Apple Cinema 20-inch Display Apple Cinema 20-inch Display

Apple Cinema 20-inch Display Explained

The early 2000s marked an era of innovation and sophistication in the tech world, with one product standing out as an emblem of that time – the Apple Cinema Display series. Among its variants, the 20-inch model, launched on January 28, 2003, holds a special place in the hearts of nostalgia-filled tech enthusiasts even 21 years later.

Apple, known for its penchant for groundbreaking technology and sleek design, introduced the 20-inch Apple Cinema Display as a testament to its industry leadership in flat-panel display technology. Priced at $1,299, this wide-format active-matrix LCD with 1680-by-1050 pixel resolution offered a premium display experience tailored for Apple users.

The launch of the 20-inch Apple Cinema Display was a significant milestone, complementing Apple’s Power Mac G4 desktops and catering to demanding colorwork with its all-digital interface. It surpassed its predecessors by providing more workspace and boasted a price point that made it accessible to a broader audience.

With an active-matrix, liquid crystal display and a pure digital interface, the Cinema Display delivered superior, distortion-free images, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments. Its wide viewing angle technology ensured maximum color quality, even when viewing images off-axis, making it a staple in demanding color environments.

Apple Cinema Display
Source: 512pixels.net – Apple Cinema Display

Apple’s strategic pricing adjustments made premium display technology more accessible. The reduction in price for the 23-inch Cinema HD Display, from $3,499 to $1,999, and the 17-inch Studio Display, from $999 to $699, brought top-tier quality within reach of professional users.

The Cinema Display’s impact extended beyond its functionality. Its role in advancing color management technology, particularly in collaboration with providers like Integrated Color Solutions, Inc. (ICS), led to groundbreaking systems like Remote Director 2.0, certified by SWOP Incorporated, revolutionizing proofing processes for print professionals.

Beyond its technical prowess, the Cinema Display epitomized Apple’s commitment to design excellence. Less than two inches thick with a wide-format design (16:10 aspect ratio), it accommodated various tasks effortlessly, from viewing intricate illustrations to enjoying DVD movies, all while minimizing desktop clutter with its innovative Apple Display Connector (ADC).

Despite its brief stint in the market, the Apple Cinema 20-inch Display left an indelible mark on tech history. Its discontinuation in June 2004 didn’t diminish its significance; instead, it solidified its status as a collector’s item and a cherished relic of an era when Apple dominated the computer display market.

As we reflect on 21 years of technological evolution, revisiting the Apple Cinema 20-inch Display serves as a poignant reminder of a time when innovation and elegance defined the tech landscape. Whether you’re a nostalgic enthusiast or a curious observer of tech history, this iconic display continues to captivate and inspire, standing as a testament to Apple’s legacy of innovation and design excellence.

In a world of ever-evolving technology, the Apple Cinema 20-inch Display remains a timeless relic, embodying the spirit of innovation that defined an era.

Apple Cinema Displays
Source: macstories.net – Apple Cinema Displays

Apple Cinema 20-inch Display Details

IntroducedJanuary 28, 2003
DiscontinuedJune 28, 2004
Model NumberA1038
Order NumberM8893ZM/A
Original Price$1,299
ColorsWhite
Weight18.9 Ibs.
8.572 KG
Dimensions17.3” H x 21.34” W x 6.93” D
43.94 cm H x 54.2 cm W x 17.6 cm D

System Requirements

  • Mac OS X 10.2 or later
  • Power Mac G4 with an NVIDIA GeForce2 MX (or better) or ATI Radeon 7500 (or better)
  • PowerBook G4 with a DVI port and an Apple DVI to ADC Adapter

Display Specs

TypeLCD
Size20”
Viewable Area20”
Colors16.7 million
Brightness230 cd/m²
Resolutions1024 x 640
1280 x 800
1680 x 1050
Viewing Angle170° horizontal
170° vertical
Contrast Ratio350:1
Response TimeN/A
Pixel Pitch0.258 mm
Pixel Density99.06 ppi

Connections

Connection1 – ADC (Requires 32 MB video card)
AudioNone
CameraNone
Ports2 – USB

Power

Maximum Continuous Power60 W

Further Reading and References

Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.

Last updated: February 13, 2024