use handbrake to convert your dvds to ipod friendly files. all the default settings should be ok, but the "average bitrate". it needs to be less than 768, or it will not play on the ipod. 500 gives good quality. also make sure you click on "picture settings" and make the video 320 by 240, or smaller. these are two things that need to be set so that the ipod will play them. i got this info from the feb 06 macaddict mag. they had a how-to on turning your dvds into ipod video friendly files. i'd say goto your local library and check it out and read the whole article.