This article shows you how to use HandBrake, a program for converting a VOB file, the standard format in which regular DVDs are distributed, into an MP4 file that can be easily played on most multimedia devices.
Steps
Step 1. Go to the HandBrake website to download the installation file
It is a completely free program, available for both Windows and Mac platforms.
HandBrake may not work correctly on macOS Sierra systems
Step 2. Hit the Download HandBrake button
It is red in color and is located on the left side of the main page of the site. The installation file will be downloaded to your computer.
- Depending on your browser, you will need to select a specific folder or confirm that you want to save the installation file locally before the download begins.
- The download button should also report the version number of the program, for example "1.0.7".
Step 3. Double click on the HandBrake installation file
It is contained in the folder that you have selected for download or in the default one that is used by the browser (for example the desktop).
- If you have difficulty locating the installation file, simply search your computer by typing the keyword "handbrake" in the Spotlight text field (on Mac) or in the "Start" menu (on Windows systems). It should appear at the top of the results list.
- The download of the HandBrake installation file should not take more than a few minutes to complete.
Step 4. Follow the instructions to install
Depending on the platform you are using, you will need to proceed as follows.
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Windows systems:
- If requested, authorizes HandBrake to access computer resources;
- Push the button Next placed at the bottom of the installation window;
- Now press the button I Agree located in the new screen that appeared;
- Push the button Install located on the next screen, then choose the option Finish to complete the installation.
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Mac:
Open the installation DMG file and drag the Handbrake icon into the "Applications" folder
Step 5. Insert the DVD to convert into your computer
In most cases you will simply have to insert the disc into the slot of the optical drive, which is usually located on the right side of laptops (or on the front of the case in the case of a desktop system). However, if you are using a Windows computer, you will first need to press the DVD player's "Eject" button so that the carriage will eject allowing you to insert the disc.
- Some Macs do not have a CD / DVD player. If this is your case, you will have to purchase an external optical reader at a cost of around € 80.
- In some cases, before you can proceed with the conversion, you will need to close the default media player window, which usually runs automatically as soon as the DVD is detected by the operating system.
Step 6. Start HandBrake
The program icon is characterized by a pineapple placed on the right of a cocktail glass. The HandBrake icon should have appeared directly on the desktop after the installation is complete. If not, search using the Spotlight field (on Mac) or the "Start" menu (on Windows).
Step 7. Select the DVD player
It features a round disc-shaped icon located on the left side of the program window, below the tab File.
- Most likely, the name of the movie it contains will also be on the right of the DVD player icon.
- Alternatively, select the option Open Source located in the upper left of the window to access the VOB file to convert.
Step 8. If necessary, change the program configuration settings
Normally, by default, HandBrake is already set up to convert a VOB file to MP4 format, but it's always best to do a quick check before proceeding any further:
- Target file format - look for "MP4" in the field called "Container" in the "Output Settings" section in the center of the window. If another format is displayed, select the drop-down menu and choose the option MP4.
- Video resolution - choose the video resolution you prefer using the appropriate menu on the right side of the program window (for example 1080p).
Step 9. Press the Browse button
It is located to the right of the "File Destination" text field. A new dialog will appear that will allow you to select the destination folder in which to store the new converted video file.
Step 10. Select the folder where the converted file will be stored and type in the name you want to give it
Select the destination directory, then type the file name into the text field located at the bottom of the new pop-up window that appears.
Step 11. Now press the Start Encode button
It is green in color and is located at the top of the HandBrake window. This will start the program to convert the selected VOB file to MP4 format. When the conversion process is complete, the final MP4 file will be available in the destination folder indicated.
