If you are looking for a DAT video player since your native media player does not support DAT format. Then you have come to the right place. While DAT video files are not commonly used, they are typically associated with VCD optical discs and contain video data in the MPEG format.

Despite VCD optical discs having long been substituted with more modern file formats, they can still be played on some DVD and Blu-ray Disc devices. So, if you want to play a DAT video file, here are the top four DAT format video players to check out.

In this article
    1. DAT Video Player 1: VLC Media Player
    2. DAT Video Player 2: 5K Player
    3. DAT Video Player 3: File Viewer Lite
    4. DAT Video Player 4: Vidmore Player

Part 1: Which Media Player Supports DAT Files?

A DAT file is a data file that typically contains information about the application to which it references. Moreover, a .dat file extension can also represent an image, video, email attachment, document, or data containing information. However, to open a DAT file, you must first determine if it is video or text-based. The easiest way around this is to open the file with the VLC media player, as most native media players do not support the format. DAT video files are not compatible with most devices and players, such as Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes, and iMovie.

However, if VLC media player fails to open your DAT video file, and indicates error messages. It either means the DAT file is not in video format or it is not supported by the player. In that case, check out the next section for the top DAT video file supporting media players you can play the file with.

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Part 2: 4 Best DAT Video Player to Play DAT Video Files

There are many DAT video file compatible media players available. It can be confusing to select a player for the DAT file video yourself. Therefore, here are the best four DAT file video players that can help you play videos easily:

DAT Video Player 1: VLC Media Player

vlc media player user interface

As one of the most popular and widely used media players, VLC Media Player supports a lot of multimedia file formats. The player can easily play DAT video files along with other extensive audio and video formats. Although it has a simple user interface and playback controls, you can find additional features and controls hidden in the menus. They include customizable skins, online streaming abilities, subtitles support, snapshots, recording, and more. You can also add numerous extra codecs to the player. It is also an open-source player, which means it is free to download and use.

Key Features:

  • This DAT format video player is an open-source media player.
  • It can play most formats and codecs including DAT files without codec pack extensions.
  • Along with DAT video player, it can play most streaming platform protocols.
  • It supports advanced features like subtitle sync, video and audio filters, and hardware decoding for DAT videos.
  • This DAT file video player is cross-platform compatible.
Pros
  • Free media player without any restriction.
  • It can play DAT video files without any extension.
  • It is available for all operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  • Comprehensive features list to play media.
Cons
  • It can be cumbersome for first-time users.
  • Some rare file formats are not supported such as UNDF.

DAT Video Player 2: 5K Player

5k player user interface

Another top multimedia player that can play DAT video files is 5K Player. It also supports many video formats, such as MP4, MOV, WMV AVI, and 3GP. It also offers one of the best audio and video quality with cross-platform support. The free media player also supports all the latest audio and video technologies, including 3D and 360-degree videos. The player allows you to play DAT video files in the highest 4K, 5K, or 1080p high-definition original quality. You can drag and drop the DAT file on the player interface to play it.

Key Features:

  • It can play 4K and 360-degree DAT video files.
  • It supports AirPlay and DLNA to wirelessly stream DAT files.
  • You can download DAT videos from over 300 sites.
  • This DAT format video player uses hardware acceleration to play high video quality.
  • You can use it as a DAT player for Windows and Mac.
  • Aside being a DAT video player, it also has a has Built-in Radio option.
Pros
  • Free audio and video multimedia player.
  • It supports some of the rarest file formats including DAT video format.
  • AirPlay & DLNA enabled media streamer.
  • Online video and audio downloader.
  • Hardware accelerated high-quality video display.
Cons
  • The interface can be a little crowded for novice users.
  • Overwhelming features for a simple media player.
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DAT Video Player 3: File Viewer Lite

file viewer lite player user interface

The next free DAT video player on the list is the File Viewer Lite media player. This media player supports over 150 file formats of audio and video files. Along with DAT video file format, it also supports AVI, FLV, MP4, and 3GP video formats. One of the notable features of this DAT player for Windows includes a useful information message display when it is unable to open the requested file. The player is easy to use with a simple interface. You can drag and drop any .dat file or folder onto the application window to play it effortlessly.

Key Features:

  • It supports all major multimedia formats and many less common audio and video formats.
  • It displays detailed information about every file you open.
  • It shows hidden metadata of DAT video files.
  • You can play over 150 types of files including DAT video formats.
Pros
  • Free media player with comprehensive features.
  • It supports all types of DAT video file formats.
  • Secure media player without safety concerns.
  • Compatible with older versions of Windows OS, including Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Cons
  • Limited operating systems supported.
  • Not comprehensive video file format support.

DAT Video Player 4: Vidmore Player

vidmore player user interface

The last DAT video file player on the list is another versatile multimedia player, Vidmore Player. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including DAT files. This all-in-one media player can losslessly play any Blu-ray or DVD files, along with all common videos and audio file formats. Some of its supported formats include MP4, MOV, AVI, MPEG, 3GP, M2TS, MP3, and more. Additionally, the HD image quality and lossless sound effects make your multimedia entertainment perfect. It also provides the best visual experience using hardware acceleration. You can get this free player for both Windows and Mac.

Key Features:

  • The player supports almost all video formats, including DAT.
  • Capable of playing Blu-ray discs containing DAT video files.
  • Easily switch between basic and advanced media playback controls.
  • The player is available for all Windows versions and Mac OS.
  • High-quality image playback and perfect sound processing
Pros
  • The media player supports a wide range of video file formats including DAT files.
  • It has a sleek and intuitive interface.
  • It has a range of flexible multimedia playback options.
  • Easy keyboard shortcuts.
  • Single-click snapshot and recording options.
Cons
  • The player comes with a free trial period.
  • The paid version is expensive at $14.95.

Part 3: How to Repair a Corrupt DAT File?

If you are unable to play your DAT video file even with the right DAT video player, then it might be corrupted. In that case, you should use the Wondershare Repairit software to fix it. This video repair software intelligently repairs and enhances the video quality of the DAT video file. It also supports up to 18 video file formats to repair the damage. You can repair the damaged files in three steps and restore your back precious memories.

Key Features of Wondershare Repairit - Video Repair:

  • Provides a quick, user-friendly, and effective solution to repair corrupted DAT video files on both Windows and Mac operating systems

  • Fixes DAT videos in various scenarios, such as corrupted data, missing headers, and logical errors.

  • Along with DAT video files, it can also repair multiple other video formats.

  • Offers Quick and Advanced repair modes and has the highest success rates for DAT video file repairs.

  • Repairit has a quick and advanced scanning mode. You can use either depending on the level of corruption the video file has undergone.

  • Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.10~macOS 13.

Here is how you can repair your corrupted DAT file using Repairit:

Step 1: Launch the application and click the "+Add" button at the center, or simply drag and drop the corrupted DAT video file or multiple files into the middle area of the application.

add corrupted video file option

Step 2: After adding the corrupted videos, the interface shows the complete details of each corrupted video. Click the "Repair" button at the bottom to initiate the repair process.

corrupted video file details with repair option

Step 3: Once the repair action is completed, a pop-up window appears to save and preview the repaired videos. Click the "OK" to save the repaired videos.

repair successful pop-up window

Step 4: Click the "Save" button and choose a path to save.

save path window
Repair a Corrupt DAT File with Repairir DAT Video Fixer Now

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Conclusion

Sometimes the DAT video files can be challenging to play on native media players, without proper codec support. Thankfully, you can use third-party free media players such as VLC, 5K Player, and File Viewer Lite, to easily play your DAT video files. Each player has its unique benefits and features, you can pick the right one according to your requirements.

FAQ

  • 1. Can VLC open DAT files?
    Yes, you can open DAT video files using a VLC media player. Among the many file formats, the player supports it can also play DAT video files. However, VLC cannot open DAT files which are not video or audio files.
  • 2. What is the best video player for DAT files?
    Although there are many multimedia players available that support DAT files. The best video player for DAT files is VLC Media Player. Not only it is the most popular player but it also supports almost all video file formats. It also provides a comprehensive list of features including multiple play more, easy-to-use play controls, and a wide range of audio/video codecs.
  • 3. Can I convert a DAT file?
    Yes, with the correct application, you may convert DAT files to the desired file format. Wondershare UniConverter is one of the greatest platforms for file conversion. It allows you to convert videos for any device. It's a dependable solution that converts video and audio formats while also providing editing, downloading, compressing, and sharing capabilities.
Eleanor Reed
Eleanor Reed Dec 16, 24
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Eleanor Reed
Written by Eleanor Reed
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