re: Some questions about videos and video playback in general

I am trying to decide whether to buy and iPod or a Zune, and I have some questions about playing videos.

It is to my understanding that I can put a video file onto the Zune, then connect it to my Xbox 360 and play the video on the television, or I can purchase a cable to hook up to my tv.  All of my movie files are currently .avi files and they need to be converted to something Zune will support.  I read the article about converting videos from the Microsoft Support page, but I was wondering what is the most efficient FREE way to convert my files. Also, what should I be making the resolution of the videos if I'm going to be playing them on my 40' HDTV?  How will this make the videos look while playing them on the Zune?

First, Zune (or iPod) is just a portable media player. If you want to archive your DVDs and watch them on your 40' HDTV, you probably should use a HTPC or something. (Then you don't have to convert your avi files.)

Anyway, I assume you are interested in Zune 80, so read the video support here.
It supports 720x480 up to 30 fps (or 720x576 up to 25 fps), so I would rip/convert original DVDs to 720x480 if quality is important.
If I had to transcode avi files, I would use the same frame size and rate as the "original".

Thanks for your help.