How to Put Movies on Your iPod

The latest iPod models include the capability to watch movies. The iPod touch, 5th generation classic and even iPod nano can play video if it is in a supported format. Video purchased from iTunes will already be in the proper format, but what if you have a dvd or avi you want to watch? With the right tools, you can convert any video and put movies on your iPod.

Things You'll Need

• iPod
• Video converter program (in this example we use Handbrake)
• USB sync cable

Instructions

1. 

   Make sure your movie is in the correct format for the iPod. In order to watch your movie on your iPod, it must be in mpeg4 format. If you aren't sure of the format, left click the file and bring up the properties window to see file type (avi, mpeg4, divx, etc). If your movie is already in mpeg4 format, you are in luck and can skip to step 4. If it is any other file type continue on to convert it to mpeg4.

2. 

   Find a program with the capability to convert your movie to mpeg4. Quicktime Pro can do this and integrate into iTunes, but it costs $30. In this example we will use the free converter called Handbrake because, well, it is free and also can be used on Linux, Mac or Windows platforms. Download and install Handbrake.

3. 

   When Handbrake opens, look at the presets on the right hand pane. There are options for iPod and iPod touch. Select the preset that corresponds to your iPod model. Next click the "Source" button and find the movie file that you wish to put on your iPod. Then select the destination file field and enter a location for your converted file. Once you have set the source, destination and preset option click "Start" to convert your movie to mpeg4.

4. 

   After converting your movie, you are ready to add it to your iPod. Connect your iPod to your computer with your sync cable. When iTunes opens add the newly converted file to your library. If your iPod isn't configured to automatically sync with your library, drag the movie file to your iPod icon.