Are black borders needed for DVD conversion like VCD?

[digicube]

I'm converting a Divx/Xvid file with subtitles to DVD. I know when I convert it to VCD I have to have black borders around it so the TV will show the subtitles. Is it the same with DVD?

[bugster]

It all depends on the aspect ratio of the Divx relative to the TV you intend to use (4:3 or 16:9), but in most cases, even for widescreen, you do end up with black bars top and bottom, but not at the side.

[digicube]

OK Here are the specs. Divx resolution is 640x480 and TV is normal everyday TV (nothing fancy). If I convert it to DVD, do I have to have black borders around the video so the subtitles will show up?

[bugster]

If I convert it to DVD, do I have to have black borders around the video so the subtitles will show up?

Either that or put a black background round the subtitle area.

[digicube]

I don't think I can put a black background around the subtitle since it is integrated on the video itself, so are you saying that a normal TV will cut the subtitles and a black all-around border is needed?

[digicube]

I found out the terminology is TV overscan. Does this mean for every 4:3 video project I do, I cannot use Fullscreen (keep aspect ratio) in TMPGEnc? Since TVs will overscan the image and hide 4-5% of the video which means I have to use Custom Size in TMPGEnc to create black borders around the video.

[bugster]

Sounds about right to me.

[digicube]

The Divx video I have has a resolution of 640x480(4:3) and I know DVD is 720x480 which is a different aspect ratio, would it be a distortion of the video if I actually output the video as 720x480 using "custom size" in TMPGEnc? Or simply put how would you convert a 640x480 Divx video to DVD so it looks good on normal TVs ?