Mac programs for transferring video to an iPod

Question

Hello everyone, first time poster
I just have a couple questions about iPod video. Sorry if I'm creating another thread about getting videos on it, but my questions just have not been fully answered in the other threads.
First off, I'm running Mac OS X version 10.4.3 on a 1.42 GHz eMac. So any programs that are suggested to me that run only on Windows or only show system requirements of Windows are of no use to me.
Now here are my questions.
1. How do I get videos on an iPod from a personal DVD? (i.e. movies I created on a single-write disc/re-writeable disc)
2. How do I get videos on an iPod from a commercially sold DVD? (i.e. any regular DVD you buy at Best Buy, etc.)
3. What format does the video need to be to get onto the iPod?
4. What is the best program, free or not, in transferring video to an iPod?
5. What is the best FREE program in transferring video to an iPod?
6. Can I download video from a file sharing program (who will remain nameless) then transfer that video to an iPod?
7. Can I change the format name of a video file that may not play on an iPod (say .wmv a file) to a format name that WILL play on an iPod (I assume it's .mpeg-4)?
8. How do I transfer video from iMovie to an iPod?
9. If I buy my iPod at a regular Apple Store (not the online store), get the AppleCare Protection Plan for it, and if a problem arises with the iPod and I take it to the store for support, will I not be serviced based on the content of my iPod?
Again, sorry if these questions have already been asked and answered, but I just feel better that my own personal questions have been answered, and I don't have to tag on other questions to a different thread.

Answer 1

1. Handbrake
2. Handbrake
3. From the iPod tech specs:
"H.264 video: up to 768 Kbps, 320 x 240, 30 frames per sec., Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats
MPEG-4 video: up to 2.5 mbps, 480 x 480, 30 frames per sec., Simple Profile with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats"
4. iTunes
5. iTunes
6. Yes, assuming you convert it first to a supported format. Use iSquint.
7. You can't just change the file extension, you have to actually convert it. Use iSquint
8. export a quicktime movie, then use either Quicktime Pro or iSquint to convert it.
9. No. The content of your iPod will have no bearing on service (unless you install iPodLinux on it, which voids your warranty).