Date   : Thu, 02 Jan 2014 06:14:51 +0000
From   : paul2004v@... (Paul Vernon)
Subject: Modernisations

> I noticed John mentioned a Beeb to VGA converter - is this a device
> which takes the BBC's RGB outputs and converts them to a VGA compatible
> signal or just a composite scan converter?

Yes, something like this is suitable...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RGB-RGBS-TO-VGA-converter-1-VGA-for-arcade-game-etc-/260847913225

> @John, converting the VGA to HDMI would likely only make the image worse
> if there was any change at all besides the format.
> 
> I've also read about a few options for floppy drive emulation, the
> TurboMMC, GoSDC and also the HxC Floppy Emulator.

You're missing out on the RetroClinic DataCentre as an option.
http://www.retroclinic.com/acorn/datacentre/datacentre.htm
It can emulate floppy drives and import/export to SSD and DSD from a USB
stick. It's available as an internal or external device and well worth considering.
It also has the benefit of providing HDD suport through an IDE interface too.

> I gather that for a BBC specific device the GoSDC is perhaps the nicest
> solution, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the HxC
> device?

While each device has its pro's and con's, I prefer the DataCentre as an
all round solution. The HxC does support BBC and Archimedes disc formats
so is serviceable as a solution.
Andy Taylor has experience with the HxC and Acorn equipment
http://www.retrocomputers.eu/2011/05/30/hxcfloppyemulator-software-v1-6-8-1-released/
Paul