A little confusion
 

ok i read the sticky f.a.q. and didn't completely understand something. A dvd firmware hack will let you play backed up games but nothing homebrew like an emulator. also can you play online with xbox live with a firmware hack and can microsoft make an update to fuck you over with it. also is there anywhere to send a 360 that will install one for you? i know norcalmods.com did a great job with my ps2 and wii but i don't think they do work on 360's. i really appreciate any help. thank you.

As you said, the firmware hack will only allow you to play game backups. It does not allow unsigned code, but rather just ignores the media which the game is on and reports to the system that it is an official game disk.

MS bans anyone with a hacked firmware. If you log onto live using that firmware, you will not be a happy camper.

I do not know a place where you can get your 360 modded. Sorry.