For SVCD and VCD, Nero sucks, period.
For grabbing Video I use VirtualDub through my new AIW Radeon 9000. There are lots of filters available to reduce noise etc and it works well.
Converting stuff, TMPEnc does all I need. Converts virtually any video source to a burnable MPEG/MPEG2
Finally, VCDeasy, an all-in-one VCD/SVCD imaging/burning solution. Will take your MPEG's created by TMPenc and either create a cue/bin, or even burn it as well. Allows creation of chapters and addition of MPEG as well.
VirtualDub is freeware, buth TMPenc and VCDeasy are commercial, but have fully functional versions avail for free.
-john