In the realm of computer monitors, few names evoke as much nostalgia and admiration as the Apple Cinema Display series. Among these revered gems lies the Apple Cinema 20-inch HD Display also known as Aluminum or DVI, a groundbreaking innovation that captured the hearts of Mac users upon its release in 2004.
In 2004, Apple revolutionized the display industry with the introduction of the Apple Cinema Display series, showcasing a new family of widescreen flat-panel displays. Among them stood the remarkable 20-inch HD Display, featuring a sleek aluminum design that exuded sophistication and style. With its 1680 x 1050 resolution, this LCD display quickly became a favorite among creative professionals and home users alike.
Apple’s commitment to innovation didn’t stop at aesthetics. The Apple Cinema 20-inch HD Display set new standards for visual excellence with its impressive features. Boasting a 400:1 contrast ratio, a viewing angle of 170 degrees, and support for 16.7 million colors, it delivered unparalleled image quality and clarity. Moreover, with its DVI port, USB 2.0, and FireWire connections, it offered seamless connectivity for a wide range of peripherals, elevating the user experience to new heights.
In 2006, Apple quietly upgraded the Cinema HD Display lineup, including the 20-inch variant. This subtle yet significant enhancement saw improvements in brightness, viewing angle, contrast ratio, and response time, further enhancing the visual fidelity and responsiveness of the display. This upgrade reinforced Apple’s commitment to refining its products to meet the evolving needs of users.
Despite its enduring popularity, all good things must come to an end. On February 19, 2009, Apple discontinued the 20-inch Cinema HD Display, marking the end of an era. However, even in its retirement, this iconic display continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Mac enthusiasts and remains a symbol of Apple’s legacy of innovation and design excellence.
The legacy of the Apple Cinema 20-inch HD Display transcends its lifespan. Its timeless design and groundbreaking features paved the way for future generations of displays, influencing the design language and functionality of modern monitors. Moreover, its role in democratizing high-quality visual experiences for creative professionals and home users alike cannot be overstated.
In an age where technology evolves at breakneck speed, taking a moment to revisit classics like the Apple Cinema 20-inch HD Display reminds us of the enduring appeal of timeless design and innovation. Whether as a collector’s item or a functional piece of hardware, 20 years later this iconic display continues to captivate and inspire, serving as a testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of possibility.
As we reflect on the journey of the Apple Cinema 20-inch HD Display, we are reminded of the transformative power of innovation and the lasting impact of visionary design. Though it may no longer grace the desks of users, its legacy lives on in the annals of technology history, immortalizing its status as a true icon of the digital age.
Apple Cinema 20-inch HD Display Details
| Introduced | June 28, 2004 – 20 years ago |
| Upgrade | August 7, 2006 – 17 years ago |
| Discontinued | February 19, 2009 – 15 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 55 months (4 years) |
| Model Number | A1081 |
| Order Number | M9177LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,299 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 14.5 Ibs. 6.577 KG |
| Dimensions | 16.5” H x 18.5” W x 6.8” D 41.91 cm H x 46.99 cm W x 17.27 cm D |
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later
- Mac with any NVIDIA or ATI Radeon 7500 graphics card (or better)
- Windows PC with DVI ports that support full single-link digital bandwidth
Mounting
- VESA FDMI (MIS-D, 100, C)
Display Specs
| Type | LCD |
| Size | 20” |
| Viewable Area | 20” |
| Colors | 16.7 million |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² 300 cd/m²* |
| Resolutions | 1024 x 640 1280 x 800 1680 x 1050 |
| Viewing Angle | 170° horizontal / 170° vertical 178° horizontal / 178° vertical* |
| Contrast Ratio | 400:1 700:1* |
| Response Time | 16 ms 14 ms* |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.258 mm |
| Pixel Density | 99.06 ppi |
Connections
| Connection | 1 – DVI |
| Audio | None |
| Camera | None |
| Ports | 2 – USB 2.0 480 Mbps 2 – FireWire 400 Mbps |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 65 W |
Apple Cinema HD Display Introduction
Further Reading and References
- Apple Cinema Display (20-inch DVI): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils 30” Cinema HD Flat Display – Apple Newsroom
- Apple Cinema Display – Wikipedia
- Apple Cinema Display review – CNET
- Apple 20-inch Cinema Display Review – MacWorld
- Apple Cinema HD Display Repair – iFixit
- Apple Cinema Displays Technology Overview (PDF) – MacOffice
- Apple Cinema Display – User’s Guide (PDF) – CVP
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.
