Open DAT files with File Viewer Plus

Do you need to open a DAT file?

File Viewer Plus can open DAT (Video CD) video files. It comes with standard playback options and allows you to inspect the metadata of your video file. You can also convert the video to the MP4 format.

Open VCD DAT files with our easy-to-use video player. Try File Viewer Plus for free today!

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A VCD Video File open in File Viewer Plus 5
A VCD Video File open in File Viewer Plus 5

What is a .DAT file?

dat file icon

DAT files store video and audio data typically compressed with MPEG-1 compression and are often utilized on Video CD (VCD) optical discs. The VCD format, developed by Sony, Philips, JVC, and Matsushita, was released in 1993 and became a popular method of distributing films in parts of Asia. It was also commonly used for saving home videos in the 1990s and 2000s. Although VCDs enjoyed brief popularity in the 1990s, they were quickly overshadowed by the DVD format, which offered greater video storage capacity and better copyright protection.

While VCD DAT files are not very common today, you may encounter them on your computer if you have extracted them from the "MPEGAV" folder on a VCD disc or if you have saved home videos as VCD DAT files. You might also receive a VCD DAT file from a friend, coworker, or family member looking to share their own video. Regardless of how you acquire the VCD DAT file, you can play it using File Viewer Plus and convert the video to the MP4 format, which is a much more widely used video format.

Learn more about DAT files at FileInfo.com  →

About File Viewer Plus

File Viewer Plus is the universal file viewer for Windows. Why pay for dozens of programs when you only need one? Install File Viewer Plus, and you'll be able to open over 400 file types with a single app.

You can also edit, save, print, and convert your files. Unknown file on your PC? No problem. The app's advanced file identification can recognize over 10,000 file formats, including files with incorrect or missing extensions.

See all supported file types  →
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