It works with almost any player that uses the DirectShow framework, including Windows Media Player.

However, if you are looking for a "proper story" regarding its name, there is a well-known anecdote in the software community that the name "DirectVobSub" is actually a (a mishearing) of the original intended name, "DirectSub" .

If you need the specific functionality of DirectVobSub today, you are likely looking for or XYSubFilter . These are actively maintained forks that:

When configured correctly, it automatically finds and loads subtitle files that share the same name as your video file. How to Set Up DirectVobSub

: When a video with a matching subtitle file (e.g., a .srt or .ass file with the same name as the video) is played, DirectVobSub usually activates automatically.

Download and install the latest version of VSFilter/DirectVobSub. It is often included in popular codec packs. Configuration in MPC-HC:

It seems you might be referring to (also known as VSFilter ), which is a DirectShow filter capable of displaying subtitles.

Its most famous feature was the that appeared in the system tray whenever a video with subtitles was playing. Double-clicking this arrow opened a configuration menu where you could change font, size, position, and encoding.