Best format of video for Apple TV (need to convert lots of videos)

ok, isn't apple tv specific as frontrow / apple tv / iphone.

i've got literally thousands of ripped , downloaded episodes of tv series , films. before asks, yes 'legal' because own shedloads of dvds , boxsets, them on computer easier access. i'd estimate @ around 500-550gb worth. i've kept either xvid or divx avi files because in windows days compatible - same reason music collection still in mp3 format though takes more space.

i'm planning on getting new tv , thinking of getting appletv or mac mini (although i'll hook mac pro lengthy dvi->hdmi cable @ first). i'm planning on getting iphone when released in november on here. if understand correctly, neither appletv nor iphone support avi file format. i've had mini before , right codecs frontrow play of them fine.
can re-encode format supported appletv , iphone without loss of compatability other video players? have encode different versions appletv , iphone? software should use?

largely because of i'm thinking should save mac mini lounge rather appletv - if have re-encode 2 flavours iphone anyway.

 

it's bit of minefield

here's couple of articles:

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/the-complete-guide-to-ipod-video-formats-and-display-resolutions/


http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/the-complete-guide-to-ipod-video-conversion-win/

main problem optimal resolution apple tv won't work on iphone/pod have either transcode files twice or compromise resolution apple tv. mac mini best bet, have transcode once iphone (.

 

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