VOB to MOV... How?

December 5, 2006 1:38 PM

I need to convert a short VOB file into a reletively high quality, uncompressed MOV file... it's for my reel and I am having a heck of a time finding a way to convert it while keeping the sound and image quality reletively intact. I have managed to create an AVI and a MPG/MPEG... but they don't want to be good little children and convert to MOV's through the freeware I have. Help!
posted by Elle Vator to computers & internet (9 comments total)

Yet another mission for Cinematize. It will retain the full audio and video bandwidth of your file and output to Quicktime (.mov). It's cheaply priced ($60) and handy.
posted by dickyvibe at 1:55 PM on December 5, 2006

You could check out MM2D or Zamzar. I don't know if either of these handle VOBs though. Zamzar took a full day to mail me results.
posted by chairface at 2:14 PM on December 5, 2006

Have you tried VisualHub or Quicktime Pro?

Both for Mac, btw, but both inexpensive and should be able to do it.
posted by mhz at 2:22 PM on December 5, 2006

You want MPEG Streamclip, free for OS X and Windows.

It will convert VOBs to uncompressed .MOVs.
posted by nathancaswell at 3:09 PM on December 5, 2006

Second Mpeg streamclip.

Why does it need to be uncompressed?
posted by filmgeek at 6:29 PM on December 5, 2006

Cinematize does NOT convert VOB files.

MPEG Streamclip is indeed the tool you're looking for. Such an awesome little app!
posted by melorama at 8:01 PM on December 5, 2006

erk...scratch that last answer...major brainfart. I was thinking "M2V", not "VOB".

duh.
posted by melorama at 8:03 PM on December 5, 2006

It's well worth learning to use ffmpeg (or mencoder) from the command line. I think it's available for Mac and Windows. Half the free encoders out there are just GUIs on top of ffmpeg anyway.

ffmpeg -i inputfile.vob outfile.mov

Will make an MPEG 4 based .mov with AAC sound. Use -b to change the video bitrate and -ab to change the audio bitrate.
posted by markr at 12:35 AM on December 6, 2006

One of the aforementioned GUIs on top of ffmpeg and mencoder is SUPER. I haven't used it personally but I've often seen it recommended.
posted by flabdablet at 4:05 AM on December 6, 2006