VobSub Index

File Extension idxPopularity ObscureSubtitle Type Image

VobSub (IDX) is an image-based subtitle format used primarily for DVDs. The IDX file contains timing and coloring information and references the corresponding SUB file, which holds the subtitle images in MPEG-2 streams.

History#

The VobSub Index file, developed in the late 1990s, is part of the VobSub format used for DVDs. The IDX file's ability to support multiple subtitle tracks and detailed timing information made it essential for the diverse language needs of DVD video. While development ceased in the early 2000s, the IDX format remains in use for DVD ripping and archival applications.

Key Metrics1

CategoryScore2Rating
File quality80Great
File size85Large
Compatibility30Poor
Flexibility50Good
Ease of use40Average

1 Compared to other formats in the Subtitles category.

2 Scores are rated on a scale of 0 to 100.

See Also

  • VobSub SubtitlesDVD-quality bitmap subtitles in MPEG-2 streams

  • Video ObjectDVD-Video container format for multimedia content