Problem opening a .vob file in Quicktime

Before you get a boatload of confusing terms and language (and you will from all the "smart" people on here):

That VOB file can be converted using the freeware Handbrake to a MPEG-4 (H.264) file. Alternatively, you can also use the shareware ffmpegx.

Either will do the job.

Well no idea why it won't play but it matters not since

vob=MPEG-2 video=muxed audio=you can't export it to H264

(or any QT format) unless you can live without audio. Most want audio.

Open in MPEG Streamclip. Edit/trim/cut. Export to Quicktime from within.

Note for both QT or MPEG Streamclip you must buy the $20 MPEG-2 component from Apple or you cannot play back MPEG-2 video at all.

Note also if you want a majority of site visitors to see the video H.264 is not the best choice unless you expect everyone to go to QT7.

Do not use handbrake as it offers few options and ffmpegx is too confusing for newbies.

See? Told you so. Rick, have you actually tried any of the things you suggest?

I guess all of the DVDs I encoded to H.264 format using Handbrake don't have audio? Huh?

As for visitors "seeing" the H.264 video, VLC is an option for Mac users not wanting to boost up, and WMP 11, MPC, Nero Showtime, and QT for PC will play those H.264 files just fine.

I am having problems opening a .vob file in Quicktime Pro 7. When I navigate to the file and open it... only the first 14 seconds plays. This file has a total play time of 16 minutes.

Since you were able to open the file at all, I assume you have the QT MPEG-2 component installed. Incomplete play of an MPEG-2 file is usually related to the presence of one or more broken time codes in the stream. (QT is very fussy about time codes.) Try opening the VOB in MPEG Streamclip (free) and see if it confirms broken codes. In any case, you can "fix" broken timecodes in this application and either save the "fixed" timecoded file for conversion by QT or convert directly in MPEG Streamclip to a QT compatible (H.264/AAC) file with audio in tact.

Handbrake appears to have two main problems of late:

1. It fails to support 640X480 simple profile
2. For newb's the interface is too complex.

The latest release of iSquint would be a better choice , albeit one must rip the title with MTR first which I think is a better way to go.

Even then, with understanding a few steps MPEG Streamclip is superior to both, as long as one pays for the MPEG-2 component - the encoding is still one button for iPod either size and still offers the ability to tweak, deinterlace, change size, frame rate and so on should one want as they get more adept.

I guess people are still able to drive a Model T Ford but most probably would not choose it if they had alternatives.

I would not use QT as my player of choice for VOBs, either vs. MPEG Streamclip if there are timecode errors. Or generally at all, frankly. And lack of native AC3 support means finding a codec, why bother?

The OP contemplated taking non-playing VOB files and exporting to QT with QT which won't work, and handbrake is a lousy solution now that better products are available and are also free.

Best workflow for good quality is MTR to get the title or chapter/title you want, edit/trim in MPEG Streamclip, save as MPEG files for your source material, then btach process overnight for example again in MEPG Streamclip or iSquint to get great quality H264 output files.