iPod video tutorial for Mac

[blick2000]

This is a tutorial explaining how to convert your mov mpeg ect. files to ipod compatiably h.264 on a mac. I discovered that quicktime pro cuts out the sound track of some of my movies. This method is free and does not have that problem.

theory why some videos wont work: Perhaps ffmpegX will not convert framerates from 25 to 29.97 fps. I'm just leaving the framerates the same and hoping they will work.

http://www.3ivx.com/download/macos.html

The software to use is ffmpegX which is pretty amazing.

Download it here:
http://homepage.mac.com/major4/

The software instructs you to download 3 other files. Uncompress them and place them in a good spot (documents ect). Then use the locate button to select each of them.

Fire up ffmpegX and select your movie in the top box. Select your destination in the box below it. I like to add an = sign next to ipod encoded movies.

Select mp4 h.264 in the to field.
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7039/picture24he.jpg

Click video and make the dimensions 320 x 240

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7624/picture15nq.jpg

You can change the sound bitrate to a higher level or try a diffrent encoding, but what I think I used here is fine.

Click encode and start waiting!

After it encodes in FF you need to encode it again using qt pro. Open up the ffed file and export it to ipod. This seems really roundabout, but it will work until someone makes a just for ipod conversion software.

(I dont have my pod yet to make sure this works but the settings match apple's requirements)

Another way to convert movies is to use quicktime pro. Use a program like Audio Hijack by rouge amoeba to record the sound to the video clip. Open up the sound recording in quicktime and do "select all" "Copy" then click on the video clip. Select add to movie. You may have to move and trim the sound clip untill it is in sych with the video. It may sound a little echoy because you have the original sound track and the added soundtrack, but that will go away when you export because the original soundtrack goes away. Then use the export to ipod. For some reason quicktime does not convert and detect muxed audio, so this method adds a audio track for qt to detect and convert.

Post comments or question and I will try to improve this!


Edit: fixed picture links.

[B. W.]

Alternatively, you could use a program called HandBrake (http://handbrake.m0k.org/). EDIT: I stand corrected. Thanks morganw. Handbrake will not work, without some compiling.

Either application should get the job done.

It's times like this I really wish I had a Mac.. *Sigh* :(

[Maxman]

I know honestly... So mac users only have to use one program and we have to use 4 or so different programs. And ours can take a few hours.

BTW, correct me if I'm wrong. I didn't read the stuff in much detail.

[blick2000]

It takes about twice as long as the video clip itself.

[Moht]

Using OSX 10.4.2 I've had no success with either ffmpegx (it just says it's complete instantly but never makes the new video file) nor HandBrake (it's never able to detect a valid title from dvd's, dvd images or dvd folders on the hard drive).

It's driving me mad!!!!

[blick2000]

whoops! The second picture is inncorrect! Underr framerate it should show "NTSC 29.95" not 30.


Another way to convert movies is to use quicktime pro. Use a program like Audio Hijack by rouge amoeba to record the sound to the video clip. Open up the sound recording in quicktime and do "select all" "Copy" then click on the video clip. Select add to movie. You may have to move and trim the sound clip untill it is in sych with the video. It may sound a little echoy because you have the original sound track and the added soundtrack, but that will go away when you export because the original soundtrack goes away. Then use the export to ipod. For some reason quicktime does not convert and detect muxed audio, so this method adds a audio track for qt to detect and convert.

[andy206uk]

strange... i downloaded handbrake and it works a charm (as does ffmpeg). Handbrake lets you crop films to fit rather than stretching them and messing up the ratio which I think is great.

Perhaps you guys are doing something wrong.

[Moht]

Obviously.... but what! The forums for both programs are almost never updated- the general vibe seems to be that OSX 10.4 may be the problem?

[andy206uk]

I doubt its related to 10.4 as that's what I use on my computer here and it's working fine. I'm not sure how to troubleshoot the problem as I'm not a video expert. Are you using a normal out of the box mac setup or do you have any custom dvd drives in the machine?

(I've done my ripping on a 1.2ghz 12" iBook and a 1.4ghz Mac mini).

In handbrake I do the following:

+ launch handbrake
+ select 'detected volume' from the menu that appears when it loads (shows /dev/rdisk1)
+ click open (it scans the disk)
+ select the longest title from the drop down (the longest is usually the movie)
+ select mp4 as file type (top right)
+ from codecs select 'mpeg-4 video / AAC Audio '
+ click picture settings (bottom right)
+ untick 'keep aspect ratio'
+ select width & height to 320 x 240 (ipod resolution)
+ (if you prefer a nonsquished view you can use the crop feature & leave aspect ratio ticked)
+ hit 'close'
+ hit 'rip'
+ wait for ages while handbrake rips the movie.

That should be it...

[Moht]

Thanks Andy- I was doing all that but now you've put it in writing it's decided to start working!

Maybe installing the extra components with FFMPEG helped? I dunno, it's got me confused but seems to work now (handbrake, that is).

[Moht]

Nope, it was just the Young Ones disc I was trying to compress.

[andy206uk]

The Young Ones? (as in the bbc comedy staring ade edmunson and rik mayal?) That kicks ###! (but not as much as Bottom!). I'm a big fan of Rik, in fact I live in the same town as his parents. Strangely I was ripping Drop Dead Fred just yesterday :)

[Moht]

That's the one... but it won't be on my iPod unless handbrake release some bug fixes soon!!!

[blick2000]

DAMNIT All this conversion and none of the videos work on my ipod.

[andy206uk]

Is that a subtle way of saying 'my 5G iPod just arrived' ? ;)

[blick2000]

That too. Ok folks, all you have to do is take your videos and run them through qt pro, and they will work fine.

[madmaxmedia]

So after using ffmpegx or HandBrake, you have to then run through QT Pro?

How long does QTPro take? Does it have to completely re-compress the files, or just do some file format stuff?

[TheDarkness]

Yeah, but you don't wanna do that. It takes forever in QTpro, even for 23 mins of animation.. Try iPSP, or any of the other encoders aimed at the PSP on the mac audience.. Works fast and looks better then QTpro on the ipod.. I like iPSP the best but they all should work...

[jmelrose]

Hi everyone. I've been monitoring these discussions on Handbrake, and as a Mac user I will tell you I was VERY unhappy when the 3 seasons of Family Guy, 3 seasons of the Simpsons, my U2 and Depeche Mode video collections, and various other short videos from DVD. A week's plus worth of work... worthless.

I tried QT Pro. SLOW. I tried Cinematize. SLOW. Handbrake was the only one able to take on the task. However, H264 doesn't work, and I didn't like what I as getting from the same "Target Size" setting in MP4.

On a lark, I tried "Constant Quality" and set it to 85%.
I put AAC to 48000Hz 112 kbps
I reduced the picture to 320x240.

After anxiously awaiting, what came out was a video of similar size to what I was trying before, but for some reason a much better encode. Fewer artifacts, truer color than MP4 using Target Size or Avg. Bitrate. Similar filesize as MP4 or H264. Some were even a bit smaller.

I'm not too big a snob on picture quality, but I want it good. This certainly qualifies, and the file size is reasonable. I do also recommend using Mac the Ripper to rip the DVD to your HD before encoding, as I was getting 35 fps on my Powerbook 1.5 w 1GB RAM, which was 15% better than off the DVD.

I hope that helps. Eventually I'mm sure an H264 method will become just as simple, but in the meantime this works great for me. I hope it helps someone else out there too. Mac users, only need apply for this method.

JMelrose

[jmelrose]

I started a post... probably should have put it here, sorry, but anyway it's called HQ Handbrake encode... something something. Anyway, Information is there, no QT pro is needed.

[fredseibert]

So I used ffmpegx, and the file coverted had a FILENAME.mov.ff.264 extension. With that extension it wouldn't open anywhere. I'm sure I just am too technically dumb, but, what now?

[iPod Dance]

Originally posted by jmelrose
I started a post... probably should have put it here, sorry, but anyway it's called HQ Handbrake encode... something something. Anyway, Information is there, no QT pro is needed.

jmelrose = snowmoon!

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=156367&page=1

It's amazing to think that you can play a video at that resolution from an iPod.

[Tom Honey]

does this produce working Mpeg 4 settings? if so what settings do you need?

[jmelrose]

Hi. I'm not snowmoon.

Yes, it produces working Mpeg 4 settings. However, it's NOT H264. It IS, however, very watchable. The settings, Tom Honey, are 4 posts above this one.

I've also been finding that lowering the "Constant Quality" to 80% and it's still quite good. On some bigger videos, I go back and re-encode using 2-pass and giving it a target size. I've been getting 90minutes of video at around 300MB, Family Guy/Simpsons around 70MB (22 min). U2 Rattle and Hum was 343MB @ 1hr40min, with 160kbps AAC audio (it being a concert).

Anyway, these settings look great on my ipod.

Now my bigger question is how to make a preview frame for use in iTunes' icon view of the videos. Anyone know how to reset the video icons?

Thanks,
jmelrose

[iPAQQ5_iPod20GB]

I have not been able to get ffmpeg to work. I can convert AVI files to MOV, MP4, and H.264, all of which play in QuickTime and iTunes. When I try to sync the files to my iPod i get a message that says these files can not be played on my iPod.

What gives?

[FiddYNick]

Originally posted by jmelrose

I tried QT Pro. SLOW. I tried Cinematize. SLOW. Handbrake was the only one able to take on the task. However, H264 doesn't work, and I didn't like what I as getting from the same "Target Size" setting in MP4.

On a lark, I tried "Constant Quality" and set it to 85%.
I put AAC to 48000Hz 112 kbps
I reduced the picture to 320x240.

After anxiously awaiting, what came out was a video of similar size to what I was trying before, but for some reason a much better encode. Fewer artifacts, truer color than MP4 using Target Size or Avg. Bitrate. Similar filesize as MP4 or H264. Some were even a bit smaller.



JMelrose

Works perfect on my ipod, used mactheripper, then these settings on handbreak ... Thanks Nick

[iPod Dance]

Oops, bad detective skills...


Originally posted by jmelrose
Now my bigger question is how to make a preview frame for use in iTunes' icon view of the videos. Anyone know how to reset the video icons?


I'd imagine in iTunes you change the artwork like a song, but usually when I try to do this, iTunes freezes, then force quits. Weird...

Guys-
today my battery went really fast when playing 'Garden State' that is at 720X302 pixels. Is it possible that having to scale down video on the iPod in realtime uses up a LOT of batteries? In any case it looks amazing on a TV.

I've had better quality success with long movies ripped as MP4 not H264...

[SFNE Freak]

Originally posted by iPod Dance
Oops, bad detective skills...




I'd imagine in iTunes you change the artwork like a song, but usually when I try to do this, iTunes freezes, then force quits. Weird...

Guys-
today my battery went really fast when playing 'Garden State' that is at 720X302 pixels. Is it possible that having to scale down video on the iPod in realtime uses up a LOT of batteries? In any case it looks amazing on a TV.

I've had better quality success with long movies ripped as MP4 not H264...
If the file is bigger, it's going to have to spin up the hard drive much more often to fill the cache. That certainly isn't helping your battery life.

Anyways, ffmpegX isn't working. I don't think there's a program out there that can convert from XviD right now. I think the problem is that programs automatically assume you're trying to convert from H.264 or something that isn't XviD because of the .avi extension.

[JackWhite]

Originally posted by jmelrose


Now my bigger question is how to make a preview frame for use in iTunes' icon view of the videos. Anyone know how to reset the video icons?



find the frame of the video you want (play, ff, whatever). Pause the video on that frame. Right click on the video and choose 'Set Poster frame'. Give iTunes a second or two and it should set to the new frame.

[jmelrose]

Originally posted by JackWhite
find the frame of the video you want (play, ff, whatever). Pause the video on that frame. Right click on the video and choose 'Set Poster frame'. Give iTunes a second or two and it should set to the new frame.

I'd LOVE to report it was that easy, but when I do it nothing happens. When I try to set a poster frame in Quicktime, I also am unable to re-save the file. Hmm.

I DO however have success opening the video in qucktime. Pausing on the frame I want. Copying it to the clipboard, and then pasting it into the "artwork" field. That does the job, but it's cumbersome.

I wish iTunes stored the video files in my Movies folder and my Music files in my Music folder, and never the two should mix. I wish it did that automatically, and as a user I didn't have to point itunes to store files in different places when I import music vs. videos. It seems very user-unfriendly. THere's a whole Apple discussion board topic on it, and I'm not sure people there "get it," some of them anyways. I should be able to consolidate my library and have my videos organized in my movies folder, and my music (as it currently is) in my music folder, or whatever folders I choose. Only a lot of cumbersome manual tinkering gets me the organizational results I want, which really aren't all that demanding. I want to keep videos on an external hard drive and music on my powerbook. I want every import every time to go to those two locations, automatically. iTunes should be able to automate that, but it doesn't

Oh well... 6.1 is due next week, right?
(joking...)

[JackWhite]

It works fine for me.

[iPAQQ5_iPod20GB]

Originally posted by SFNE Freak
Anyways, ffmpegX isn't working. I don't think there's a program out there that can convert from XviD right now. I think the problem is that programs automatically assume you're trying to convert from H.264 or something that isn't XviD because of the .avi extension.

Finally... You have to be the first person to list some sort of an explanation for why ffmpeg will not work with xvid AVI files.

Anything out there work?

[FiddYNick]

dose anyone know how to go from mpeg4 to file that handbreak will read? video ts? i know how to rip a dvd onto my ipod? what about mpeg4's that i have already..


Thanks In Advance

[iPod Dance]

Get MPEG Streamclip: http://www.alfanet.it/squared5/MPEG_Streamclip_1.3.1.dmg
Command E
Select Apple MPEG 4 Compressor
set quality
320x240
Set a preset for future use

[JackWhite]

When i rip a DVD in Mac The Ripper, I end up with a bunch of VOB files. In ffmpegx which VOB file to I point it to?

[FiddYNick]

Originally posted by iPod Dance
Get MPEG Streamclip:
Command E
Select Apple MPEG 4 Compressor
set quality
320x240
Set a preset for future use

deosent work... i already have a mp4 that is 640x480 and want to convert it to ipod size and quality...anyone else thanks Nick

[verbal]

Whats' the trick keeping widescreen....widescreen? When I convert a video, it gets cropped and smushed. What's the trick to keeping it widescreen and not messing up the aspect ratio?

[iPod Dance]

the new version of mpeg streamclip has an automaic iPod h264 preset

[RavenG4]

Originally posted by JackWhite
When i rip a DVD in Mac The Ripper, I end up with a bunch of VOB files. In ffmpegx which VOB file to I point it to?

First. THE NEW VERSION OF HANDBRAKE WORKS!. Version 0.70 has been recompiled to work in encoding for iPod. You must remember when you change it to h.264 to also change it to baseline encding. Don't forget to also change the size in the Picture settings to 320x240 and the KPS to around 400-450 and It will then work. I've been using it and encoding movies all day.

Jackwhite now to answer your question. Once you have the bunch of VOB files you need a program like handbrake to encode them to put them on your ipod. I believe the first post or one of the earlier posts listed direction on how to do that. You would need to point whatever program you are using to the folder with your VOB files. Then set it and you should be all ready to go.

If anyone has any questions PM me here or IM me on AIM RavenG4450

[jmelrose]

I have been making great H.264 files using 3 pieces of software (when I need to rip something with LPCM audio):

1. Mac the Ripper (free)
Rip the complete DVD to the local drive. This also strips the encryption, which is necessary for step 2.
2. Cinematize (shareware)
This software is GREAT for unencrypted DVDS!
- Allows me to break the DVD into chapters if I want (especially useful for music video compilations
- Can export mpeg-2 files of audio/video from any format
- Can export audio or video only, whole title or chapter, in AIFF
- Can also export to Quicktime, Mpeg-2, or demux stream files
3. MPEG Streamclip (free)
-This program does batch encoding to ipod-compliant h.264 video from any MPEG, AVI, etc file. It works well, although for some reason I had 2 or 3 that didn't go to my ipod, so I re-ripped them again and had better luck. I think I tweaked the bitrate to make it happen.

Anyway, this method works well. The only downside is Cinematize is not freeware, but it's hands-down the best program I've used to get LPCM audio ripped off a DVD to AIFF that I have seen. Highly recommended.

When LPCM audio is not an issue, I have been using Handbrake, although I read elsewhere that it doesn't encode AAC at a bitrate higher than 160 regardless of the settings specified. Lower than 160 apparently works out ok, it encodes as specified. over 160... all you'll get is 160.

[tuxthepenguin00]

that seems like a lot of work, i just use handbrake, set the specifics, and rip, i dont see why that wouldnt work

[jmelrose]

As I wrote, Tux, I also use Handbrake for just about anything else. But LPCM audio tracks make Handbrake do funky things for some reason, so this Plan B works fine for people who maybe want to do music videos/concerts which are much better in headphones if ripped using the LPCM lossless audio track.

Additionally, because of the 160kps bug in Handbrake, if you want higher-quality audio than that, this Plan B also helps with that.

[tuxthepenguin00]

sorry, didnt see that

[dspringer44]

1st of all I'm at work so I don't know the complete answers to this but heres the best I can do.

FFMpegX works great to convert videos to iPod - try using the PSP setting, it will name it something strange MV plus some #'s.mp4 but it should work. You can rename it after it's done. I've found it takes about 3X the length of the clip on my G3.

To keep widescreen movies widescreen - you need to take the original aspect ratio and convert it to the new ratio
example - you have a movie that is 720X405 when you rip it
I believe FFMpegX will set it at 320X240 on the PSP setting - but that isn't what the original was at, the top and bottom will be stretched, instead take 720 divide it by 320 (which is 2.25) and divide 405 by that to get 180 - then go to the video settings tab in FFMpegX and set the aspect ratio to 320X180. The final thing you probably have to do is set your iPod settings to widescreen - something you'll have to find by yourself. I also find I like to change the audio settings - use your personal preferences.

1.) rip your movie
2) find out the screen size in the summary tab in ffmpegx
3) take the 1st number (width) and divide it by 320
4)take the second movie size number (height) and divide it by the 1st ratio number (ex 720/320 - 2.25)
5) change the final movie size in the video tab
6) set your iPod to widescreen - voila

I haven't always gotten ffmpegx to work on videos, but now that it does it works great - perhaps you need to check if it works with your system software, earlier versions don't seem to work with the latest OS X - I also have the quicktime mpeg-2 component loaded.

Somebody else posted mpeg streamclip - it's up to version 1.5.1 and it now should convert to mpeg-4 as well but you do need the QT mpeg-2 component to read DVD files and I haven't tried converting anything with it yet. You can set in and out points with it and convert things to a bunch of different formats - it will read all the TS files from a DVD at once.

Hope this helps - happy podding.

-Dan

[dspringer44]

Oh - 1 more thing. The iPod screen is 320X240 - if your movie is larger than that your iPod will have to work harder to show it to you (i.e. more battery usage) so if you want to use it with a tv you might want two copies - 1 for the iPod (320X240) and 1 for TV (which doesn't have to be really any bigger than 512X384).

-Dan

[kajGuy]

okay i have had my vpod for a 3 or 4 weeks.
I have been reading the forms, downloading programs. do everything that your supposed to do.
i ripped three dvd's using handbrake. i encode them using ffmpeg.
It still says that it cant be uploaded to ipod. ARG.
i dont know what i am doing wrong. even when i try to export it to ipod format in quicktime. it freezes at about 5 percent.

[yinyang]

try one these new tutorials...

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/the-complete-guide-to-converting-dvds-to-ipod-format-mac/

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/the-complete-guide-to-converting-video-to-ipod-format-mac/

[s14_maniac]

Originally posted by B. W.
Alternatively, you could use a program called HandBrake (http://handbrake.m0k.org/). EDIT: I stand corrected. Thanks morganw. Handbrake will not work, without some compiling.

Either application should get the job done.

It's times like this I really wish I had a Mac.. *Sigh* :(
what comiling is required?
what is compiling?
thanks

[honeybee1236]

s14_maniac - Handbrake has since been updated. If you have a specific question about something then post the question.

[jasehorner]

just tryed this for encoding

alfanet.it/squared5/mpegstreamclip.html

it rocks! way better than the ones in ilounges guide....it demuxes mpeg1 with the audio into the mp4...took me a while to work that one out...

j

[RavenG4]

The how to posted is pretty good. I actually prefer using Mac the Ripper first though and rip it to a spare drive. Because encoding off a DVD is VERY Slow. Encoding off a drive is much faster.

[islndsteve]

I have a Handbrake queston...iLounge has a great tutorial as to how to use it, but when it talks about the video paneil thay totally skip the file size box...has anyone ever changed it? When I did my first dvd to mp4, it was 700 MB, will I get the same quality if I change the file size box???
Amyone know?

thanxs

[honeybee1236]

If you change the size you can end up with a video that will not transfer to the iPod. If the movie/video is outside of the specs then it won't transfer or it will and won't play on the iPod.

[kgirlsbug]

What am I doing wrong? I cannot get Handbrake to encode above 8 fps..but it usually hangs out at around 2 fps.

Thanks

[yinyang]

there is a newer version of Handbrake...

Handbrake Lite (http://www.isquint.org/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=14)

that will apparently rip from DVD to iPod in two button clicks!!

and another app called ReelBean (http://www.js8media.com/reelbean/index.html) that does much of what QuickTime Pro does, but will be free until Jan 10th.

[jessica.]

Originally posted by blick2000


The software instructs you to download 3 other files. Uncompress them and place them in a good spot (documents ect). Then use the locate button to select each of them.


I got here and then the page I was told to go to confused the heck out of me. Can anyone break that down for me in simple terms? It was all talking about binary and then it never had a link that just let me download those three other files.

/lost.

[Cobybos]

For all of those who are having trouble with your .mp4 files, after ripping a dvd to my computer I changed the extension to .m4v and it transferred easily.

[jessica.]

**edit: it all comes down to the 2nd pass encoding I believe. After taking that off and checking my screem res, all is VERY WELL!! I am VERY excited and very thankful for the help I got here!**

Originally posted by Cobybos
For all of those who are having trouble with your .mp4 files, after ripping a dvd to my computer I changed the extension to .m4v and it transferred easily.

I tried that and did not have any success.
Here are my handbrake settings:

BPS 400, I have BPS 500, they said don't go above like 700 or something. Anyway, someone said change the extension to m4v so I am trying that now.
All other settings are the same.

Source: (file is on my desktop)
Title: 3 etc (chapter 3

Video:
Framerate - Same as source
Encoder - x264 Baseline
Quality:
Average bitrate 500
Grayscale encoding OFF
2-pass encoding ON (per ilounge tutorial)

Destination:
MP4 File
Codecs MPEG-4 Video / AAC Audio
File: not important but FG1-3.mp4

Language: English

Audio:
Language 1 English ACE 2ch
Language 2: none
Sample rate 44100
KBPS: 128

Under picture settings
W: 320
H: 240

Keep Aspect Ratio ON

Crop AUTO

nothing else is checked.

The only thing I am changing now is the 2-pass enoding.

As of right now, those settings above were used for chapters 1 and 2. No dice on getting them to the ipod. They are in itunes though. I am taking off 2 pass encoding and trying that. I'll know in about an hour. Should it take that long? One hour for a 22min show?

[xaggie]

I've ripped a few movies on Handbrake and had sucess. I tried Green Day's DVD, but got a very loud hiss through the recording, couldn't hear the singing. Do the settings need to be diff for concerts movies or is this disk copy protected?

[jmelrose]

The Green Day DVD is likely recorded in PCM audio. (This is linear, uncompressed audio.) Handbrake has issues with it. You may have better luck with other methods. MPEG Streamclip did a good job for me, although I had to make the DVD into an MPEG-2 file first.

A program called "Cinematize" is what I have been using since they added a DVD-->iPod export function. However, it needs a LOT of disk space. Cinematize will not work with encrypted DVDs either, so they have to be ripped and decrypted with a program such as MactheRipper.

[xaggie]

Handbrake works well for me, but is there a program available that produces the same results a little faster? It takes about +/-4 hours to burn a movie?

[baggss]

For those using Mac Handbrake, a bit of info. There should be a 0.7.2 update release in the next few weeks. This update may or may not sport a new GUI, but WILL support Baseline 3 LC 640x480 for the iPod. I've been working with some of the folks on the new development team (the original author is still on an extended hiatus) and have been testing new builds for them.

There is also a new much updated Windows Handbrake in the works, although it is slower going than the Mac version and will likely be released sometime after the Mac 0.7.2 version is released.

There is also a good tutorial on ripping DVDs with Handbrake (0.7.1) located HERE (http://www.phoppe.com/HBidiot/hbi.html).

The official Handbrake Forums are HERE (http://handbrake.m0k.org/forum/index.php).

EDIT: There will not be a realease of Handbrake anytime soon. There WILL be a new program that is a branch off of Handbrake that should be out soon. This is being done to avoid confusion should the original developer of Handbrake decide to return and resume his work. The new App will look much like Handbrake (maybe a new GUI, maybe not) and will support 640x480 Baseline 3 video encoding for the iPod. Standby for more as I know it.

[Multimoog]

Does anyone have a good solution to convert AVI to MP4 for an iPod?

[baggss]

iSquint or VisualHub.

for those who don't know, MediaFork 0.8.0Beta1 is out. Linked from my signature. Looks like MediaFork may become HandBrake again soon as well.

[Sparky_92]

Does anyone have a good solution to convert AVI to MP4 for an iPod?

iSquint ROXORS. One button operation, even adds it to your itunes movie collection for ya. Hands down easiest way to convert anything to the ipod.

[133mhzipod]

I have also used Handbrake, I found it to be really simple to use.