We've previously released two guides to help Mac owners learn how to
transform video content into iPod-ready formats. Now we've put together
a collection of tips - spread across this article's Parts 0 and 1 on
DVD ripping, and a second article's Parts 2 and 3 on conversion and iTunes/iPod transferring
to help PC users do the same. Since there are many different programs
that can convert iPod videos, we recommend that you keep things simple
as a beginner - learn the basics first, then branch out to the more
technical aspects. The resolution and bit rate of the video files you
can use on the iPod are limited to the technical specifications put out
by Apple, discussed in this earlier article.
Encoding from a DVD or from local files into iPod - Fairly complete starting guide