Convert DVDs Fast with Xilisoft DVD to iPod Converter SE — Step-by-Step Guide

Best Settings for Xilisoft DVD to iPod Converter SE to Get Perfect iPod VideosConverting DVDs to iPod-compatible video files can be frustrating if you don’t choose the right settings. Xilisoft DVD to iPod Converter SE is designed to simplify this task, but optimal results require picking the correct format, resolution, bitrate, audio settings, and other options for your specific iPod model. This guide walks through recommended settings, explains why they matter, and gives step-by-step tips to produce high-quality, smooth-playing videos that fit your device and storage constraints.

Understand your iPod model and its supported formats

Before adjusting conversion settings, identify your iPod model (classic, nano, touch, or older iPod video). Newer iPod Touch models support higher resolutions and more formats than older iPod Video or Nano models. Most iPods reliably play:

MP4 (H.264) or MP4 (MPEG-4) video
AAC or MP3 audio
AAC is preferred for better quality at lower bitrates

Check Apple’s official specs for your model if unsure. Using a file that exceeds your device’s supported resolution, bitrate, or codec can cause playback failure or poor performance.

Choose the right output format and codec

For best compatibility and quality:

Format: MP4
Video codec: H.264 (AVC)
Audio codec: AAC

Why: H.264 offers the best balance of compression and quality for portable devices; AAC gives clear audio at lower bitrates.

Optimal resolution and aspect ratio

Match the resolution to the iPod’s screen:

iPod Classic / older iPod Video: 320×240 (or 480×320 for widescreen content if supported)
iPod Nano (later generations) / iPod Touch (older): 640×480 or 640×360 depending on aspect ratio
iPod Touch (retina / newer): 960×640 or 848×480 for widescreen — but often 640×360 or 640×480 is a safer choice to save space

Keep the original aspect ratio to avoid stretching. If the DVD is widescreen (16:9), choose a widescreen resolution (e.g., 640×360 or 848×480). For 4:3 content, use 640×480 or 320×240.

Frame rate (FPS)

Use the source DVD frame rate when possible (typically 23.976, 24, or 29.97 fps).
If you must change, 24 fps for film-origin material preserves cinematic motion; 29.97 fps for TV-origin material.
Avoid unnecessary frame rate conversion to reduce artifacts.

Video bitrate: balance quality and file size

Bitrate controls perceived quality and file size. Use constant bitrate (CBR) or average bitrate (ABR) depending on your converter options:

For 320×240 or 640×360: 400–800 kbps
For 640×480 or 848×480: 800–1,200 kbps
For retina/higher: 1,200–2,000 kbps (only if device supports higher resolution and you accept larger files)

If you want smaller files and still good quality, use two-pass encoding (if available) with ABR — it gives better quality at a target filesize.

Audio settings

Codec: AAC
Bitrate: 128 kbps for stereo is a good default; 192 kbps if you want higher fidelity
Sample rate: 44.1 kHz (matches DVD audio and iPod requirements)
Channels: Stereo

If space is tight, 96 kbps AAC still sounds decent for most material, especially dialogue-heavy content.

Advanced encoder settings

Profile: Main or Baseline for best compatibility with older iPods; Main for newer devices
Level: set to 3.0 or 3.1 for 640×480; higher levels for larger resolutions if supported
GOP (Group of Pictures) size: default or around 250 for DVD source — shorter GOP can improve seeking but slightly increases bitrate
B-frames: enable 1–2 B-frames if available; they improve compression efficiency

If Xilisoft offers presets for specific iPod models, start with those and tweak bitrate/resolution as needed.

Subtitles, audio tracks, and chapters

Subtitles: If you want hardcoded subtitles, enable “burn-in” (they become part of the video). For selectable subtitles, rip to a format that supports soft subs (not all iPods support soft subs).
Audio tracks: Choose the main language track or AAC-encode the track you need. If the DVD has a commentary or surround track, downmix to stereo.
Chapters: You can keep chapter markers if the converter supports creating chapterized MP4s, which some iPods recognize.

Cropping, zoom, and deinterlacing

Cropping: Remove black bars only if you need to maximize vertical resolution, but avoid excessive cropping that cuts content.
Zoom modes: “Letterbox” or “Keep Aspect Ratio” are usually best to preserve full picture.
Deinterlacing: Many DVDs are interlaced — enable deinterlacing to avoid combing artifacts on progressive displays (iPod screens are progressive). Choose “smart” or automatic deinterlace if available.

Noise reduction and filters

Only use noise reduction, sharpening, or other filters if the source is very noisy. Filters can increase encoding time and sometimes reveal artifacts. Use conservatively.

Batch settings and profiles

Create device-specific profiles for each iPod model you use (e.g., iPod Classic 160GB, iPod Touch 4th gen).
Use batch conversion to encode multiple DVDs with identical settings.
For TV series or short videos, you can lower bitrate; for movies increase bitrate.

File naming and metadata

Name files clearly (e.g., “Movie.Title (Year) – 01.mp4”). Add metadata (title, artist, cover art) so they display properly in iTunes and on the iPod.

Quick recommended presets (starting points)

Small/older iPod (320×240)
- Video: MP4 (H.264), 320×240, 600 kbps, 24 fps
- Audio: AAC, 128 kbps, 44.1 kHz, stereo
Standard iPod/iPod Nano (640×480 or 640×360)
- Video: MP4 (H.264), 640×360, 900 kbps, source fps
- Audio: AAC, 128–160 kbps, 44.1 kHz, stereo
iPod Touch / newer retina models
- Video: MP4 (H.264), 960×640 (or 640×360 to save space), 1,200 kbps, source fps
- Audio: AAC, 160–192 kbps, 44.1 kHz, stereo

Workflow step-by-step (concise)

Insert DVD and let Xilisoft scan.
Select title(s) and audio/subtitle track.
Choose MP4 (H.264) preset for your iPod model.
Set resolution and bitrate per recommendations above.
Enable deinterlacing and crop/zoom as needed.
Set audio to AAC 128–192 kbps, 44.1 kHz stereo.
Optionally select two-pass encoding or ABR for better quality.
Start conversion and test one file on your iPod before batch converting.

Troubleshooting common issues

Video won’t play: lower resolution or switch to Baseline profile; check codec compatibility.
Choppy playback: reduce bitrate or frame rate; ensure GOP/encoding settings are compatible.
Audio sync issues: try re-ripping with the same source FPS and ensure constant frame rate.
File too large: reduce resolution, lower bitrate, or use two-pass ABR targeting a specific file size.

Final tips

Encode a short clip first to test settings quickly.
Keep originals if you might want higher-quality conversions later.
Use two-pass encoding for movies when file size targets matter.
When in doubt, use the converter’s built-in iPod presets and tweak only bitrate/resolution.

Following these settings will help you produce consistent, high-quality MP4 files that play smoothly on your iPod while keeping file sizes reasonable.