Studio Display Mod - About ADC Connection

Despite the revolution of LCD technology bring about production of HD monitors with 4K or even 5K resolutions, some people still concern not only the screen quality per se but also the overall design of a monitor (like me XD). This is one of the articles about modifying an obseleted Apple Studio Display 17" (ADC) to meet present use.
Using ADC (Apple Display Connector) is one of the distinguishing features of the Studio Displays debuted by Apple during 2000-2003.

Apple Display Connector

The ADC combines analog and digital video signals, USB, and power all in one cable. Users only need to plug that one and only one cable exert from an ADC monitor to the Mac which has an ADC connection, and it will provide power and signals required for the display connected.

Apple Studio 17 CRT Display (ADC) was the last CRT display issued by Apple, it has also an ADC connection. Unlike other CRT displays of its time, ADC is the only cable out for this monitor.

The ADC Cable will be preserve in my mod work

Some people complain about the lack of compatibility of the ADC connector. When a device which has DVI only, one need to buy an DVI to ADC adapter for his/her ADC-only monitor. The adapter itself was not cheap, about US$149 at that time. Even if one has this adapter, s/he will find it incompatible with Apple Studio 17 CRT Display (ADC).

I personally, however, adore this connector as I dislike too much cables on the table.  The idea which combines all proprietaries into one cable is really terrific cos I don't need to care about all complex connections; also, I Don't need to find power cord/VGA/DVI/Display port for my monitor.

For the upcoming modification work, I am planning to preserve this ADC cable for the Studio Display. I don't want to make several holes for a power cord, a Display Port, a VGA/DVI, that is stupid. At the same time, I will made an adapter so that it will be able to connect with the latest Macs like Intel Mac Minis.

Related Articles:
Studio Display Mod - What is "Apple Studio Display"?
Studio Display Mod - An Idea
Studio Display Mod - About ADC Connection
Studio Display Mod - Take Apart the CRT
Studio Display Mod - Polishing the Case
Studio Display Mod - Protective Film for the Display
Studio Display Mod - Blueprint of Protective Skin
Studio Display Mod - Take Apart the CRT
Studio Display Mod - Duplicating the Cathode Ray Tube
Studio Display Mod - Assembled
Studio Display Mod - Finalized
Erik Siivel (@siivel.com)

Modder | Producer | Blogger | Youtuber

Email: siiveldotcom@gmail.com