Think can invest in those VGA boxes. They aren't exactly expensive and would provide better picture. If you are considering going the TV-card route, make sure you don't get those that are too high-end(with onboard processing), coz that would introduce lag to your gameplay. Doesn't matter as much if RPG, but for action games...you press button, maybe two second later then the character move...Sadly that means it rules out most of the current market tv-cards.

Answer those that I know

Summary of elfs(think of it as .exe for windows)
FMCB(free mcboot)
-It allows you to boot to a modified screen with extra options, so instead of the usual browser and settings, have other "shortcuts" like HDL, ULE etc. Note it won't work on most SCPH-9000x models, as Sony had "repaired" the exploit.

ULE(ulaunchelf)
-Browser for PS2. Has useful functions like launch elfs, copy and paste files, backup memory card etc

OPL(Open PS2 Loader), USBA(USB Advance)
-Play games from USB HDD

HDL(HDLoader)
-Play games from internal IDE HDD(mainly the PS2 phats, requires PS2 Network Adapter)

1)Possible to play from USB HDD using OPL or USBA. though compatibility is not as great as HDL, and the FMVs are jerky as the USB ports are only 1.1. But coders are currently researching into streaming/playing games from LAN. It is still under development, so that's something to look forward to.

2)Playing from HDD bypasses regional restrictions, so it's a question of whether the game is compatible to play from HDD.

Not too sure about codebreaker, since I don't use it, but I suppose you need to have FMCB installed on your PS2 first. From there use ULE, launch the elf for codebreaker.

Google freemcboot. 1st result even has tutorials on the various methods to get it installed! If it is beyond you, hopefully you can find someone to install for you.

If you go the modchip route, last year I went to install at KL, was quoted $90 inclusive of soldering. Now nearly a year, price might have changed.