The article includes FOUR parts.

Part 1: Natively supported video formats by Zune & Zune software
Part 2: Convert DVD and popular video&audio;file formats like AVI, MPEG, DivX, XviD, MOV, ASF, RM to Zune (WMV, WMA) step by step quickly
Part 3: Convert iTunes to Zune, iPod to Zune, M4P to Zune, M4v to Zune
Part 4: Download and convert video from YouTube, FLV, Google, Myspace, iFilm, etc. to Zune WMV/WMA

All conversion supports encoding to WMV and WMA playable on Zune without converting using Zune software again. All software are picked and popular on the internet.

Part 1

1) Natively supported formats for Zune
Microsoft Zune player supports WMV, WMA, MP3, AAC natively. You can sync the following movies and music to Zune device directly without any converting process.

Video: WMV (up to 320x240, 1.5Mbps video bitrate, 30fps frame rate; With WMA audio up to 192Kbps audio bitrate, 44.1kHz sample rate)
Audio: WMA, MP3, AAC, M4A, M4b, MP4 (up to 320Kbps bitrate, 48KHz sample rate)

Hints: To 16:9 widescreen videos, the resolution is 320x180.
Hints: Zune only supports unprotected media files unless they are purchased or downloaded from Zune Marketplace.

2) Straight convert Zune video with Zune software during sync
If the movies you downloaded online or your personally created videos don't meet the limitations which Zune carries (such as any specific parameter is exceeded), but they can be imported into Zune software and played back successfully, then Zune software will convert the media files in the background during synchronization.

Supported formats for Zune software are as follows:

Video: WMV, MP4, M4V, MOV, H.264 with various video sizes, bitrates, frame rates
Audio: MP3, WMA, M4a, M4b, MP4 with no any limitation.

Part 2

--- Convert DVD to Zune video & rip DVD to Zune audio

1. Free download  latest version DVD to Zune + Zune Video Converter from here. More information about the great Zune converter is here.

2. Insert the DVD you'd like to convert to the DVD drive.

3. Click 'File' menu and 'Open DVD', or directly hit 'Open DVD' button to load the DVD.



4. Click around in the DVD's menu to set up DVD playback as you like, then begin to play the movie through the software.

5. The following window will pop up. Here, you can rename 'Title Name', set 'Save Path' and output quality, then click 'Yes' button to start ripping DVD to Zune WMV or Zune MP4 video from the point that the movie starts. That is all. Just so easy!

If you'd like to record from certain time point, or want to change some parameters like 'output format', 'video bitrate', 'frame rate', 'audio bitrate', please click 'No' button to close the window.

6. Optional parameters settings
* Select subtitles and lauguages
Click 'Subtitle' or 'Audio Track' in the 'Setting' menu; choose the related value you like.
* Set output formats
Choose the target file format from 'Profile'. The software supports converting DVD to Zune WMV, Zune MP4, Zune H.264, Zune audio WMA, Zune MP3 and Zune TV size.

* Set the start time to convert
Use the video playback controls to queue up the point at which you want to start ripping. Or click 'Setting -> Go to' and jump to previous/next chapter.
* More parameters
Click 'Setting -> Output video settings', here you can choose different profile, video/audio bitrate, video size, disable video/audio, aspect ratio, frame/sample rate, etc.
If you are not familiar with these options, please view the descriptions listed at the bottom of the window.

7. Hit 'Convert' button, choose the recording time point and quality, then click 'Yes' to begin to convert DVD to Zune video or audio quickly.

8. After ripping, transfer the converted files to Zune software, and then sync to your Zune player.

--- Convert movies to Zune video (WMV, H.264, MP4) and Zune audio (WMA, MP3), AVI to Zune, MPEG to Zune, WMV to Zune, MOV to Zune, DivX to Zune, Xvid to Zune, DVR-MS to Zune, RM to Zune, RMVB to Zune, ASF to Zune, AVS to Zune, MPG to Zune step by step

1. Free download  latest version DVD to Zune + Zune Video Converter . More information about the great Zune converter is here.

2. Click 'Open file' button to load the video file(s) you'd like to convert. The Zune converter software supports batch conversion mode.



3. The default output format is Zune WMV video. If you'd like to change this, click "Advance" button, set the output format to Zune video (Zune MP4, Zune WMV, Zune H.264, Zune TV) or Zune audio (MP3, WMA). Here, you can also set video size, frame rate and more.

4. Hit 'Convert' button to start converting video to Zune.

5. Transfer the converted video or audio files to Zune software and put them on Zune player.

Just so easy!

Part 3

--- How to convert iTunes to Zune WMV WMA

Step 1: Free download this QuickTime M4V converter and save it in your computer, and then run it.

Step 2: Launch this QuickTime M4V converter



Step 4: add m4v file, Click "Change" button to select a path for the ZUNE WMV outputed file:

Step 5: Click "Convert" button to start to convert QuickTime M4V to ZUNE WMV.

Part 4

--- Put YouTube, FLV, etc. Video on your Zune
   
   1. Download FLV to Video Converter Pack and install it.

   2.Click on the "Add" graphic icon on the tool bar to pop up a dialog box to import the target FLV files that you want to convert. The programe supports conversion in the batch mode; you can add multiple files for conversion each time. Once the FLV file is imported into the program, it will be played back in the preview panel right away by default.
     

  3. Select the output format and change the audio and video settings
     
 
  4. By the way, the converter has provided the access to view the basic information of the source FLV files for reference when setting the video and audio parameters: click the graphic icon on the top left corner of the preview panel and most of the basic information will be displayed in a semi-transparent box like below:
   
  5. Start the conversion by selecting the Output folder and pressing the "Convert" button.

  6. Transfer to Zune
      Load the WMV files to Zune by clicking 'Sync contenct to and from your Zune'.
     

Convert DVD to Zune WMV, WMA, etc.

  1.Download DVD to Zune Converter, run it.

2.Click "Add DVD Folder..." in the File menu or directly click the "DVD" button in the main interface, then select your DVD-ROM in the pop-up window and press the "OK" button.



3. All files from DVD are loaded. If you only want to convert certain chapter(s), press "Show Chapters" button on the main interface and then check the chapter(s).

4. Select the target output format in "Profile" combo-box on the interface. Here WMV is recommended because Zune natively plays the format. If you choose MP4, zune Software will need to transcode it to WMV again, that waste a lot of time.

Tip: The software can also extract audio from DVD and save as Zune audio WMA.

5. After selecting "Zune WMV" as the output format, the right panel will show Zune WMV settings. By clicking certain setting(s), you may specify it. We suggest you to keep the default settings.

Tip: It supports clip or segment conversion. You can convert any clip or segment by setting the start point and duration at will. For example, you want to rip a clip from 00:03:20 to 00:08:00 please click "Start time" to set the starting time 00:03:20 and click "Duration" to specify the length 00:04:40.
Tip: Zune video size: 320x240
Tip: Zune video must be WMV with wma audio.

6. There are other options on the interface you can adjust.
>> In 'Zoom' section, you can find four options. 'Letterbox', 'medium', and 'pan scan' will convert 16:9 format to 4:3 format. The Full option does not correct the aspect ratio. If you have a 4:3 DVD, use the Full option.
>> In the 'Split' drop list, you may select the size of the volumes that you would like to generate.
>> Select the output folder by clicking the "Browse..." button or directly enter a path in "Destination" box.

7. Press the "Encode" button to start converting. You would see the info "Completed" in the status column after a successful conversion.

8. After the files are successfully ripped, you may transfer to your Zune with Zune Software.

Convert video and audio files to Zune WMV, WMA, etc.

1. Download DVD to Zune Converter, run it.

2. Load the file(s): Add the video or audio files you would like to convert by clicking the "Add" button in the main interface or choose "Add" in the "File" menu.

3. Highlight the file(s) you'd like to convert, select the target output format from "Profile" combo-box.


Tip: It supports clip or segment conversion. You can convert any clip or segment by setting the start point and duration at will. For example, you want to rip a clip from 00:02:20 to 00:07:00, please click "Start time" to set the starting time 00:02:20 and click "Duration" to specify the length 00:04:40. For sync problem, you may lower down the video bit rate to have a try. You can also try to solve it by adjusting the frame rate.

4. Finally, press the "Encode" button to begin to convert.

5. Drag the converted Zune video/audio files to Zune software and sync to your Zune player.

The article includes ten most useful parts for your iPod. All the useful parts work great. With this great guide, you do not need any other guide for your iPod.

Part 1: How to convert Youtube video to iPod for free.
Part 2: How to rip DVD movie to iPod (Windows)
Part 3: How to rip DVD movie to iPod (Mac)
Part 4: How to convert Limewire music and video to iPod for free.
Part 5: Convert AVI, WMV, MPEG, RM, RMVB, ASF, MOV, DivX, XviD, MPG and any video to iPod MP4 or H264 format (Windows)
Part 6: Convert AVI, WMV, MPEG, RM, RMVB, ASF, MOV, DivX, XviD, MPG and any video to iPod MP4 or H264 format (Mac)
Part 7: How to convert flash, swf to iPod
Part 8: How to paly games on your iPod for free.
Part 9: How to transfer your video/music/photo from iPod to computer and another iPod.
Part 10: How to paly videos on your iPod nano for free.

Part 1: How to convert Youtube video to iPod for free.

if you do not satisfy with the online converting speed, you can visit this site: http://www.flvconverter.org and download the 3rd software- flv to video converter pack. you can also directly download it from here
There must be some wonderful videos you’ve ever watched on youtube. It’s really a pity that you can’t put them on your iPod or PSP and share them with your friends. (Cause iPod and PSP can play only MP4 format video, but youtube video is FLV format). There is an online FLV converter for people who want to convert their youtube video to iPod or PSP. It’s very convenient and free, you needn’t download any software. This guide will describe the basic steps; it should be easy to understand.
Part 1: How to convert Youtube video to iPod for free.
There must be some wonderful videos you’ve ever watched on youtube. It’s really a pity that you can’t put them on your iPod or PSP and share them with your friends. (Cause iPod and PSP can play only MP4 format video, but youtube video is FLV format). There is an online FLV converter for people who want to convert their youtube video to iPod or PSP. It’s very convenient and free, you needn’t download any software. This guide will describe the basic steps; it should be easy to understand.

Step.1 First, open this website: http://vixy.net/flv_converter . It's an online FLV converter.

Step.2 Then go to youtube http://www.youtube.com and find a FLV that you loved. Copy the URL that in the Red box. Like this format: http://youtube.com/watch?v=J7JmsMMIR4Y



Step.3 Paste your FLV file URL or web page in the input box and choose “MP4 for iPod/PSP” to convert the FLV file. Then press the start button and just waiting.



Step.4 At last, we get the download link of the mp4 file. Click the download link to download the MP4 file and save in your computer, remember where you save it in.

Part 2: How to rip DVD movie to iPod (Windows)
1. Download the latest version DVD to iPod Converter + iPod Movie/Video Converter Suite, and install it. For more information about it, you can visit here. We choose the software because it is the best ipod converter in many ipod reviews.

2. Run the DVD to iPod Converter, load your DVD by clicking 'Open DVD' button or choosing 'Open DVD' from 'File' drop down menu. One or several titles appear in the list after loading DVD.


3. As usual, the longest title is the main file of the movie. You can remove the title you don't like to convert by unchecking the title. Set 'Subtitle', 'Audio Languages' to what you like.

4. To 'Output Folder', Enter the full pathname or choose the path where you want to save your video files by clicking the related button.

5. Click 'Convert' button to start the iPod DVD conversion.

6. Find the .mp4 file that DVD to iPod converter created and drag it into your iTunes library, or select 'Add File to Library' from the 'File' menu and select the encoded movies. Now you can watch it with iTunes or Quicktime Player on your PC.
Tips: Download iTunes 6+quicktime Player package from http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html


7. Load the MP4 files to iPod by clicking 'File -> Update iPod'. Now, you can enjoy the movies on your fifth generation video iPod anywhere and anytime.

Part 3: How to rip DVD movie to iPod (Mac)

Download the latest Mac DVD to iPod Video Converter, Click here to Download Power PC version, Click here to Download Interl Version (Note, currently firefox does not full support dmg file download, if you use firefox browse, pls right click and choose save target as...) insert the DVD movie you'd like to rip into the DVD drive, click "DVD" button to load your DVD, select the output format and set the optional parameters, then hit 'Convert' to start the iPod DVD conversion process.


Part 4: How to convert Limewire music and video to iPod for free

Limewire is a download tool. We can use it to download free music and videos and put them on my iPod. If you don't have Limewire, you can download it from here:
http://www.limewire.com/

Search and download songs from Limewire. You may get songs in all sorts of formats, but not all formats are supported by iPod. Usually I select three formats: MP3, AAC and M4A formats that are supported by iPod and can be directly transferred to iPod using iTunes. For the detailed specs info, you can visit http://www.apple.com/ipod/specs.html . After you download the songs, open your iTunes, click "File" from the upper left corner, select "Add file to library", browse your computer hard drive and find the songs downloaded by Limewire, select the songs you prefer, click OK and the songs will be put in your iTunes. Then you can just transfer the songs to your iPod from iTunes.

Part 5: Convert AVI, WMV, MPEG, RM, RMVB, ASF, MOV, DivX, XviD, MPG and any video to iPod MP4 or H264 format (Windows)

1. Download the latest version iPod Video Converter + DVD to iPod Converter Suite, and install it. For more information about it, you can visit here. We choose the software because it is the best ipod converter in many ipod reviews.

Related download
* To convert RM/RMVB real media files to iPod, Maybe need to install Realplayer:
http://www.real.com/freeplayer/?rppr=rnwk
* To convert WMV, ASF to iPod, Maybe need to install Windows Media Player:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...a/default.mspx

2. Run iPod Video converter component. And load the video files you'd like to convert by clicking 'Open file' button.




Click 'Output' and choose the pathname where you want to save your video files. Click 'Convert' to start converting video to iPod MP4 or H264 files.

Tips: Before converting, you can click 'Advance -> Video settings' to set 'Video format', 'Resolution', 'Framerate', 'Output Quality'. If you'd like to convert video to H264 files, please set 'Video format' to 'H.264 FQ Variable Bitrate'. 'MPEG4(.mp4) FQ Variable Bitrate' is the default value. Certainly, you can also set 'Audio Bitrate', 'Channels', 'Sample Rate' and 'Volume' in 'Audio Settings' page.

As usual, we set "Resolution" as "320x240" (i.e. default settings), certainly you can also choose other video sizes you like.

3. After converting, you can open the output folder to check and play the iPod video files (.mp4 or .mov) using Quicktime Player (Freeware, Quicktime Player+iTunes downloading address http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html ).

4. Transfer the iPod videos to iTunes by draging or clicking "File -> Add File to Library". Now, you can enjoy them on iTunes. Then hit "File -> Update iPod" to sync to your iPod.

Troubleshootings (Windows)
1. Why occour a message: 'MPEG2Dec: Error during decoder initialisation' or 'unable to read from E:VIDEO_TSvts_01_1.vob' everytime I put any DVD in?
First, Check that you select the correct DVD driver. If not, please select the correct DVD driver path.
Second, quite a few users encountered this error and have solved by using dvdXsoft DVD to iPod Ripper, Xilisoft DVD to iPod Converter. Plz download to try out. More information see Here
2. Audio is out of sync with the video or no audio
There are several posts which says audio is out of sync with the video or no audio at all when they used videora ipod converter, cucusoft dvd to ipod converter or pqdvd dvd to ipod video converter. It seems that there is no software can work well for ALL users and ALL DVDs.
In fact, you might as well resolve the problem trying the following one by one.
A. DVD to iPod Converter: Click "Setting -> Input settings". (a) Check "Audio/Video Synchronisation". (b) Set "Deinterlace filter" to "None". (c) Set "Output frame rate" to other values.
B: iPod Video Converter: Click "Advance", change 'framerate' to 23.976 or 29.97 in 'Video settings'.
If it doesn't work, might as well change a DVD movie to test. If still doesn't work, try another softwares like  Imtoo DVD to iPod Converter.
Load your DVD movie, set the mode you'd like to rip, and Click 'Record it'.

3. Still doesn't Work
If DVD/Video to iPod conversion doesn't work, please post your problems here and I will solve ASAP. I am glad to help.
iPod official support page: http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/
iTunes official support page: http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/

Part 6: Convert AVI, WMV, MPEG, RM, RMVB, ASF, MOV, DivX, XviD, MPG and any video to iPod MP4 or H264 format (Mac)

iPod Video Converter for Mac can not only convert AVI, MOV, MPEG, DivX, WMV, VOB, XviD to iPod video MP4, but also extract/convert media files to iPod audio M4a, MP3 on Mac.

It is easy to use. Just download Mac iPod Video Converter (1.Download Power PC version, 2. Download Intel Version) load your video files and convert by pushing several buttons.


Part 7: How to convert flash, swf to iPod

1. Download flash to iPod Converter, intall and run.

2. Click "Add Flash", load your Flash (.swf) movie or video files.
Tips: You can play the swf file by clicking "Play" button.



3. Click "Convert Now!" to start converting swf flash to iPod mp4 video format.
Tips: (optional) Before converting, you might as well set "Output folder" to somewhere you like.

4. Drag .mp4 files that the swf flash to iPod converter created into your iTunes library, and then transfer the iPod video files to your 5-gen iPod by clicking 'File -> Update iPod'.

Part 8: How to paly games on your iPod for free.

Recently Apple announced that you can buy video games for your 5G video iPod for 5 bucks a pop. Cool, right? But what if you don't own a video iPod? What if you're stuck in the world of pre-video obsolescence? Worse yet, what if you don't have 5 bucks? The new games for sale at the iTunes Store aren't for you, and that's not quite so cool. Luckily, you can still play video games like Texas Hold 'Em, Tetris, and Bejeweled (all of which are for sale at the iTunes Store) on pretty much any iPod with a little bit of virtual elbow grease for free. Here's how.
http://lifehacker.com/software/ipod/...ree-202414.php

Part 9: How to transfer your video/music/photo from iPod to computer and another iPod.

Download Tansee iPod Copy Pack:
Then you install it and run it. It is a life saver when
- Sending your iPod for repair.
- Backup song/video/photo to PC.
- Moving song/video/photo to a new iPod.
- Share your iPod song/video/photo with friends.
- Computer crashed.


Part 10: How to paly videos on your iPod nano for free.

This is a guide about how to install iPod Linux on your nano to enable you to paly videso on your iPod nano. BE CAREFUL! I'm not responsible if you screw up your iPod nano. I wouldn't advise this procedure if you are not familiar with MS-DOS commands.

This guide above is helpful for every iPod user. I am sure this is the most comprehensive guide for your iPod. If here is not the guide you need in the above, just post it here. Then I will try my best to find the guide and post it here to help more people.