Keep the complete VIDEO_TS directory together. In a DVD-capable player such as MPC-HC, use its DVD opening feature and choose the DVD folder or VIDEO_TS.IFO as supported by your player. Do not assume opening the first VOB reproduces the full DVD experience.
What is inside VIDEO_TS?
VOB files contain video, audio and subtitles; IFO files describe titles, chapters and navigation; BUP files provide backup copies of IFO information. Do not remove companion files when moving a DVD folder.
Step-by-step: play the DVD folder
Copy the complete unencrypted DVD-Video structure to a folder. Launch your player and choose its DVD-open action rather than its ordinary video-file action. Select the folder containing VIDEO_TS (or the relevant IFO file when supported). Check titles, chapters, audio and subtitles.
If the player only supports opening individual files, you may be able to play VOB fragments but menus, title order and chapters can be incomplete.
Missing DVD menus or chapters
Verify the IFO and BUP files have not been discarded, and that the player supports DVD navigation. A VOB-only copy does not preserve the complete DVD experience.
No audio, black screen or freezes
Confirm the MPEG-2 stream and its audio codec (often AC3 or PCM; sometimes DTS), the chosen audio track and output device. Test another known-good DVD folder to separate file integrity from playback setup.
Commercial discs and region restrictions
Installing codecs does not automatically decrypt copy-protected DVD content or resolve disc-region restrictions. This guide applies to material you are entitled to access.
Frequently asked questions
Is VIDEO_TS a video file?
No. VIDEO_TS is a directory containing the DVD-Video structure. Individual video objects are usually stored in VOB files.
Can I delete the IFO and BUP files?
Doing so can remove navigation data, titles or chapter information. Keep the complete directory.
Does opening a VOB play the full DVD?
Not necessarily. Individual VOB playback can omit navigation and play only part of a title.