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It can be hard to think of good Christmas presents every year particularly for the people that have everything. Fear not this year ASK are here to help we have hundreds of products that are sure to make someone’s Christmas this year, our first great present option is the humble radio.

If you know someone fashion conscious who likes retro styles the Roberts Revival radio would be the perfect choice. It is incredibly stylish and has excellent sound quality allowing them to listen to their favourite stations in either the home or out in the garden. If they like access to a lot of stations the latest Roberts radio available is the Vintage, as the name suggests it follows along similar lines to the revival in its styling. The difference with the vintage is that you can save an infinite number of stations and use the playback button to just listen to music and cut out the DJ’s chatter.

 For a more modern radio you can go for the radio mp3 player combinations, these devices are a fantastic blend of the old and the new. The Roberts Sound 66 is a really stylish piece of kit, the modern shape with iPod doc means that the technology enthusiast can enjoy music in a range of different formats.

Another amazing Roberts radio is the Roberts Stream 205, which really is the complete portable radio. With DAB, FM and Wi-fi Internet radio, you can listen to thousands of radio stations from across the world from anywhere where you can access the Internet!

Despite the predictions about the end of radios people are reluctant to part with their classic technology and this can be seen on the listening figures for radio stations and since it looks set to continue along these lines a radio would be a really great present for now and the future.

The images are incredibly clear so you can see all the details fantastically. The HD images will make gaming an even more pleasurable experience than before. The projection speed is 24 frames a second which will give you the image that the director intended you to have; the images are still clear even when the lights are on such is the quality of the projected images.

The Projector for all Homes

This projector is perfect for all space because you can project large images in small spaces which are a revolutionary development. There are not many people who have enough space to have a projector at one end of a hall and the image at the other. The images are clear without fuzzy lines which make the overall image fantastic, adding to your enjoyment of the game.

 As well as images sound is very important when you are watching a film or playing a game, this is why the projector had inbuilt 10 Watt stereo speakers. These give clear sound which will dramatically enhance the enjoyment of the film or game. The sound is clear and loud and you can experience it well in any sized room.  

You can mount the projector on the ceiling with a ceiling mount; this will give you a clear image without the worry of anyone knocking it over and because it can be mounted closer to the wall you don’t have to worry about shadows obstructing the images. If you are going to invest in a purchase like this you will want to make sure that it is kept safe. It is a great piece of equipment if you are serious about your gaming and want to experience it to its fullest extent.

Gaming equipment has improved significantly over the last few years with people wanting to get more involved in the game not just to simply sit back and watch it. A projector takes you right into the centre of the action so you can enjoy the game on a whole new level.

The Optoma GT750XL 3D HD Ready Digital Projector is currently available for £599.95 – that’s a £30 saving on the original price...so hurry as stock is limited!

More and more 3D Ready DLP Projectors are hitting the market. They’re already proving popular and provide the most authentic 3D Cinema experience in the home. However most 3D Ready DLP Projectors aren’t ready to display all types of 3D entertainment straight out of the box. So we’re here to tell you what you need to watch 3D and why you need it…

Most 3D sources including 3D Blu-ray, Sky 3D and 3D games on the PlayStation 3D are in a particular format and can only be output via HDMI 1.4(a) and most 3D Ready DLP Projectors don’t support this format or the connection. Therefore manufactures such Optoma and ViewSonic have released devices to convert an HDMI 1.4(a) 3D input to HDMI 1.3 frame sequential stereo 3D that 3D DLP projectors support. These devices, such as the ViewSonic VP3D1 and Optoma 3D-XL can be connected to your 3D DLP projector’s HDMI input and display the 3D images as 720p 3D!

The ViewSonic VP3D1 for example, features two HDMI 1.4a inputs and supports frame packaged, Side by Side and Top/Bottom 3D inputs in 720p or 1080p/i format. The ViewSonic VP3D1 can then output the 3D sources via a single HDMI 1.3 cable in 720p frame sequential stereo 3D to your compatible projector.

Of course you will also require DLP Link 3D Shutter Glasses to enjoy your 3D projections and AskDirect.co.uk offers ViewSonic PGD250 and Optoma ZD201 eyewear.

If you own a 3D Ready DLP Projector such as the BenQ W600+ or Optoma HD67N, make sure you have the correct equipment to enjoy 3D!

Click here to see the ViewSonic VP3D1

Click here to see the Optoma 3D-Xl

The Digital Switchover is now only 18 months away from completion and the entire country should have switched to Digital TV in time for 2012 Olympics in London.

2010 saw the STV North, West and Channel Islands regions switch to digital TV, with 2.3 million households being involved and this took the UK Digital Switchover total to 7.1 million. However there are still 19 million households that have yet to switch.

Will the Digital Switchover affect you in 2011?

In 2011 the STV Central region, as well as the Central, Anglia and Yorkshire (Three regions with large populations) will switchover. This means that around 11 million homes will be affected during 2011, with 1.67 million households switching over in the first quarter alone.

If you live in one of the above regions, you will need to ensure that you can receive Digital TV in your home, as once the switchover occurs, you will not be able to receive any standard analogue broadcasts. From the television in your living room to a small portable in a bedroom or kitchen, these TVs will need to be able to access digital TV, if you want to watch BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

There are a number of ways to access Digital TV in the home. The easiest way is via Freeview – Subscription free digital television available to every home in the UK through your existing television aerial. To receive Freeview, you can either connect your existing television to a digital set top box or to a recorder with a built-in Freeview digital receiver or you can upgrade to a television with a built-in Freeview digital tuner. Alternatively you can access digital broadcasts via Sky, Virgin Media or BT Vision for example.

What about 2012?

There will be four remaining areas left to switchover by the start of 2012 - Northern Ireland, Tyne Tees, Meridian and London. These will switch over before the London Olympic Games in the summer of 2012. A further 8 million households will be switching to digital in the first part of 2012 alone!

The benefits of Digital TV

Some of you may be asking “Why are we switching over to digital broadcasts?” Well there are a number of benefits when you compare to Digital TV to Analogue TV:

Digital TV offers better picture and sound quality compared to analogue.

Freeview for example, offers nearly 50 channels – That’s nearly 10x more channels than what you get with analogue TV. Plus you can also listen to a range of digital radio stations, including some that you won’t find on standard FM/AM radios and you can use a range of interactive features such as the BBC’s Red Button service and Digital Teletext. Plus you can access additional channels via subscription services such as Top Up TV.

Freeview and all other Digital TV services also offer an electronic programme guide which contains the week’s programme listings on your television screen.

Over 60% of the country can also receive Freeview HD – Subscription-free High Definition TV through your aerial! Freeview HD lets you enjoy your favourite programmes from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Clirlun with enhanced picture quality, for free and without the need for a satellite dish. To receive Freeview HD, you can either connect your existing HD Ready or Full HD TV to a Freeview HD set top box or a recorder with a Freeview HD receiver or upgrade to a television with a Freeview HD receiver built-in.

With only 18 months left to go, it really is time to switchover to Digital TV, if you haven’t already.

For more information on Digital TV and the Digital Switchover, visit: http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/

Laptops at Ask Direct feature either an AMD Processor or Intel Processor and knowing which brand and which processor to choose can be confusing. That’s why we’ve created a quick guide to processors to help with your search for a new laptop.

What is a processor?
 
A computer, whether it’s a laptop, netbook or desktop, features a CPU - Often refered to as a processor. A processor is effectively the computer’s brain and a major part of the computer hardware. With laptops, the processor significantly contributes to how fast the computer performs, how well it multitasks and it can also affect battery life as well.

Intel Processors for Laptops

Intel is the name that you would probably associate with computer processors. Intel processors are renowned for performance and reliability and Intel is a company at the cutting-edge of computer technology.

Higher end laptops at Ask Direct with Intel processors will feature a Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 processor. These are the names for three different groups of Intel processors with each number giving you an idea where the processor stands in terms of performance and technology. A Core i3 processor, is by no means inferior, far from it and these dual-core processors still offer fast, responsive performance and provide impressive multitasking capabilities. Both Core i5 and i7 processors feature innovative Turbo Boost technology that delivers increased performance only when you need it – This helps to preserve energy and battery life. A Core i7 processor is a must, if you’re looking for a laptop that offers the optimum performance when using the most demanding games and design or editing software for example.

The more affordable laptops at Ask Direct with Intel processors will feature Intel Pentium or Intel Celeron processors. Pentium processors feature dual-core technology and are ideal for everyday computing as well as multitasking, while a Celeron processor is ideal for day to day activities on the go.   

View our Intel Laptop range

AMD Processors for Laptops

AMD may be a less familiar brand of processors but they offer products that give Intel a run for their money. AMD are renowned for producing more-affordable, more-energy-efficient processors. AMD also owns ATI, a leading graphics card and chipset company and so most laptops from Ask Direct with AMD processors will feature cutting-edge graphics technology.

Laptops with AMD Processors currently available at Ask Direct will feature either Athlon II or Turion II processors. Athlon II processors have been designed with multitasking in mind and combine with ATI graphics technology to ensure first-class visuals with multimedia entertainment. Turion II processors feature dual-core technology and so offer improved multitasking capabilities and help to preserve energy and battery life.

View our AMD Laptop range

Which brand is for me?

We’re often asked which brand of processor is better? And there isn’t really a definite answer. Processors from both brands have advantages. If you’re looking to save money and intend to use your laptop for entertainment, then a laptop with an AMD processor would be ideal. If power and performance is a must, then an Intel processor, in particular a Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 is for you.

View our Toshiba Laptop range

View our Samsung Laptop range

View our Sony Vaio Laptop range

Digital cameras have been consistently improved since their first arrival. However, there is a clear divide between the digital cameras that have been designed for general consumption and the digital cameras that have been created for the professional photographers. The new advanced cameras for professional photographers have been designed to be easily transportable with a high level of technology which has proved to be a difficult balance.

One of the most important aspects of the professional standard digital camera is the lens and the ability to focus. There is a time and a place for auto focus but this is not always on a professional shoot, you need to be in control of your own shots. We have been having a look at the latest models to hit the shops and seeing what they offer in terms of size, focussing, shots and memory. So, if you are looking for a new professional camera and are unsure which model to go for take a look at our snapshot review.

PowerShot G12 Complete Shot Control

Canon Have been making cameras for many years and have created a wide range of professional cameras including the PowerShot G12 which is an incredibly robust well built camera for professional use. This Camera has received good reviews in spite of the large size and weight. It has a retractable lens so it does not take up as much space in your bag to carry around.

The lens has a second wheel which means that you can manually control the shutter speed and the multi angled screen means that you can line up your shots with complete ease. To ensure an accurate picture Canon has incorporated a spirit level feature so you can guarantee a straight shot.

The image quality of this camera has been widely praised, it has a 10 megapixel CCD sensor and a DIGIC 4 processor which means that it produces high quality shots even in situations with limited lighting.

In fact the only thing that this camera has been criticized for is its slightly bulky appearance which is a small price to pay for a high quality reasonably priced professional camera.

PowerShot S95 for Work in the Field

If size is an issue for you when you are in the field then the Canon PowerShot S95 would be a better option for you. It is smaller in size and has a retractable lens and flash so its overall appearance is incredibly compact and it weighs in at only 193g.

Like the PowerShot G12 the PowerShot S95 gives you manual control over the focus and zoom, many cameras can get confused by the subtleties of light and dark when they are in auto mode so manual controls allow you to make the exact shot you want.

The Canon PowerShot S95 has a stabilisation mode built into the camera to prevent shaky shots and blurred images; this is a real bonus for areas of photography like wildlife photography where you have limited time to catch shots.

The only disadvantage of this camera is that due to its sleek appearance there is not much in terms of grip, this could prove difficult if you were taking shots in adverse weather.

Canon PowerShot SX130 for the Semi Pro

For the enthusiast or part time pro Canon has created a variety of models that perform at an incredibly high level, the Canon PowerShot SX130 is one such camera. The appearance of this camera is quite funky with its smooth lines and curvy shape, it has a fold away flash and retracting lens so is easy to transport. The viewing screen is of a very high quality and it has a good zoom function which is great for the keen enthusiast. It does not have a manual focus function which might prove frustrating for the professional photographer.

It is the lower price end camera that would be great for the amateur or as a back up camera if you were out in the field although it would be advised to take spare batteries. It has been reported widely that although the AA batteries feature means that you can replace them and carry on with your shoot that the camera consumes standard AA batteries at quite a rate.

Canon EOS 60D

This is a great camera for the photography enthusiast; it is more lightweight than many digital cameras on the market but still robustly built. It has been designed to fit comfortably into your hands giving you a stronger grip on the camera which provides more stability. To ensure that you don’t end up with shaky shots for any other reason the camera has an inbuilt stabilisation sensor.

To make taking your shots even easier the Canon EOS 60D has a swivel screen and a variety of autofocus options to ensure clear and concise shots. To bring out a more creative side to your shots Canon have included a variety of different filters in this camera to produce specialised shots.

For those who are frequently in a rush the inbuilt technology in the camera means that you can make changes to the pictures from the camera itself, they don’t need to be transferred to a PC for updates or changes. This is because the DIGIC 4 processor allows for different applications to be within the camera making your life easier and giving you more control over your shots.

With so many great digital cameras on the market you will be able to pick the one that completely fits in with your style of photography.

You can experience incredible 3D TV with a range of the latest Sony Bravia TVs and the new Sky 3D channel provides a range of 3D programming and films to watch on these TVs. However SKY HD boxes have no CEC* functionality, therefore the 3D format required for SKY 3D (Side by Side) has to be selected manually. Here's what you need to do, if you own a Sony Bravia 3D TV and subscribe to Sky 3D TV:

• Select the Sky 3D channel
• Push ‘Options’ on your BRAVIA remote control, and select ‘3D Menu’
• Select ‘3D Display’ and then ‘On’
• Scroll down to ‘3D Format’ and select ‘Side-by-Side’ 
• Push the ‘Return’ button on your remote control to enjoy Sky 3D

- If you switch to a channel other than the Sky 3D channel, you will need to push the ‘3D’ button on your remote control to return the TV to normal 2D viewing
- However, if you then switch back to Sky 3D, you can simply push the ‘3D’ button again to return to 3D viewing

*CEC - Consumer Electronic Control
HDMI products that have CEC have HDMI control functionality which can then provide many different HDMI remote functions. In this case because the SKY box is not CEC compliant it is unable to set 3D Bravia settings automatically. 
Please note: That 3D Blu-ray products will not be affected by any of the format changes made for the SKY box and will switch automatically due to having CEC functionality.   

After 31 years of production, Sony has officially announced the end of the famous Cassette Walkman. The much-loved Sony Cassette Walkman was released in Japan on 1st July 1979 and soon became a big hit, with Sony selling an increddible 220 million Cassette Walkmans around the world! The Sony Walkman was the must-have gadget of the 80s and allowed you to listen to music on the go, years before the iPod and mp3 Players.

Production of the Cassette Walkman ceased back in April and once those products are gone, that will be it! Ask Direct are lucky enough to still have some Cassette Walkmans left in stock - The Sony WM-EX194S Cassette Walkman. So if you want a piece of history, get one before they go! Of course we also offer the very latest portable audio devices and sucessors to the Cassette Walkman - iPods, Sony Mp3 Walkmans and Pocket DAB Radios.

Apple have released their latest offerings in the world of the iPod. Apple has moved the product on significantly since their first offering, but are the newest offerings innovation for innovations sake or have they introduced some exciting progressive technology? The item at the forefront of the latest offerings is the iPod Touch. It is the high capacity item of the touch screen range and the future of the iPod.

The iPod Touch

People often label the iPod Touch, the iPhone without the phone but it does have the significant advantage of a higher storage capacity with the new models ranging from 8GB and 32GB up to 64GB.

Appearance wise the main difference is that the new model is thinner at only 7.2mm, this of course gives it a sleeker feel and a more modern appearance. The screen has become more refined with a 326dpi retina display, providing a better quality screen to watch movies on.

A new feature of the iPod touch is the 2 cameras, a 720p video camera at the back and a VGA camera on the front. Both can be used with Apple’s exciting new bit of technology -Face Time. All you need to take part in this revolution is an Apple id and some friends with an iPhone or new iPod Touch and Wi-Fi connection. You can then talk in real time and be able to see each other as you chat. The cameras also allow you to take photos and record videos to capture all the funny moments life has to offer!

For those who love a game there is the improved three-axis gyro and an A4 processor which means better quality games and more scope for multi player gaming. The new iPod touch features make it a much more interactive piece of technology moving with the demands for items to become a media centre for our lives rather than just a music player.

The New Nano

The iPod nano has had the biggest overhaul with the click wheel being removed and being replaced with a touch screen. The overall size has been dramatically reduced and the shape and casing have been improved and refined.

The iPod nano is incredibly light at only 21 grams. The touch screen works in the same way that the ipod touch works with swiping and touching to move icons and select tracks and apps. It has been the biggest change to the iPod nano since it was first launched, not only has the technology improved but the overall appearance and sleekness of the product. You get 24 hours of battery life, so you can take your tunes with you and listen to them all round the clock.

To change songs if you fancy a change you can just shake your nano and it will pick out a different song. This kind of technology keeps the iPod fun and modern just remember to lock your device if you are going for a run or that could be a different song every few seconds!

The Nano also has a built in pedometer and a clip for attaching the device to your clothes whilst you run or exercise. The Nano is now just as ideal as the Shuffle for people to use as part of their exercise routine.

There is no longer a camera on the iPod Nano but there is an FM receiver, so you can listen to your favourite radio shows on the go.

Not a Re-Shuffle

The iPod Shuffle has had an image change but it only really be described as a make under because it has reverted to the style of the 2^nd generation shuffle. The click wheel is back and it has returned to its square shape but marginally smaller.

It has a 15 hour battery, so it is perfect for long journeys. There is an easy control panel which allows you to play in order, shuffle and switch off the Shuffle, all from the same control that simply slides along the top of the device. It also has the same great buttons that were on the previous models of the shuffle which many believe to be evidence that the 3^rd generation did not perform to the standards that had once been hoped.

It has the genius technology that has been used on the larger models for some time, from one song it can construct a playlist that will suit your style and mood based on one song which can break the boredom of listening to the same tracks in the same order over and over again.

It is compatible with all iPod docking stations and products so you can enjoy your music in the car as and the home on all your existing products.

Apple have created some interesting pieces of technology with its new range of iPods and they acknowledged short comings in previous models which promises even more exciting developments for the future.  

Whether you’re about to head back or moving away for the first time, the beginning of the University year is always exciting. Here at ASKDirect we have all sorts of University Essentials to help you make the most out of your experience this year. From leisure-based products like MP3 Players and HD Ready LCD TVs to educative aides like Laptops and Voice Recorders, we have everything you need to keep up to date and continue with the best years of your life!

Digital Cameras

A Digital Camera is a highly important part of any student’s time at University, allowing you to capture and document everything you and your friends get up to so that you can share them on facebook and look back on them for years to come. The Samsung ES65 10.2 MP Compact Digital Camera and Fuji FinePix JV150 14MP Digital Camera are highly stylish and compact Digital Cameras that are easy to use, durable and – most of all – affordable.

Laptops & Hard Drives

The right Laptop set-up is vital at University so that you can store important files and research with ease. Our various Laptop and Printer Bundle Offers provide you with a selection of options to suit your specific requirements and preferences. The Lacie Starck Mobile Hard Drive 500GB also gives you a mammoth amount of space to store music and videos too.

HD Ready LCD TVs

Give yourself the optimum multimedia experience with an HD Ready LCD TV – ideal for nights in with movies. The JVC LT-19DA2BJ 19” HD Ready LCD TV and LG 22LD350 22” HD Ready LCD TV provide exceptional quality and value for money, with some of the best technology in the industry available to you for under £130! The LG 19LU7000 19” HD Ready LCD with Built In DVD Player means you don’t have to buy any separate attachments or systems – just slap your DVDs straight in and enjoy.

Speakers, MP3 Players & Alarm Clocks

Music is a big part of every student’s day-to-day life, and here at ASKDirect we have a number of products to help you get the most out of your personal soundtrack. The Altec Lansing inMotion Classic iPod Speaker lets you play your music out loud and in style, ideal for a bedroom or lounge area, or to be taken to the beach! The Sony Walkman NWZ-B153 4GB MP3 Player means your music can always be with you – specially designed to be easy-to-use and compact, the Sony Walkman NWZ B153 4GB MP3 Player offers excellent sound reproduction too. Getting out of bed in the morning for those ungodly early lectures is no easy feat, but with the Edifier iF200 Alarm Clock/Speaker for iPod, you can wake up to your favourite songs and get that zest you need to rise yourself and start the day.

Voice Recorders & eBook Readers

To help you out in lectures and seminars, the Sony ICD-UX200 2GB Digital Voice Recorder and Olympus VN-5500PC DNS 512MB Digital Voice Recorder are both lightweight and make recording speech a doddle. The Sony ICD-UX200 Digital Voice Recorder also allows you to play music, and the Olympus VN-5500PC DNS 512MB Digital Voice Recorder features speech recognition software. To study or read for leisure anything you own anywhere you go the Sony PRS-300 eBook Reader is an innovative new gadget that can store hundreds of books.

Make the most out of your studies and leisure time with ASKDirect. Our products are made with only the best build quality and technology available, so find the perfect University Essentials for you and let us help you optimise both work and play.

Wherever you’re going to get away this summer – whether it’s the other side of the world or your back garden – here at ASKDirect we have a wealth of holiday essentials to help you document your trip and keep yourself occupied during down time or rainy days. Utilising innovative technology, you can make the most out of your holiday and keep your equipment safe and protected at the same time.

Digital Cameras

We have a range of Digital Cameras with which you can take holiday pictures that you’ll look back on for years to come. The Panasonic LUMIX TZ10 features built-in GPS that allows you to geo-tag the exact time and place where your photos and videos were taken. The Panasonic DMC-FS10 is an affordable but high quality point and shoot camera that is available in a range of stylish colours. The Panasonic DMC-FT2, Pentax Optio W80 and Fuji FinePix XP10 are all durable Digital Cameras that can also be used underwater.

Camera Cases & Underwater Housings

We have a range of Underwater Housings and Camera Cases to keep your Digital Camera protected from the elements and easily stored away when not in use. Many Camera Case styles are available to suit your preferences and specific model of Camera. Underwater Housings allow you to safely use your Digital Camera underwater, which blows your creative options wide open.

HD Camcorder

Holiday videos will stick with you forever, and, with the Toshiba Camileo S10 HD Camcorder, making them has never been easier. Being pocket-sized, it’s ideal for any holiday getaway – easy to transport and protect. The recording quality is also top notch, so you can make High Definition videos of the things you and your friends and family see and experience.

eBook Reader

For the rainy days inside or the sunbathing beach days, the Sony PRS-300 eBook Reader can hold all of your holiday reading on one device. A specially developed e-Ink screen is easily viewed in bright sunlight, so you can take it anywhere you go.

So get the most out of your holiday season this year and stock up on ASKDirect’s Holiday Essentials – whilst stocks last.