How to play VOB / IFO / BUP files
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/dvd_files.gif)
VOB
VOB stands for DVD Video Object. It is basically one of the core files found on DVD-Video discs and contains the actual movie data, including an MPEG-2 video stream and support audio (MP2, AC3, DTS etc.) In order to view stand-alone VOB files, you need to have a DVD player software that supports VOB playback.
IFO
In video editing, IFO normally refers to a file on DVD-Video disc and stands for InFOrmation. IFO files basically contain all the information a DVD player needs to know about a DVD so that the user can navigate and play everything properly.
BUP
BUP files are simply backup copies of IFO files on a DVD-Video disc in case of corruption.
How to play DVD files
There are a variety of ways to play these files. However, some solutions are less suited than others. Everybody really should have some form of software DVD player installed.
Media Player Classic
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/mpc.gif)
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/mpc2.gif)
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/mpc1.gif)
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/mpc3.gif)
Software DVD players
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.afterdawn.fi/storage/pictures/windvd.gif)
AfterDawn would recommend downloading and installing either PowerDVD or WinDVD to play back DVD from HDD. Both of these are commercial software packages.
WinDVD --> http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_players/windvd.cfm
PowerDVD --> http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_players/powerdvd.cfm
Burn DVD folders
Another option is to burn these files to DVD. If you have a DVD burner (dual layer may be required), then AfterDawn has some guides that may help...
Burn DVD folders with Nero Burning ROM --> http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/archive/burning_dvd_with_nero.cfm
Burn DVD folders with ImgBurn --> http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/archive/burn_dvd_folder_imgburn.cfm
How to burn a DVD image or DVD folder with DVD Santa --> http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/archive/burn_dvd-img_or_dvd_folder_dvdsanta.cfm
Version History
v1.0 - 31st of July, 2007 by Dela
Written by: James Delahunty