(s)vcd or dvd at lower bit

[dvd_maniac]

I was wondering whether it would be better for me since I capture alot of episodes from sat and cable tv, should I record directly to (s)vcd or to a lower vitrate dvd full res file? I want to put as many 1/2 hour eps onto a dvd-r and currently use lower (4mbps vbr) and it gets a little choppy but decent enough. Would I get better results by doing the (s)vcd and dvdpatcher trick? Also how is the compatibility in settops with this method? I primarily watch dvd-r's from my PS2...
Thanx in advance for any help