TurboFiles

VOB to AU Converter

TurboFiles offers an online VOB to AU Converter.
Just drop files, we'll handle the rest

VOB

VOB (Video Object) is a digital video file format primarily used in DVD video discs, containing compressed video, audio, and subtitle data. Developed by DVD Forum, VOB files use MPEG-2 video compression and can include multiple audio tracks and subtitle streams. These files are typically stored in the VIDEO_TS directory of a DVD and are essential for DVD playback across different media platforms.

Advantages

High-quality video compression, supports multiple audio/subtitle tracks, wide compatibility with DVD players, robust error correction, and standardized format for professional video distribution. Maintains consistent video quality across different playback devices.

Disadvantages

Large file sizes, limited to standard-definition video, complex file structure, requires specific software for editing, and becoming less relevant with the rise of HD and streaming formats. Not natively supported by many modern media platforms.

Use cases

VOB files are predominantly used in DVD video production, movie distribution, professional video archiving, and home video preservation. They are standard in commercial DVD releases, film industry digital archives, and multimedia content storage. Common applications include movie playback, video editing software, and digital media preservation systems.

AU

The AU (.au) audio file format is a simple, uncompressed audio format originally developed by Sun Microsystems for Unix systems. It uses linear pulse code modulation (LPCM) encoding and supports various audio sample rates and bit depths. Commonly used for short sound clips and system audio events, AU files are characterized by a straightforward header structure that defines audio parameters.

Advantages

Lightweight file size, universal compatibility with Unix systems, simple structure, low computational overhead for encoding/decoding. Supports multiple audio sample rates and provides basic metadata. Easy to implement across different programming environments.

Disadvantages

Limited compression options, larger file sizes compared to modern compressed formats, reduced audio quality at lower bit rates. Less popular in contemporary multimedia applications, with limited support in modern media players and operating systems.

Use cases

Primarily used in Unix and web-based environments for system sounds, notification alerts, and simple audio playback. Frequently employed in web browsers, email clients, and legacy Unix applications. Commonly found in sound libraries, multimedia presentations, and as a lightweight audio exchange format between different computer systems and platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

VOB files are DVD video containers using MPEG-2 encoding with multiple audio and video streams, while AU files are simple uncompressed or μ-law compressed audio files used primarily in Unix systems. The conversion requires extracting audio streams from the VOB's multiplex container and transforming them into the AU format's specific audio encoding parameters.

Users convert VOB to AU primarily to extract pure audio content from DVD videos, create audio archives, preserve soundtrack elements, or prepare audio for use in Unix-based systems or legacy audio applications that support the AU format.

Common scenarios include extracting musical performances from concert DVDs, preserving dialogue from film soundtracks, creating audio samples for sound design, and archiving audio content from older DVD media in a compact, universally readable format.

Audio quality during VOB to AU conversion can vary significantly depending on the original DVD's audio stream. Typically, stereo or multi-channel audio will be reduced to a mono or basic stereo format, potentially resulting in some loss of audio depth and spatial characteristics.

Converting from VOB to AU dramatically reduces file size, with typical reductions from gigabytes to kilobytes. An average DVD video file might compress from 4-8 GB to a 10-50 MB audio file, representing approximately a 98-99% size reduction.

Conversion limitations include potential loss of multi-channel audio information, possible reduction in audio sampling rate, and the inability to preserve video metadata or visual elements during the audio extraction process.

Avoid converting when maintaining high-fidelity multi-channel audio is crucial, when precise audio preservation is required, or when the original DVD contains complex audio mixing that might be compromised during extraction.

Consider using more advanced audio formats like FLAC or WAV for higher quality preservation, or explore direct DVD audio ripping tools that maintain original audio characteristics more effectively.