dude
1.i am using a matrix mod chip i didn't fit it but it's reliable.
2.as far as i know dvd+r should work but i'm not certain
3.i have 33 backups and all fit on to dvd-r 4.7. tho only one i know to date which is too big is metal gear solid 2.
4.sorry dude i can't tell you on the forum for legal reasons.
5. yes thats it in conjunction with a mod chip
6. you can still use live but be very care full or you may kill your xbox see my post in the xbox section. named dashupdate.xbe warning for more info here
http://fileforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44307
later dude