didnt really need the story, coulda just asked what programs you need to put videos on ipod. even apple tells you you dont HAVE to get quicktime pro, its just what they recommend cuz its thiers.
theres many programs out to convert any file type into one the ipod will read.
Try out Videora Ipod Converter.
http://www.videora.com/en-us/Converter/iPod/
also, with some setting changes Nero (nero recode2, i think part of nero digital) can encode a file to play on the ipod. outta the ones i've used, so far nero's the fastest, but videora does h.264, while im not sure if nero is fully doing it in that codec.
helpful hint in what settings to use.. you'll have to play with em to test em for youself, so i suggest finding a smal clip, like the short films on pixar movies. and mess with em. i usually use around 384kbps video quality for my ipod. looks very nice on the ipod.
BTW, for something to copy DVD movies you'll need a program like DVD Decrypter, to store the file onto the PC, (setting it to save it in 1 file no splitting) and then copy the VOB file into whatever ipod converter you use.
might seem a little confusing at first. but its really easy once you understand it. i usually set the convert to do a handfull of videos overnight so they're all done in the morning.
Re: iPod Video
Hybrid Mode
