I am so glad I looked up the things about the iPod: just as I feared: you have to buy additional stuff to convert the movies: it only plays in Quicktime, so I will have to convert all of my Tivo recordings, which apparently takes hours, according to reviews. They offer ABC and Disney TV shows for purchase on their website. These are the only hassle-free shows to watch. What bull!
On the other hand, I feel further inspired to further hack Rose. I can record sound, as I proved at that interesting poetry reading. Now I'm ready to take it to the next level and record and play back video. I guess it's that thing where the box said it could, so I'm determined to make it happen. I love my MP3 capabilities even though it's useless without headphones.
There is freeware to record mini-movies, and software to play movies that is reportedly good. I'm going to give it a try. It will probably be as difficult as setting up movies for the iPod, but at least it will be free/cheap and charming, rather avant-garde.