Per the recommendations here (thanks everyone!
), over the past few days I have downloaded and used Handbreak, Handbreak and DVDSmith Movie Backup freeware, and DVDCatalyst. My experience is as follows--
Handbreak alone: worked on older DVD's...did not work on several newer ones. Not too hard to figure out...need to add a 'helper' file. Took several hours per DVD.
Handbreak and DVDSmith: Worked on the newer DVD's that Handbreak alone could not. Not as easy to accomplish (hint: DVDSmith- whole DVD and highly enhanced). Took about one hour longer than Handbreak alone.
DVDCatalyst: Has worked on everything so far. QUICK and EASY...same DVD's took less than 1 1/2 hours. I can't comment on how things look on a TV since I don't view files on one, but on my Fire the video is excellent.
Conclusion... while they all worked for viewing DVD's on my mobile device, I really like DVDCatalyst. It is simple, fast and the documentation is excellent. Strongly recommend especially at the current discount price of $9.95