1: i dont plan on hooking up a DVD player but i am getting the TV tuner kit, will i still need to do the video hack/mod??

2: do i really have to spend $175 on the rear camera or can i get a cheapo that has a RCA video connection??

...cant wait till someone comes up with something like, "how to change the startup display and others, for dummies"...

You should be able to get a cheapo one. Its an RCA plug. If you find a good cheapo one tell me.