TV recording to SVCD / Quality and size suggestions

[Tobasco]

Brand new to this, would like some simple suggestions on how I might improve quality (not a real concern) and reduce SVCD size (edited files are about 1-2 minutes too long. In a nutshell this is what I am doing:

Record 1 hr TV show(in MPEG2 with PCTV card and software)
Establish cut times using VCR function (TMPGEnc not so good at MPEG2)
Using 2420 seconds as max size that will fit on 80min CD-R
(trial and error method used)
Problem: I have to edit out between 1-2 minutes of the actual show to
achieve 2420 seconds max)
Cut and join using TMPGEnc (MPEG-2 SVCD in, this is where my output
streams cannot exceed 2420)
Burn using NTI-CD maker SVCD
(833mb TMPGEnc .mpg output fits onto 703.1 mb CD-R, BARELY!!)

My apologies if I'm mangling the vernacular of the trade. (Newbie qualifier)

All in all I'm very pleased with the SVCD's I'm creating. I had to buy an APEX 1100W to view them. My problems and question should you choose to address them are:

Is there a way to get that extra 1-2 minutes I need?
TMPGEnc and NTI-CD trials are expiring - what are some good, permanent replacements?
Should I just upgrade to TMPGEnc Plus and buy NTI-CD or are there better alternatives for the same $$$ ?
As an aside: is TMPGEnc Plus better at editing MPEG2's then the freeware version?
I know next to nothing about codecs/encoders/decoders so, I am using whatever is/was installed in my Dell and by the apps I have. Is this an area I need to review/improve on?

Ultimate goal: Private SVCD collection of all 110 Babylon 5 episodes and
movies. Got about 30 on VHS and 10-12 duplicated on SVCD. Will have to transfer earlier recordings from VHS someday but, TV in to SVCD is working well for now..

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions.

[rockstar]

Does your cd burner support overburning? What about 90 min media? Check to see if the apex will support 90 min media as well.

[gll99]

I read quickly but couldn't find any clue to see if you are on the nstc standard. Even your profile didn't help.

If you are sizing your svcd at 480x480 try 352x480
If your audio is encoded at 224 try 192 or 160

[Tobasco]

Thanks gentlemen - both good suggestions. I haven't seen 90 minute media at the 'puter stores so I'll have to look around for it.
gll99 - I'm nstc. One of those particulars I failed to realize was important.
I'll poke around in the programs and see if any of them give me the options you mention. Thx.