Are we all barking up the wrong tree when when we say that the "maximum video bitrate for a SVCD can not exceed 2500 kbps."

Based on what I read in the past day, the SVCD spec does NOT specify a maxium video bitrate but a maxium MUX RATE of 6972. I may be wrong...I am no video expert. But would be willing to bet that most "compliant" SVCDs have occasional spikes take the video bitrate beyond 2500 kbps.

I am guessing that the actual maxium video bitrate for compliant SVCD would depend upon the following:

1. the audio bit rate
2. the mux rate paramenters of the encoder

A lower audio bitrate would mean a higher video bit rate could be used. I am hoping that somewhere there is an algebraic equation that relates all three variables.

In any case, does anyone have the lowdown on how the SVCD spec really works?