multilingual content. This versatility is particularly appreciated by the VLC media player community, which has adopted it as one of its preferred formats.

One of the main advantages of MKV lies in its robustness and recovery capability in case of file corruption. It also excels in handling streaming streams and supports 4K/8K content, HDR, and advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos. However, its primary limitation is its lack of native compatibility with some mainstream media players and mobile devices, sometimes requiring additional codecs or software installations.

Although the format is widely used in digital content distribution and Blu-ray ripping, its open-source nature and flexibility also make it a popular choice for independent content creators and digital video enthusiasts. MKV continues to evolve with new multimedia technologies, maintaining its position as a reference container format for the storage and distribution of high-quality video content.