Apple Cinema Display

Lore & Background

The first model, a 22-inch Apple Cinema Display, was introduced in September 1999 alongside the Power Mac G4, using DVI for video input and enclosed in a high-density plastic frame with an easel-style stand. It was upgraded in July 2000 to use the Apple Display Connector (ADC), which combined DVI, USB, and 28V power. The 22-inch was replaced by a 20-inch model on January 28, 2003, with a widescreen display at 1680×1050 resolution and 230 cd/m2 brightness. That model was updated on June 28, 2004 to match the aluminum design of the new Cinema HD Display, with brightness increased to 250 cd/m2, and sold at $1,299 until October 2008.

The Cinema HD Display name began with a 23-inch model introduced on March 21, 2002, supporting 1920×1200 resolution. On June 28, 2004, Apple introduced a redesigned line with an anodized aluminum enclosure, including a new 30-inch model at 2560×1600 resolution. The 30-inch required a graphics card with dual-link DVI; no Macintosh models shipped with such a port at release, requiring a Power Mac G5 with the Nvidia GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL card. Later Power Mac G5, PowerBook G4, and Mac Pro mid 2006 to mid 2010 models could support it without adapters. On October 14, 2008, the 20-inch and 23-inch models were discontinued and replaced by the 24-inch LED Cinema Display, which featured an aluminum and glass chassis, built-in iSight camera, microphone, dual speakers, a MagSafe charging cable, LED backlighting, and Mini DisplayPort input. It was only officially compatible with Macs having a Mini DisplayPort port. On July 26, 2010, the 24-inch and 30-inch models were replaced by a 27-inch model at 2560×1440 resolution, sold for $999. The Cinema Display name was retired in July 2011 with the introduction of the Apple Thunderbolt Display.

Reader's Guide

The Apple Cinema Display line is significant as a series of monitors that evolved alongside Apple's computer designs, reflecting three distinct aesthetic eras: the colorful polycarbonate plastic of the Power Mac G3 and G4, the anodized aluminum of the Power Mac G5 and PowerBook G4, and the glass-and-aluminum unibody look introduced in October 2008. The line was the last Apple desktop monitor series to offer matte, anti-glare screens, which were retired with the LED panels except for the 30-inch Cinema Display. This removal of matte screens was referred to by The Wall Street Journal as one of Apple's worst design decisions, as matte screens diffuse reflected light and improve ease-of-use, though they cannot match the black levels of glossy screens needed for HDR work. The last Cinema Displays remain desirable to professionals as the last anti-glare displays made by Apple until the Pro Display XDR, featuring true IPS 8-bit (no dithering) fully back-lit panels with slightly higher brightness than the later reflective, edge-lit Apple Thunderbolt displays. They are also the last Apple desktop monitors made in a 16:10 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical workspace. The line was discontinued in July 2011 and was no longer offered on the Apple Store website as of August 2014.

Did You Know?

• The first Cinema Display, a 22-inch model, was introduced in September 1999 alongside the Power Mac G4.
• The 24-inch LED Cinema Display was the first to use LED backlighting and Mini DisplayPort for video input.