How to Convert DVD Movies to iPod

If you want to convert (or 'rip') a DVD to run on your iPod, you will need software to perform the conversion as well as a copy of iTunes on your computer. Ipods with video use the MPEG-4 video format with the H.264 codec. Fortunately, there are a couple of conversion methods possible to get there from your DVDs.
Using an older, commonly 2-step conversion process, you could first convert your DVDs from their DVD format to .avi files, then convert from those files from .avi to .mov (QuickTime), and then finally upload to your iPod via iTunes.
Or you could simply purchase a DVD to iPod conversion utility such as PQ, Avex and Cucusoft DVD to iPod programs convert DVD formats directly from the DVD to the iPod file format.
The things to look for in a one-step converter are speed, audio and video quality (since you will be converting both video and audio files), as well as ease-of-use for beginners, since converters often come with advanced features difficult for the newbie to grasp.
Newbies will definitely want instructions as it's not intuitive what to do when opening a DVD in a converter and see all kinds of weird files and folders, such as VOB (Video Objects - where the movie files are), IFO (files that provide information for DVD players about where chapters start, where certain audio tracks are located, and so forth) and BUP (simply backup files.) Plus questions about bit rates and image sizes may throw a beginner as well, so ease-of-use is essential.
Also, if you are looking specifically at a DVD converter, not a more general video converter, make sure it converts all DVD formats. Not all do. And, as always, look for reviews from trusted sources such as CNet.
Converting your DVD movies to iPod format is only part of the process, however. You also will need to load the results into your iPod.
To do this, you must have iTunes on your computer. Fortunately iTunes is available free for both Macs and PCs from Apple and uploading is easy.
Simply drag the MP4 or .mov file you have converted into your iTunes library or select Add to Library from the File menu, and then select the desired movie. (Note: You probably want to click on "Videos" in the left column then double click on your file just to make sure the video actually works.) Then load the movie onto you iPod for your viewing pleasure.

Convert DVD TO AVI