If you were to, say, download the video file (it would be in .flv format) from youtube using a site like, perhaps, keepvid.com, you could then convert that .flv file into an iPod-compatible format using a program like Total Video Converter. That would, in theory, work. I suppose it is only as legal as the video itself is, though with, for example, NBC posting official video, I don't really think it's any different than taping things off of television for your own personal use (provided you are only doing this for your own iPod=personal use)
Of course, Total Video Converter is not a free program...but it does work perfectly for this. It also easily makes MP3s from youtube videos. If you should find another free program that would convert .flv files to iPod-compatible video, that'd be just fine, too. Good luck either way.
(And PS- I recommend saving your favorite videos regardless of whether you have a video iPod or not, ie- in case three videos of the Follies OBC rehearsing should one day pop up, then quickly disappear)
ETA- The above links seem very helpful, and are free. I've been using the above method for so long (successfully) that I hadn't thought to look into any newer developments. Thanks!
Updated On: 4/17/07 at 12:52 AM