Best Format to Encode DVDs for Mini and 1st Gen

What is the simplest and best way to encode DVD’s so that I can play them on my Mini and my 1st Gen HDTV?

I had the 1st Gen and encoded them using DVDFab Platinum 5 to AVI h.264/MP3 files. But while they play fine on my 1st gen, they won’t play at all on the Mini. That is crazy. Why would it play on the older device but not a newer generation device.

Anyway, which format is compatible with both?

To answer my own question, vob passthrough seems to work but on the mini it is all sqashed like the resolution is not correct. Works and looks fine on the 1st gen.

Sure wish someone could give me a better answer though. Anyone?