Converting your video into an iPod format requires the use of special computer software called an iPod video converter. Convert movies from the Michael Bay anthology of films such Transformers: Dark of Night and Friday The 13th. While there are many on the market, we have our favorites, two in particular that stand out from the rest. Both are priced around $30 and here is what our reviewers had to say about each one.

Cucusoft iPod Video Converter

If you are looking for a very easy to use iPod video converter program that doesn’t have the confusing additional options and setting changes that you would never use in the first place, then you want the program that is manufactured by Cucusoft. A very powerful yet basic program, the Cucusoft iPod Video Converter program will take all of your DivX, XviD, MOW, RM, RMVB, MPEG, WMV, and AVI files and convert them into the popular iPod movie or iPod video format in a short period of time. The output is designed for your iPod, allowing you to use it as an MPEG-4 player for play back. The current version of the software is 5.02 and with previous version, you will not lose the quality of the video or audio.

The interface of this program – which does nothing more than convert video files to iPod files – is user-friendly and even the beginner user can navigate through the screens without a problem. You can get an idea what your video will look like on your iPod thanks the preview interface. This interface displays the image of a life-size iPod on your screen and previews the video in the display area. You can convert files in batch and if you are an advanced user, resolution, frame rate, and output quality can all be found under the ‘Advanced’ button. There is one downside to any of the files you convert using the programs trial version. There is a registration reminder plastered smack dab in the middle of your converted files and it can only removed by purchasing a full license for the software.

Xilisoft iPod Video Converter

The Xilisoft iPod Video Converter software is another great option for converting your video files into usable – and viewable – iPod files. It is one of the few that supports the iPod 30G/80G MPED-4 formats at 640x480 resolution, and it can also convert many stand alone audio files, such as WAV and WMV. The video formats it converts include but are not limited to AVI; MPEG; WMV; MOV; MP4; RM; RMVB; DivX; ASF; VOB and 3GP. The conversion process is fast and does cause audio or video quality loss, and the interface is extremely user-friendly. Beginners would have no problem using this software.

The new 3.1 version has had some new features added to it, such as audio CD ripping and a step by step wizard. You can easily convert multiple files at a time and it allows you to set up different settings for each if you wish. The conversion speed is greater than 200% and it also include multi-lingual language options. All of the encoders are integrated into the software, and some recent iPod Touch functions have been added. Xilisoft offers users a trial version but it’s only for a five minute clip file, just long enough to give you an idea of how the full licensed version is going to work.