which chip du u guys recommend i get...i would like to

play divx movies
MAYBE install a new 80 gig hdd BUT id MUCH RATHER use my cd's i made that have divx movies about 700 mb cause i dont want those cds to go to waste
of course play "backed up" games by burning them...i read the no pc thing with the open xbox chip and thats pretty cool...seems much easier...can i do that with any other chip?
is it true the matrix or the xodus whatever its called is it true it doesnt have to be soldered? of true then how can i install it? can i do what i could do with the other chips on the xodus? should i wait for the xodus? is there another BIG HIT chip comin soon?

i feel like every few months im a newb LOL

THANKS so much in advance...it would really help cause i would like a chip by the end of the year