Best DVD Converter to ipod (vista 64 bit)

[myth8892]

I am wanting to buy the 80 gb version of the ipod classic, mainly for videos (movies).
I was wondering which converter do you all think is the best?? I have researched it the best i can and 2 names keep popping up, Cucusoft and Avex.
I was wondering what anyone else thinks or if you have either of these programs, did you like it or love it or what?? this is mainly just to convert my dvd movies over to the ipod for that i can view them thru there.
I havent found a good shareware or free version, I have heard of handbrake but that mainly works better with macs, I am on a pc though not a mac.
If anyone has either of these 2 programs or has had great success with a different one, i would greatly appreciate your input on this matter.
I am going on a trip in a few weeks and would love to put about 30 movies on the ipod. also if anyone has these programs or has xferred movies to the ipod, which format do you suggest?? was thinking of the H264 format but not sure.
Thanks for your help and or input in this matter

P.S. I don't care if i need to buy the software btw, as long as it is easy to xfer over to the ipod and sounds good and picture quality is top notch as well

[szukalski]

I use Xilisoft iPod Video Convertor 3 to convert the dvd/mpg/avi to mp4 then copy it across using iTunes..

[nicepun]

DVD Fab Platinum works fine for me.

[rommel]

I've been using Videora with no problems

http://www.videora.com/en-us/Converter/iPod/

[Yakyb]

staxrip (and handlebar??) has a ipod profile i would go with that

[Strafe]

Even though Handbrake started as a Mac app, it has a great Windows port. Whether it works better on the Mac, I don't know, but it is awesome on Windows.