There are several videos that I've wanted to use as a source for compilation videos and so I went on a search for ways to get quality videos from YouTube. Now, you can find tons of .FLV downloaders but the quality is poor. After a few minutes of searching - I came across these two videos that will help you download better videos (with no program!) AND convert them to the format you prefer for FREE.

To download videos: here
HD, HQ1, and HQ2 links from above video: here
To convert videos: here
MediaCoder (the release that is most similar to above video): here (about 17mb)

My only complaint with downloading the videos is that they download in .MP4 format - a Quicktime format.

These are the settings I'm using right now and I'm pretty satisfied so far. If you find a better combo please let me know.

Video
Bitrate-based @ 1200kbps
MPEG2 format
MPEG2 container

Audio
LAME MP3
ABR - Stereo
Bitrate @ 320kbps

Here's a comparison of two videos - one being the original (the former) and the other a copy (the latter).

if you have firefox, get the download helper add on ;D

why not using kepvid?

You can download some videos from utube now anyway

Yeah, but you have to pay for those downloads.... and they are only from the 'big wig' channels that allow that. This way... you can download any video.