In the fast-paced world of technology, where gadgets seem to evolve at lightning speed, it’s easy to forget the milestones that paved the way for the sleek devices we use today. One such landmark moment occurred on March 21, 2002, when Apple introduced the Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Display.
In 2002, the tech landscape was transforming, and Apple, known for its innovative approach, was at the forefront of this revolution. The Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Display marked a significant shift in how we perceived computer displays. With its sleek design and cutting-edge features, it captured the imagination of Mac users worldwide.
One of the most striking features of the Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Display was its impressive resolution. With a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, it offered more than enough clarity to view High Definition Television (HDTV) content—a rarity at the time. This level of detail was unprecedented and revolutionized the way creative professionals worked with digital content.
Steve Jobs, Apple’s visionary CEO, didn’t mince words when he declared the Cinema HD Display as “the best computer display on the planet.” And he had every reason to be confident. The display’s superior brightness, sharpness, and color purity set a new benchmark for excellence in the industry. For creative professionals using software like Final Cut Pro, the Cinema HD Display was nothing short of a revelation, allowing them to author HDTV content in its native resolution.
But the Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Display wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was designed with functionality in mind. Its active-matrix, liquid crystal display delivered distortion-free images with edge-to-edge clarity, eliminating the need for constant adjustments. At less than two inches thick, its wide format design (16:10 aspect ratio) made it the ideal canvas for viewing intricate illustrations or expansive spreads with ease.
Color accuracy is crucial for professionals working in design, photography, and video editing. The Cinema HD Display excelled in this aspect, supporting 16.7 million colors and offering a 160-degree viewing angle for consistent color representation from any vantage point. Integrated with ColorSync, Apple’s industry-standard color management software, it ensured that every hue was rendered with precision, making it indispensable for color-critical tasks.
Apple’s commitment to user experience was evident in every aspect of the Cinema HD Display. The innovative Apple Display Connector (ADC) simplified setup by carrying the digital video signal, USB data, and power over a single cable, reducing clutter on the desktop. Additionally, the self-powered, two-port USB hub provided convenient connections to peripherals, further enhancing productivity.
Despite its impressive features and critical acclaim, the Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Display was available for just over two years. On June 28, 2004, Apple discontinued the product, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire awe among collectors and tech enthusiasts alike.
Today, as we celebrate the 22-year anniversary of the Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Display, its significance in tech history remains undiminished. It was more than just a display—it was a symbol of Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. And while technology may have evolved since then, the impact of this pioneering product continues to resonate, reminding us of the strides we’ve made and the heights we’re yet to reach.
Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Display Details
| Introduced | March 21, 2002 |
| Discontinued | June 28, 2004 |
| Model Number | M8536 |
| Order Number | M8537ZM/A |
| Original Price | $3,499 $1,999 (From January 28, 2003) |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 25.3 Ibs. 11.475 KG |
| Dimensions | 19.2” H x 24.2” W x 7.3” D 48.76 cm H x 61.46 cm W x 18.54 cm D |
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.1.3 or later or Mac OS 9.2.2
- 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
| Type | LCD |
| Size | 23” |
| Viewable Area | 23” |
| Colors | 16.7 million |
| Brightness | 200 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 800 x 500 1024 x 600 1280 x 800 1920 x 1200 |
| Viewing Angle | 170° horizontal 170° vertical |
| Contrast Ratio | 350:1 |
| Response Time | N/A |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.258 mm |
| Pixel Density | 98.44 ppi |
Connections
| Connection | 1 – ADC (Requires 32 MB video card) |
| Audio | None |
| Camera | None |
| Ports | 2 – USB |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 70 W |
Further Reading and References
- Apple Cinema HD Display (23″): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils Cinema HD 23-inch Flat Panel Display – Apple Newsroom
- Apple Cinema Display – Wikipedia
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 7, 2024
