3 Easy Steps to Converting Your Favorite DVDs to Your iPod

By Erin Monaghan

1. Install DVD to iPod Conversion Software

DVD conversion software usually costs $30 to $50 depending on the company. We suggest PQ DVD for DVD and home video conversions. For now, most DVD to iPod software includes a CSS decryptor that allows you to rip the movie right to your hard drive without installing any extra software.

Modeled to be used in conjunction with the easiest MP3 player in history, DVD to iPod Conversion software is so basic small children and grandparent alike can easily use the software without ever consulting the help section.

*NOTE* We suspect in the future the major Hollywood studios and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) may force companies to stop selling DVD to iPod software with built-in decrypters, much like they did with DVD Copy software, making it harder for you to transfer DVDs to your iPod. Perhaps forcing you to buy the film again using the iTunes Store.

If this happens you will have to install a separate decrypter like "DVD43", a free piece of software that runs in the background, to decrypt the DVDs. This additional software is easily found using an online search.

2. Choose a DVD and Place it in Your Computer

You simply place your favorite DVD movie or television show into your DVD ROM, open your conversion software, select your screen resolution (varies depending on iPod Classic, Nano or Touch,) assign your destination folder and click “record.”

The software will then convert your DVD to iPod’s exclusive M4P video format  and place it in your destination folder. Conversion for an average hour and a half movie is about 45 minutes.

3. Open iTunes

If you have an iPod, it is likely you are very familiar with the iTunes media manager application. Just plug in your iPod and your entire library collection and the collections and playlists on your device automatically appear.

Some DVD to iPod programs give you the option to direct your conversion directly to iTunes, but most require you to transfer the movies yourself. Open your original destination folder, drag your converted movies from your folder to the iTunes “movie library.” Then drag and drop the movies you would like on your iPod to the iPod symbol in the left navigation. There you go, your converted movies are now on your iPod.

Safely disconnect your device and all your movies will be located in the “movies” section of your iPod.

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