can I change the format of a video?

[metaldaddy]

I video taped a play last week, then burned it onto a DVD-RW disc using a DVD burner (a unit that you can change your old VCR's onto a DVD). This put the video in a VOB format on the DVD. I then was going to edit the video with windows movie maker or Nero, but they will not recognize the VOB format. How can I rip, or change the format to something that thoes programs can use so I can edit and burn the video?
Can LAN do this? If so, how?
Thanks for the help,
metaldaddy

[DJ]

There are some differences between .vob files and .mpeg files. While both file types are MPEG 2 video and both file types will allow MPGa, ac3 and or DTS audio. VOB files generally only have the telecine pull down flags and not an real (actual) frame rate, they also generally have chapters and subtitles, but there is nothing that requires any of this. In other words a VOB file could be the same as an MPEG file. However, when this extension is used the native source filter in Windows will not support chapters or subtitles, but with proper Direct Show (filters) codecs will support ac3 and DTS. Microsoft also precludes a decoder for MPEG 2 forcing you to purchase one from a third party. Quite a number of programs that play DVDs will also play .mpeg files but will not play stand alone .vob files as this extension is blocked by the program. Seems this is all part of the supposed copyright restrictions.

None of these restrictions apply to VLC. This leaves you free to select a legal extension within the MPEG naming convention. But keep in mind that you still need to know what you are doing or you will end up with files that don't want to play with some players even though they can play the file.

[VLC_help]

Use PGCdemux to demux the Vob files and TMPGEnc to mux (File -> MPEG tools... and multiplex) they should work with Nero and with Windows Movie Maker if you have PowerDVD, WinDVD or Nero Vision installed (not 100% sure about Vision).

[DJ]

Agreed! Try http://www.videohelp.com for more info...

[Tappen]

I've been using Vlc to remux DVDs. If the DVD is in drive D:, I choose Open Disc, put D: in the Device name field, Title = 1 (or whatever title you want from the DVD, open it normally and use Navigation to find the title number), check Stream/Save in Advanced options, open Settings, check File and put in a name like c:\myvideo.mpg, select MPEG PS Encapsulation then hit OK on both dialogs. When Vlc finishes I have an mpeg-2 file that can be edited.