How to encode into iPod video format without QuickTime Pro

After the release of the iPod video, comes the problem of encoding video files for this new device.
The simplest and official way is to use QT Pro : starting with version 7.0.3 it will be possible to export your video file to iPod video format. It will also work with iMovie. But it is not free, you need to purchase a Pro license for QT.
So if you do not want to purchase QT Pro license, you have several solution to perform the same task :
Thanks to an AppleScript
A reader from MacOSXHints has simply written an AppleScript allowing you to encode into iPod video format any opened video in QT even though you do not own the QT Pro license. When it is done, the file will even be added to iTunes playlist, ready to be transferred to the iPod video during the next synchronization.
An Automator (10.4 required) is also available to perform the encoding via a right-click on the QuickTime file.
In both case, you need QuickTime 7.0.3 minimum.
Handbrake
Handbrake will allow you to perform that same job from a DVD source. Handbrake developers are working on a more integrated solution but it is already possible to make it running nicely if you follow the instructions : video MPEG-4/ audio AAC, 230 400 pixels with a maximal resolution of 640 in width.
The h.264 format generated by Handbrake does not work on the iPod video due to a profile (BASELINE for the iPod instead of MAIN for Handbrake).
If you want to recompile yourself Handbrake to remove this limitation and add a direct export function to the iPod, go to their forum.
You can also read their tutorial
ffmpegX
As with Handbrake, it will be possible to avoid QT and its slow encoding process, with another solution : ffmpegX. Even though it is a shareware, its power and usefulness are worth the price. You can use different video source types such as a .VOB (DVD) or a DivX. To encode into iPod video format, simply choose the settings assigned to the PSP.
There is also a subject of their forum.
This application will probably be updated in the coming weeks to allow a true iPod video export option.
There is of course many other ways to perform this encoding. In summary, every application able to generate a mpeg-4 or a h.264 BASELINE could produce an iPod video compatible file. One should simply respect resolution and bitrate (320kbps for audio, 768 Kbps for h.264 and 2.5 Mbps for MPEG-4), and the audio format must be AAC.
You can for example try with D-Vision, a software similar to ffmpegX, but with 2 advantages : it is free and developed by a French-speaking user.