Need recommendations on best format for video podcast (secondary feed)

[cdk57]

I run a regular video podcast, and up until now we've provided the pretty standard .m4v version that plays on the video iPod, in iTunes and in other media players if you download extra codecs etc. It's at 320x240, and the quality is pretty average because it makes it easier for people to download. I've been using 3GP converter for this which i've been happy with so far.

However, I want to provide a higher quality version at full res and I need some advice on which format to choose. Here are some of the things I need from the secondary format:

- Max filesize of around 150MB for 15 mins (hopefully quite a bit lower than this).
- Good quality, full res so it looks good on a computer monitor.
- Compatibility is key - I want to use a codec which is pretty standard and doesn't need separate downloads (e.g. Xvid, etc.). Ideally the OS would come with the codec pre-installed.
- If possible, compatible with video iPod.

I've considered and tested WMV at 1000kbps, and the results are OK, but I've seen better elsewhere so I'm very interested to see what the experts here say! I'm also weary that it won't play in iTunes or on Mac, which is a bit of a problem.

Also, please could you recommend any software that makes converting easy and fast? (I'm converting from DV source).

Thanks in advance

[cdk57]

Anyone have any suggestions?