Apple Cinema Display

Last updated

Apple Cinema Display
Apple Cinema display aluminum-2004-07-23.jpg
An aluminum model Apple Cinema Display connected to a Power Mac G5, as seen with a 4th generation iPod Classic
Developer Apple Inc.
Type Computer monitor
Release dateSeptember 1, 1999;24 years ago (1999-09-01)
DiscontinuedJuly 20, 2011 (2011-07-20)
Predecessor Apple Studio Display (1998–2004)
Successor Apple Thunderbolt Display
Website Official Website at the Wayback Machine (archived January 3, 2010)

The Apple Cinema Display is a line of flat-panel computer monitors developed and sold by Apple Inc. between 1999 and 2011. It was initially sold alongside the older line of Studio Displays, but eventually replaced them. Apple offered 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, and 30-inch sizes, with the last model being a 27-inch size with LED backlighting.

Contents

The Cinema Display line had three distinct design languages during its lifetime, the first featuring transparent polycarbonate plastic, and the later two featuring anodized aluminum. The first displays were designed to match the colorful plastic of the Power Mac G3 and later the Power Mac G4, while the second revisions were designed to match the aluminum aesthetics of the Power Mac G5 and PowerBook G4. The last available design matched the unibody laptops released in October 2008, and had a glossy screen.

The Apple Cinema Display name was retired in July 2011 with the introduction of the Apple Thunderbolt Display. Cinema Display models were no longer offered on the Apple Store website as of August 2014.

Models

Cinema Display

The first model—the 22-inch Apple Cinema Display—was introduced in September 1999 alongside the Power Mac G4 and used DVI for video input. It was enclosed in a high-density plastic frame with an easel-style stand and had a display resolution of 1600×1024. [1]

The 22-inch model was upgraded in July 2000 with the Apple Display Connector (ADC), which ran DVI, USB, and 28V power through a single connector. [2] It did not require an external power brick when it was connected to a computer with an ADC port on it.

It was eventually replaced by a 20-inch model on January 28, 2003, that also used an ADC connector and sported a widescreen display with up to 1680×1050 resolution and a brightness of 230 cd/m2. [3]

The 20" Cinema Display was updated again June 28, 2004 to match the aluminum design of the new Cinema HD Display. It retained the 1680x1050 resolution of the previous model but saw its brightness increased to 250 cd/m2, and was introduced at a $1,299 USD price point. [4] Apple continued to sell this display with no further changes until October 2008.

Cinema HD Display

The 23-inch model, dubbed the "Cinema HD Display," was introduced on March 20, 2002, and supported full 1:1 1080p playback on a 1920x1200 pixel display.

On June 28, 2004, Apple introduced a redesigned line of Cinema Displays, along with a new 30-inch model that, like the 23-inch model, carried the "Cinema HD Display" name. The new models had an anodized aluminum enclosure that matched Apple's high-end lines of professional products. An alternative stand or a wall mount could be used with a VESA mount adapter kit that was sold separately. Though the display enclosures had not been redesigned for a long period of time, several "silent" improvements were made to the brightness levels and contrast ratios. [5]

30-inch model compatibility

Due to the high resolution (2560×1600), the 30-inch model requires a graphics card that supports dual-link DVI. When the monitor was released, no Macintosh models were sold with a dual-link DVI port. A Power Mac G5 with the new Nvidia GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL graphics card was initially required to run the display at full resolution. [6]

All Power Mac G5, PowerBook G4, and Mac Pro mid 2006 to mid 2010 models are capable of supporting it without the use of any adapters. Discrete MacBook Pros are also capable of driving the 30-inch display, while all Macs released after October 2008 require an additional adapter. The 30-inch Cinema Display was introduced together with the GeForce 6800, which supports two DVI-DL ports. ATI's aftermarket AGP X800 Mac Edition also supports dual-link DVI, but has only one port. The Radeon 9600 Mac/PC was another aftermarket graphics card that supported dual-link DVI and was also compatible with older AGP-based Power Macs.

If a computer with a single-link DVI port (such as a Mac laptop with a mini-DVI connector) is connected to the 30-inch display, it will only run at 1280×800, even if the computer is capable of supporting 1920×1200 over a single-link connection.

LED Cinema Display

A 24-inch LED Cinema Display. Workspace @ Nottingham Flat.jpg
A 24-inch LED Cinema Display.

On October 14, 2008, the 20-inch Cinema Display and the 23-inch Cinema HD Display were discontinued and replaced with the 24-inch LED Cinema Display. Its chassis is made with aluminum and glass, reflecting the appearances of the current iMac, unibody MacBook Pro, and unibody MacBook designs. The display features a built-in iSight camera, microphone and dual speaker system. A MagSafe cable runs from the back of the display and provides 85W of charging for MacBooks. It is the first Cinema Display to use LED backlighting and Mini DisplayPort for video input; however, the LED backlighting is edge-lit as opposed to the fully back-lit CCFL of the previous models, resulting in a lower brightness cd/m2 output.

The 24-inch LED Cinema Display is only officially compatible with Macs that have a Mini DisplayPort port. A third-party converter must be used in order to use the display with older Macs.

Newer MacBooks that only have USB-C (or Thunderbolt 3) ports can connect to the 24-inch LED Cinema Display using a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter. However, Apple's Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter cannot be used even though it has the same physical connections. Due to differences in the electrical signaling of Thunderbolt 2 and Mini DisplayPort, a generic USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter must be used instead. [7]

With the introduction of LED panels, the matte, anti-glare screen panels were retired, except for the 30" Cinema Display. Apple had already moved away from matte screens in its line of iMac desktop computers on August 7, 2007. Apple had not offered any equipment with a matte, anti-glare screen after the 15" non-Retina MacBook Pro was discontinued in October 2013 until the introduction of the Pro Display XDR in 2019. This had been a cause for concern among users who wanted matte screens for their area of work, particularly graphic designers, photographers and users who extensively view their screens. [8] Matte screens, like matte-surface photographs, diffuse reflected light and cannot provide the same black levels as glossy screens, which are required for working with HDR images and videos and thus are disadvantaged in this area. However, the matte screens have a far lower level of reflectivity, which improves ease-of-use.

The Wall Street Journal referred to Apple's removal of the matte screen as one of their worst design decisions. [9]

On July 26, 2010, the 24-inch LED Cinema Display and the 30-inch Cinema HD Display were replaced by a 27-inch model that supports up to 2560×1440 resolution. This model was sold for $999 USD. [10]

On July 20, 2011, the LED Cinema Display was discontinued and replaced by the Apple Thunderbolt Display.

Technical specifications

LCD models

Table of models
Component LCD
ModelApple Cinema DisplayApple Cinema HD DisplayApple Cinema DisplayApple Cinema HD Display
Model numberM5662M8149 [11] M8536A1038A1081A1082A1083
Order numberN/AM8058ZM/AM8537ZM/AM8893ZM/AM9177LL/AM9178LL/AM9179LL/A
Release date(s)September 1, 1999July 19, 2000March 21, 2002January 28, 2003June 28, 2004
Discontinued dateJuly 19, 2000January 28, 2003June 28, 2004October 14, 2008July 26, 2010
Display (all 16:10 and matte)22" 1600 × 1024 (fullscreen)23" 1920 × 120020" 1680 × 105023" 1920 × 120030" 2560 × 1600
Pixel density (in pixels per inch)86.3598.4101.6
Brightness180 cd/m2200 cd/m2230 cd/m2250 (or 300*) cd/m2270 (or 400*) cd/m2270 (or 400*) cd/m2
Contrast ratio300:1350:1400:1 (or 700:1*)
Response timeUnknown16 ms
Power62–77 W35–77 W70 W60 W65 W90 W150 W
MaterialPolycarbonate frameAluminum frame
InputDVI-D Apple Display Connector DVI-DDual-link DVI-D
OutputNone2 FireWire 400 ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports

LED-backlit LCD models

Table of models
Component LED-backlit LCD
ModelLED Cinema Display (24-inch) [12] LED Cinema Display (27-Inch) [13] [14]
Model numberA1267A1316
Order numberMB382LL/AMC007LL/A
Release dateOctober 14, 2008July 26, 2010
Discontinued dateJuly 26, 2010December 2, 2013[ citation needed ]
Display
(all widescreen)
24", glossy glass covered screen, LCD, 1920 × 120027", glossy glass covered screen, LCD, 2560 × 1440 [15]
16:10 aspect ratio16:9 aspect ratio [15]
Built-in cameraiSight
Brightness330 cd/m2375 cd/m2
Colors 16.7 million (maximum) True Color
Pixel density
(in pixels per inch)
94.3109
Response time 13 ms
PowerUp to 212 W (while charging a MacBook Pro)Up to 250 W (while charging a MacBook Pro)
MaterialAluminum frame and glass front
Cables and peripheral connections

Cables

Peripheral connections

Original priceUSD $899USD $999 [16]

Related Research Articles

Apple Inc. has sold a variety of LCD and CRT computer displays since introducing their first display in 1980. Apple paused production of their own standalone displays in 2016 and partnered with LG to design displays for Macs. In June 2019, the Pro Display XDR was introduced, however it was expensive and targeted for professionals. In March 2022, the Studio Display was launched as a consumer-targeted counterpart. These are currently the only Apple-branded displays available.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple Display Connector</span> Modified version of DVI video cable

The Apple Display Connector (ADC) is a display and data connector developed by Apple, Inc. as a proprietary modification of the DVI connector. ADC combines analog and digital video signals, USB, and power all in one cable. It was used in later versions of the Apple Studio Display, including the final 17" CRT model, and most versions of the widescreen Apple Cinema Display, after which Apple adopted standard DVI connectors on later models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PowerBook G4</span> Series of notebook computers created by Apple Computer

The PowerBook G4 is a series of notebook computers manufactured, marketed, and sold by Apple Computer between 2001 and 2006 as part of its PowerBook line of notebooks. The PowerBook G4 runs on the RISC-based PowerPC G4 processor, designed by the AIM (Apple/IBM/Motorola) development alliance and initially produced by Motorola. It was built later by Freescale, after Motorola spun off its semiconductor business under that name in 2004. The PowerBook G4 has had two different designs: one with a titanium body with a translucent black keyboard and a 15-inch screen; and another in an aluminum body with an aluminum-colored keyboard, in 12-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch sizes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MacBook Pro</span> Line of notebook computer

The MacBook Pro is a line of Mac laptop computers developed and manufactured by Apple. Introduced in January 2006, it is the higher-end lineup in the MacBook family, sitting above the consumer-focused MacBook Air. It is currently sold with 14-inch and 16-inch screens, all using Apple silicon M-series chips.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MacBook (2006–2012)</span> Line of notebook computers by Apple

The MacBook is a line of Mac laptops sold by Apple Inc. between May 2006 and February 2012. It replaced the iBook series of notebooks as a part of Apple's transition from PowerPC to Intel processors. Positioned as the low end of the MacBook family, below the premium ultra-portable MacBook Air and the performance-oriented MacBook Pro, the MacBook was aimed at the consumer and education markets. It became the best-selling Mac in Apple's history. For five months in 2008, it was the best-selling laptop of any brand in US retail stores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mini-DVI</span> Digital alternative to the Mini-VGA connector by Apple

The Mini-DVI connector is used on certain Apple computers as a digital alternative to the Mini-VGA connector. Its size is between the full-sized DVI and the tiny Micro-DVI. It is found on the 12-inch PowerBook G4, the Intel-based iMac, the MacBook Intel-based laptop, the Intel-based Xserve, the 2009 Mac mini, and some late model eMacs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Target Disk Mode</span> Boot mode on certain Macintosh computers

Target Disk Mode is a boot mode unique to Macintosh computers.

iMac (Intel-based) Line of all-in-one desktop computers by Apple Inc.

The Intel-based iMac is a discontinued series of Macintosh all-in-one desktop computers designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple Inc. from 2006 to 2022. While sold, it was one of three desktop computers in the Macintosh lineup, serving as an all-in-one alternative to the Mac Mini, and sat below the performance range Mac Pro. It was sold alongside the Xeon-based iMac Pro from 2017 to 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MacBook Air</span> Line of ultraportable notebook computers by Apple

The MacBook Air is a line of laptop computers developed and manufactured by Apple since 2008. It features a thin, light structure in a machined aluminum case and currently either a 13-inch or 15-inch screen. The MacBook Air's lower prices relative to the larger, higher performance MacBook Pro have made it Apple's entry-level notebook since the discontinuation of the original MacBook line in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MacBook</span> Line of laptop computers by Apple

MacBook is a brand of Mac notebook computers designed and marketed by Apple that use Apple's macOS operating system since 2006. The MacBook brand replaced the PowerBook and iBook brands during the Mac transition to Intel processors, announced in 2005. The current lineup consists of the MacBook Air (2008–present) and the MacBook Pro (2006–present). Two different lines simply named "MacBook" existed from 2006 to 2012 and 2015 to 2019. The MacBook brand was the "world's top-selling line of premium laptops" as of 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mac Mini</span> Desktop computer by Apple Inc.

Mac Mini is a small form factor desktop computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. As of 2022, it is positioned between the consumer all-in-one iMac and the professional Mac Studio and Mac Pro as one of four current Mac desktop computers. Since launch, it has shipped without a display, keyboard, and mouse. The machine was initially branded as "BYODKM" as a strategic pitch to encourage users to switch from Windows and Linux computers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mini DisplayPort</span> Miniaturized version of the DisplayPort connector

The Mini DisplayPort is a miniaturized version of the DisplayPort audio-visual digital interface.

Thunderbolt is the brand name of a hardware interface for the connection of external peripherals to a computer. It was developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple. It was initially marketed under the name Light Peak, and first sold as part of an end-user product on 24 February 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple Studio Display (1998–2004)</span> Series of computer monitors sold by Apple Computer, Inc.

The Apple Studio Display is a series of non-widescreen LCD and CRT displays manufactured and sold by Apple Computer, Inc. and introduced in 1998. After the 1999 introduction of the widescreen Apple Cinema Display, the Apple Studio Display line ran concurrently until it was discontinued in 2004. With the exception of the last model, the 5:4 17" Apple Studio Display, all Apple Studio Displays had an aspect ratio of 4:3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple Thunderbolt Display</span> Flat panel computer monitor sold by Apple Inc.

The Apple Thunderbolt Display is a 27-inch flat panel computer monitor developed and sold by Apple Inc. from July 2011 to June 2016. Originally priced at $999, it replaced the 27-inch Apple LED Cinema Display. The Thunderbolt Display switched from Mini DisplayPort and USB connectors to a single Thunderbolt connector for data and DisplayPort. The Thunderbolt Display also added a Gigabit Ethernet port and FireWire 800 port. It is not compatible with computers without Thunderbolt, including, but not limited to desktop PCs without a Thunderbolt port; Macs released before 2011; the 2012 Mac Pro; and the single USB-C Retina MacBook. Devices with Thunderbolt 3 can use the display with an adapter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">12-inch MacBook</span> 2010s line of Apple notebook computers

The 12-inch MacBook is a discontinued Mac laptop made by Apple Inc., which sat between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in Apple's laptop lineup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pro Display XDR</span> Computer monitor sold by Apple Inc.

The Pro Display XDR is a 32-inch flat panel computer monitor created by Apple, based on an LG supplied display, and released on December 10, 2019. It was announced at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference on June 3, 2019 along with the third-generation Mac Pro. It is the first Apple-branded display since the Apple Thunderbolt Display was discontinued in 2016. "XDR" stands for "Extreme Dynamic Range." It is sold alongside the consumer Apple Studio Display.

iMac (Apple silicon) All-in-one desktop computer designed and built by Apple Inc.

The Apple silicon iMac is a line of all-in-one desktop Macs made by Apple Inc. The first Apple silicon iMac, with a 24-inch screen and an Apple M1 chip, was released on May 21, 2021, replacing the 21-inch and 27-inch Intel iMacs.

iPad Pro (5th generation) 2021 Apple tablet computer

The fifth-generation iPad Pro, colloquially known as the M1iPad Pro, is a line of iPad tablet computers developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced on April 20, 2021, and was available in 11-inch (28 cm) and 12.9-inch (33 cm) screen size options, which are the same as its predecessor, the iPad Pro. Preorders began on April 30, 2021, and the product was released worldwide on May 21, 2021. It comes in two colors: Silver and Space Gray.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MacBook Pro (Intel-based)</span> Line of notebook computers

The Intel-based MacBook Pro is a discontinued line of Macintosh notebook computers sold by Apple Inc. from 2006 to 2021. It was the higher-end model of the MacBook family, sitting above the consumer-focused MacBook Air, and was sold with 13-inch to 17-inch screens.

References

  1. "Apple Cinema Display Original (22-Inch) Specs (Cinema Display, N/A, M5662): EveryMac.com". everymac.com. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  2. "Apple Cinema Display ADC (22-Inch) Specs (Cinema Display, M8058ZM/A, M8149): EveryMac.com". everymac.com. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  3. "Apple Cinema Display 20-Inch Specs (20" Cinema Display, M8893ZM/A, A1038): EveryMac.com". everymac.com. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  4. "Apple Cinema Display 20-Inch (Aluminum) Specs".
  5. Taghap, Herschell (March 28, 2006). "Apple's 30 Cinema Display gets quiet upgrade". Ars Technica. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  6. "NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL (Mac Version)". barefeats.com. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  7. "How to connect your old Apple display to your new Mac". Macworld. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  8. Which? Magazine poll shows 89% of users want matte screens Archived August 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Which? magazine, June 9, 2011
  9. Steve Jobs’s Worst Design Decisions? The Wall Street Journal, August 29, 2011
  10. "Apple Cinema Display LED (27-Inch) Specs".
  11. "22-inch Apple Cinema Display" (PDF). Apple. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  12. "LED Cinema Display – Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
  13. "LED Cinema Display (27-inch) – Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
  14. "Apple 27-inch Cinema Display review | TechRadar". August 17, 2022. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  15. 1 2 3 "Apple LED Cinema Display (27-inch review: Apple LED Cinema Display (27-inch - CNET". November 30, 2023. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  16. "Apple 27-inch LED Cinema Display Review". Archived from the original on September 10, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)

Articles