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High Definition has become more and more prevalent in recent years, and many people are considering switching from their Standard Definition Sets. LCD TVs, LED TVs and Plasma TVs – all available from ASK – are HD Ready, meaning they can produce High Definition images via a range of HD Sources. There are a number of benefits that HDTV can offer.

1. Better Picture & Sound

Obviously, the main reason that people switch to High Definition is that the picture is much better and features True to Life colour. This is because of an increase in resolution. The difference between Standard and High Definition is quite big. You might think that the picture is adequate in SD, but you’ll never go back when you see what High Definition is capable of. The LG 19LH2000 LCD TV is an affordable way to view HDTV. More pixels mean more colour and more detail, and the audio is also enhanced, providing an all-round cinematic experience.

2. Films, Sports & Games

Certain action films, sports and computer games take place contain lots of fast-moving shots in sequence. Progressive High Definition – as featured on the Philips 42PFL5604H 1080p LCD TV – draws the number of frames per second in a more efficient fashion, providing smooth motion and preventing the picture from becoming unclear. With High Definition, you’re up close with the action and can feel a little more like you’re actually there in the film, match or battleground.

3. Large Screen Viewing

Because of the larger resolution, High Definition Televisions such as the Samsung PS50B430 Plasma TV can also be much larger, allowing you to have friends over to watch movies the way they were supposed to be viewed or play computer games as a group. The size of a High Definition screen can increase without sacrificing picture quality, simply because there are more pixels available to keep the picture looking crisp as it gets bigger.

4. Increase in Popularity

Another reason to switch to High Definition is that there are an increasing number of HD Sources becoming available to the public. Blu-Ray Players, HD TV Channels and HD Games Consoles are already prevalent but will soon become the norm. The lack of HD Sources at the advent of HDTV did make the new technology seem limited, but today there is so much to choose from that there’s bound to be something for everybody – from Nature Documentaries to Football Matches, and from Call of Duty to the latest episode of Lost.

5. Environmentally Friendly

High Definition Televisions like the Samsung UE40B8000XW 1080p LED TV are great for the environment, as they contain no mercury or lead, which reduces the impact that recycling or disposing of them will have no the environment in the future. On top of this, their LED back-lighting technology is designed to consume power efficiently, making Samsung LED TVs an all-round environmentally friendly package.

For all of these reasons and more, High Definition is becoming more and more popular. Switching from Standard Definition to a greater entertainment experience has many benefits, both leisurely and logistically. Take a look through our massive range of HD Televisions today and find one that’s right for you!

There are thousands of ways you can use Notebook Computers to help you through your everyday life. A smart and speedy way to surf the internet or make your work mobile; they are fast becoming a staple of the modern technological diet. Asides from browsing the web, watching DVDs and sending e-mails though, there are many uses for your Notebook Computer that you may not have considered.

1. Online Video

Notebook Computers allow you to watch and stream videos online, and, with a decent display, they can look outstanding. The Toshiba Satellite L550-1CW Notebook has a 17.3” widescreen HD display that is guaranteed to provide high quality multimedia entertainment. With a fast Wi-Fi connection too, streaming videos without interruption shouldn’t be any problem at all.

2. Video Calls

Utilising hardware like webcams and software like Skype, you can make video calls with your friends and family, no matter where they are in the world. Some Notebook Computers, such as the Toshiba Satellite L500-1XJ Notebook, even have high quality webcams and microphones readily built-in, making it even easier to get started and experience real-time video chats. On top of this, these built-in webcams can be used for a quick and secure Windows login, with Face Recognition technology.

3. Gaming

Enhanced Graphics Cards and Memory, and a fast Wi-Fi Connection mean that, not only can you play games on your Notebook Computer with ease, but you can network and play online with your friends as well. Obviously, this requires a large amount of memory, and the Notebook Computer – especially the Toshiba Qosmio X300-15U Notebook – is designed to handle it. Gameplay won’t be interrupted, and the quality of the picture will remain at a high standard.

4. Video, Photo & Music Editing

A combination of an exceptionally fast processor with a large amount of memory means that programmes required for Video, Photo and Music Editing will run efficiently on your Notebook Computer – the Toshiba A500-1GL Notebook, for example, meets these requirements. This means you can get involved in your work without having to worry about files taking too much time to load or previews skipping and stopping. The Samsung R730-JA02UK Notebook is particularly suited to photo editing with its crystal clear image quality and large 17.3” HD Display with LED-Backlighting.

5. Work & Maintenance

Another use for the Notebook Computer is that you can perform tedious maintenance and performance tasks anywhere. Since they require you to leave the computer on for an extended period of time, you can do this whilst you are on the train or out to lunch, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice your own time. Other work-related or administrative tasks – such as defragmenting your hard drive or updating your iPod – can also be fitted in, in the same fashion, saving you time.

For all these reasons and more, Notebook Computers are extremely useful pieces of technology. Compact, fast and versatile; they’re ideal companions to the modern lifestyle.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your laptop this year, there is an extensive range of Toshiba Notebooks now available from AskDirect. Toshiba produces high performance and style at affordable prices. Whatever features you’re after, you’re sure to find a model that suits you. We have everything from netbooks to multimedia laptops, across many ranges.

Toshiba A500

The A500-1GL can be used for a number of applications. These include High Definition entertainment and gaming, as well as compatibility with the latest software. An LED Backlit 16” display is provided, offering – when combined with a GeForce GT 330M Graphics Card – energy-efficient and outstanding picture quality. On top of this, its size and design make it practical and stylish.

Toshiba Netbooks

Included with the NB300-108 is a webcam and fast wireless connectivity. The massive 250GB Hard Drive is made all the more desirable for the fact that it is protected by an HDD 3D Impact Sensor. Other features include a massive 11 hour battery life, an LED 10.1” Display and a full-size keyboard and touchpad that make typing and using the notebook a comfortable, easy experience.

Toshiba L500 Notebooks

The L500-1XC and L500 1XJ notebooks have a lot of the features that make Toshiba Notebooks desirable – LED screen, large hard drive and long-range wireless internet connectivity. They also include software such as Eco Mode and Health Monitor, which conserve and maintain effective use of battery power and allow you to keep track of the health and performance of your notebook, respectively.

Multimedia & Gaming

The P500 and X500 ranges are ideal for Multimedia and Gaming because of their large widescreen displays, HD viewing and high-performing graphic cards and processors. You won’t find better visuals than those offered by the Toshiba Notebook ranges. High Definition is a modern luxury, and the aforementioned notebooks utilise it to its full potential. The L550 also boasts a large 17.3” display.

Toshiba Notebooks take entertainment and work to the next level, offering an extremely user-friendly experience. Everything is enhanced for your enjoyment and functional to suit in with your lifestyle and routine.

Let’s be honest you probably wouldn’t think of us when it comes to gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. But we’ve got some great presents to give to that special someone.

How about a Digital Photo Frame? The Sony DPF-D70 in red for example. You could upload photos of you and your Valentine and give the frame to them as a gift. Or maybe a Digital Camera to capture the good times ahead. We've got a number of models available in special Valentines colours such as the Samsung ES55 in pink or the Nikon Coolpix S230 in red.

So why not visit http://www.askdirect.co.uk/valentines for our great gift ideas for Valentines Day.

Freeview HD is launching around the country this year. Freeview HD brings the benefits of HDTV to the masses – Clearer and more lifelike picture quality with five times more detail and natural, crystal-clear sound.

Freeview HD includes BBC, ITV and Channel 4 HD channels, so you can watch your favourite programmes in High Definition including the 2010 World Cup!

Freeview HD will be available in London, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Bradford and Birmingham by the end of March 2010. Manchester, Cardiff and Swansea will also receive Freeview HD by then as they’re due to take part in the digital switchover. Plus if you have already been through the switchover, you will be able to receive Freeview HD before December this year.

By the 2010 World Cup almost half of the UK will be able to get Freeview HD and 98.5% will be able to receive it by the end of digital switchover in 2012.

To get Freeview HD, you’ll need either a Freeview HD Set-top Box and an HDTV or a Freeview HD-equipped TV. Both set-top boxes and Freeview HD TVs will be available soon from Ask Direct!

2010 really is the year to switch to HD!

The Toshiba Satellite range of notebooks consists of stylish models for a broad range of users. Here at ASK, we aim to stock the best of the best – from entry-level models all the way up to extremely high-performance computers. All tastes, requirements and budgets are catered for, and Toshiba promise only the highest standards from this outstanding line with its large selection of features.

Low Price Notebook Computers

The Toshiba Satellite L450-137 currently has an exclusive price of £359.99 and includes a 3GB Memory, a host of multimedia features and an attractive 15.6” TruBrite HD TFT Display. The Toshiba Satellite L350-262 is also under £400 and includes a 250GB Hard Drive and integrated Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect to the internet without hassle wherever there is a signal. Furthermore, the L350-262 is of a sturdy build-quality and a very reliable personal computer.

Modern Desktop Replacement

A very popular option is the Toshiba Satellite L500-1DT – it is one of our best sellers and features a 320GB Hard Drive and 4GB Memory, amongst various other features, for only £399.95. Including Windows 7 and perfect for recording CDs, watching DVDs or backing up data, it’s an ideal everyday computer. The Toshiba Satellite T130-13Q has a reduced price of £419.99 and includes a built-in webcam and very generous battery life. An LED Backlit Display generates a sharp, clear image and, on top of this, the notebook provides 3GB Memory and a 320GB Hard Drive.

So, check out our large selection of Toshiba Satellite Notebook models and find the one that’s right for you. Kick off 2010 in style and upgrade to a brand new notebook from Toshiba.

 Buying a Digital Camera means you’ll be able to take pictures of higher quality and resolution and store hundreds of photos on a memory card, which can then be saved on to your computer. Choosing the right one though – when there are so many options – requires working out exactly what you want from the camera. Canon Digital Cameras are innovative, powerful cameras that are available in many forms. We’ve outlined some of the main models and the differences between them.

EOS Digital Cameras

For the photographer with a taste for the fast-paced action of wildlife and sport, the EOS 7D DSLR features an Intelligent Viewfinder and Full HD 1080 Video Recording. You can take eight 14-bit images per second with this camera, ensuring perfect detail with every shot. The EOS 450D DSLR is a high-performance camera that is also straightforward to use. With its outstanding AF system, your shot will always stay in focus. Customers can also claim £30 cashback when they buy this camera. For more information, visit this page.

PowerShot Digital Cameras

For serious photographers and photojournalists, the PowerShot G11 offers a compact and versatile solution to achieving professional-standard images. The camera’s monitor allows you to achieve shots from any angle, by tilting, twisting and rotating. The G11 also boasts a high-sensitivity CCD sensor for outstanding image quality in all lighting conditions. The PowerShot S90 uses 10 megapixels and is an impressive camera for serious photographers. It is full of features that will appeal to experienced users, offering you complete control over your images. Plus there is Face detection technology that can detect up to 35 faces within the frame.

The PowerShot SX200 makes use of 12.1 megapixels and is also a top-of-the-range camera that has enough features for the serious photographer to be able to adjust things like aperture and shutter speed and maintain control. Smart Auto mode creates the best scene type from a selection, based on a range of criteria, including subject brightness, contrast and distance, so, if you’re not as experienced, you can still point and click and let the camera do the rest. This feature is also available on the S90 as well.

Digital Ixus Digital Cameras

Digital Ixus Cameras are designed specifically to be easy to use for everyone. The Digital Ixus 95 makes use of the aforementioned Smart Auto technology as well, and in this case 18 different scenes are on offer. The featured i-Contrast technology allows you to pick up shadow detail that other cameras struggle to capture, and you can even shoot 30fps VGA movie clips too. On top of this, it is available in a series of colours – silver, grey, blue or pink.

The Digital Ixus 200 is an innovative camera that features the latest touch-screen technology. This has many benefits including the option to flick through previous images with ease and intuitive Touch Action controls. The display also provides outstanding colour reproduction, high contrast and is clear even in poor or bright lighting conditions.

There are even more Canon Digital Camera ranges available from the ASKDirect store, so, if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, get in touch with us and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.

High Definition is becoming ever more popular, and we have a selection of deals on HD Ready TVs specifically for the Christmas period. High Definition television creates an entirely new experience for the viewer, with crystal-clear images and outstanding colour reproduction. An HD Ready TV makes an ideal Christmas present for anyone who wants the latest and very best in home entertainment.

Samsung 32” HD Ready LCD TV

One of the HD Ready TVs on special offer is the Samsung LE32B450C4 32” HD Ready LCD TV. It features a Wide Colour Enhancer that enhances red, green and blue, producing a very pleasing variety of deep colour, and contains hidden down firing speakers that, with built-in SRS TruSurround HD and Dolby Digital Plus, create a rich audio experience to enhance the already outstanding visuals. The Samsung 32” HD Ready LCD TV is also compatible with a range of HD devices.

LG 19” HD Ready LCD TV

As well as boasting an excellent standard of picture and sound, the LG 19LH2000 19” HD Ready LCD TV has features that both enhance your viewing experience and save energy. An Intelligent Sensor responds to the lighting in the room your TV is in and adjusts the picture accordingly. This allows you to save energy by preventing you from watching a brighter picture unnecessarily. The speakers are also hidden from view and strategically placed to create a wider sound field. Specific settings also allow you to switch between different AV viewing modes, making the picture perfect for whichever form of entertainment you are watching – be it sports, gaming or films and TV.

Make someone’s Christmas this year with the ultimate in multi-sensory experience. Home entertainment is taken to the next level with our HD Ready LCD TVs, and with reductions of up to £150, there’s never been a better time to buy!

Make someone’s Christmas this year with a Digital Photo Frame. Their most treasured memories can be displayed – in the form of crystal-clear digital photos – anywhere in the house in an attractive, innovative frame. It’s as easy as inserting a memory card or USB stick into the frame and letting it cycle through the stored photos one at a time. This means you can display an entire photo album in one frame. Most of these frames can run on either a rechargeable lithium battery or directly from the mains, giving you a lot of options in terms of working the frame into your room’s décor.

Digital Photo Frames

Our selection of Digital Photo Frames is subject to a large amount of savings. Almost every frame has been reduced in price, meaning you can save up to £70 when you buy from us. There are many sizes, shapes and designs to choose from too, across a number of different brands like Sony and Toshiba, so you can find the perfect frame for you or your friend or relative, with ease.

Sony DPF-D70 Red 7” Digital Photo Frame

The Sony DPF-D70 Red 7” Digital Photo Frame is currently one of our hottest products. With its stylish red frame, a host of features and the now less-than-half-price tag, it’s a real bargain. You can store up to 500 photos on it and it displays them with outstanding quality, brightness and colour. An Intelligent Orientation Sensor ensures that landscape and portrait photos are displayed accordingly, and, to top it all off, it even comes with a remote.

Digital Photo Frames are an original, modern way to share memories and personalise your home. Check out our range today, and find the frame for you.

We’ve had a massive influx of new products lately - From Windows 7 notebooks to the first ever Sony Bravia TVs with Freesat on-board. But today we’re not talking about these products (as brilliant as they may be) Instead we’re focusing on products that you may have not come across before. These products are our unsung heroes, they’re unique, innovative and can provide many benefits, plus with Christmas coming up, they could make brilliant gifts!

Pico Pocket Projector

Imagine a device that can easily fit in your pocket but project an image up to 60-inches in size. You’re probably thinking it’s just a pipe dream or years away. But no it’s here and it’s called the Pico Pocket Projector. The Pico is a great gadget and has a range of uses; For example connect it to your iPod and you can display photos or video stored on-board, connect it to your notebook and show friends that hilarious YouTube clip you found. You can even hook it up to a DVD player and project a film!

The Pico is one of a kind and this years must-have gadget.

LaCinema Classic  

These days computers are full of high-resolution video files, especially with sites such as iTunes and BBC iPlayer letting us download TV shows and films. But most people end up watching these files on their computer and let’s face it; this just isn’t the same as watching it on your TV.

LaCie has come up with a solution - Their LaCinema range. These are effectively external hard drives but with a couple of very useful added bonuses. Most of the range features an HDMI output so you can connect the drive to your HDTV and watch video stored on-board with optimum picture quality.

Finding the files you want to watch is also very easy. Once connected, you can display an easy-to-follow menu system on your TV, allowing you to browse through separate video, music and image libraries containing all the files you’ve stored on-board.  You can then use the remote control that comes included to select what to play.

LaCinema drives make great all-in-one multimedia hubs and provide an easy way to access hours of high-quality entertainment.

Gorillapod Tripods

Joby’s Gorillapod range may look like weird alien robots from the future but they’re actually the most versatile, flexible and clever tripods around.

Each of the Gorillapod’s three legs contains over two dozen leg joints. Each joint can then independently bend and rotate by 360°, making them flexible, wrappable and allowing you to attach your camera or camcorder to virtually any surface. This means that you can create shots that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

The unique design also doesn’t mean a compromise in stability, firmness and grip as Joby have used premium materials and high-quality joints. 

We stock a range of Gorillapods that can hold everything from compact cameras to massive pro camcorders. 

Journe Scan Portable Scanner

Problem: You have loads of old 4 x 6 photos and want to put them on your computer, so you can then upload them on to sites like Facebook and Friends Reunited. But you don’t want to have to fork out for a big, expensive and complicated scanner.

Solution: Toshiba’s Journe Scan Portable Scanner.

This is a compact scanner designed as a quick and simple way to scan your old 6” x 4” photos. It’s as small as a TV remote and very straightforward to use. All you need to do is simply insert your photo into the scanner, press the scan button and your snap is scanned! It’s that easy. The digital copy is then stored as a JPEG file on your computer or on a connected memory card and ready to be emailed, uploaded or printed. Plus at the Scanner connects via USB you can scan directly on to almost any PC, Mac and even digital photo frames!

Journe Scan is a simple way to turn photo albums into digital copies and makes a great Christmas present!

Cameras have come a long way in a relatively short time and in the 26 years that Ask has been running we’ve seen a dramatic evolution. They’ve gotten far smaller, smarter and offer far more compared to a best-selling camera from 1983. In the mid nineties, we saw digital cameras become the popular choice and then the megapixel race started with cameras going from just 0.5-megapixels to as much as 24.5-megapixels in just 10 years!

But where do we go from here? What is the next big step in camera design? Well a number of manufacturers seem to think they have the technology that will mark a new age for cameras.

Fuji - 3D

The first digital camera that we ever stocked was made by Fuji and the company has just supplied us with a camera that could be equally ground-breaking. The FinePix REAL 3D W1 is the world’s first 3D digital camera. It use two lenses and two image sensors to take two separate images and then combines them to create a unique, stereoscopic image. Your images can be displayed in breathtaking 3D without the need for special glasses using either the camera’s display or a special 8-inch 3D digital photo frame (sold separately) You can even get Fuji to turn your snaps into 3D prints! This camera is a real breakthrough and definitely a glimpse into the future of photography.

Panasonic and Olympus – Micro Four Thirds

To be fair it’s been over a year since Micro Four Thirds technology was announced. But this year saw the release of a number of cameras that really make the most of the technology, the Lumix GF1 for example. Micro Four Thirds offers the benefits of a camera with interchangeable lenses but without the size and weight of a DSLR. Micro Four Thirds cameras are significantly smaller as they don’t feature a mirror or a pentaprism but they deliver image quality and flexibility on-par with DSLRs. The GF1 is a great example of how this cutting-edge technology allows manufacturers to create camera compact cameras that will satisfy serious photographers.

Future technology today

We shouldn’t forget that the last year or two has seen a number of other advances in camera design. All the major manufacturers now have models with touchscreen displays, some can even been controlled by physically moving the camera! You can also use a compact camera to film stunning 1080p HD video that looks as good as video produced by leading camcorders.

We're dedicated to bringing you the very latest camera technology and always try to get the most cutting-edge models in stock as soon as they're released.

This year has been an exciting year for cameras and things can only get more exciting!

On Wednesday 30th September improvements are being made to Freeview in preparation for the digital TV switch-over. From lunchtime onwards on that day, you will need to re-tune your Freeview TV, set top box (including BT Vision and Top Up TV) and video recorders to ensure that you can continue to receive certain channels including Channel 5.

The retune will bring a number of changes to Freeview including moving a range of existing stations and the inclusion of new stations such as:

• Channel 5
• ITV
• ITV1+1
• All BBC Radio stations (This is ONLY for radio stations on Freeview and doesn’t affect FM or DAB radio broadcasts)
• Red Button features
• Quest – New station from Discovery

So if you receive Freeview remember to re-tune on the 30th!

Click here for more information on the re-tune or help with re-tuning your TV, set top box or video.