How to Extract the Settings From a DAT File

DAT--an abbreviation of the word "data"--is a digital video format that is used to encode media for publication onto VCD (video CD). Since they are encoded with an MPEG-1 codec, DAT files can be opened and streamed just like any other type of digital video. But due to its highly specialized nature, support for the DAT format is not widespread among media applications. Nonetheless, users can analyze a DAT file's settings with the aid of programs like VLC, GOM Player and MediaInfo. While both VLC and GOM Player are media players that support playback for DAT files, MediaInfo is a utility that displays the encoding properties of multimedia files. All of these tools can be used to reveal video and audio track settings like codec, bitrate, resolution, sampling frequency and channel configuration.

VLC

• 1

  Launch VLC. Go to "Media" on the program menu and select "Open File." Browse for the DAT file in the file selection window. Select the item and click the "Open" button to load it into the application.

• 2

  Go to "Tools" and select "Codec Information." An information screen will appear, indicating the settings for the DAT file's audio and video streams. Click the "Close" button.

• 3

  Shut down VLC by going to "Media" and selecting "Exit."

GOM Player

• 1

  Launch GOM. Click the "Open" icon and browse for the DAT file in the file selection window. Select the item and click the "Open" button to load it into the application.

• 2

  Press the "CTRL" and "F1" keys together and a "Playing File Info..." window will load. The information screen will indicate the settings for the DAT file's audio and video streams. Click the "Close" button.

• 3

  Shut down GOM Player by clicking the "X" icon.

MediaInfo

• 1

  Launch MediaInfo. Click the "Select a multimedia file to examine" icon.

• 2

  Browse for the DAT file in the file selection window. Select the item and click the "Open" button to load it into the application. The program will display the settings for the DAT file's audio and video streams.

• 3

  Shut down MediaInfo by going to "File" and selecting "Exit."