multipass settings

If your staying withing SVCD specs you have a max bitrate limit (usually around 2500kbps for the video), and as your average bitrate approches that limit VBR becomes less effective. As a general rule I use CBR at 2200kbps and above. For 1700-2200kbps I use 3 pass VBR. If I have to go below 1700, I usually bump it up to 4+ passes. Regarding the Plasma screen, due to the limits of the SVCD format it will not look as good as DVD on a high definition screen. The low bitrate is one factor, but you also have the decreased resolution of the format. These deficiencies aren't too noticable on a standard TV, but increased resolution and clarity of HDTV will make them apparent, especially when compared to a good DVD. Of course, your computer monitor is also a high definition display, so any flaws you see in the video there will also be visible on a HDTV.

how long does this take 

how many hours would a movie take to encode with a 5x pass?

IF YOU DO A ONE PASS AND CREATE THE VIDEO FILE CAN YOU THEN LOAD THE .ECL AT A LATER TIME AND DO ANOTHER PASS ON IT OR WILL IT OVERWRITE THE FIRST ONE?