Apple Display Connector

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The Apple Display Connector (ADC) is a proprietary modification of the DVI connector that combines analog and digital video signals, USB, and power all in one cable. Apple used ADC for their flat panel LCDs and their final CRT display, before deciding to use "standard" DVI connectors on later models.

A setup using ADC dramatically reduces the cable spaghetti behind a computer. USB devices like the keyboard and mouse could be plugged into the display, the display into the host computer using ADC, and a single power cable to the wall from the computer. The result was effectively a single cable wiring the components together.

First implemented in the July 2000 Power Mac G4 and G4 Cube, ADC disappeared from displays in June 2004 when Apple introduced the aluminum-clad 20", 23", and 30" Cinema Displays, which feature separate DVI, USB and FireWire connectors, and their own power supply. The ADC connector was still standard on the Power Mac G5 until April 2005, when new models meant the only remaining Apple product with an ADC connector was the single processor Power Mac G5 introduced in October 2004. This single processor Power Mac G5 was discontinued soon after in June 2005.

A DVI to ADC adapter for newer systems is currently available from Apple. It will take a separate USB, DVI, and power connection from the computer and combine them into an ADC connection. An ADC to DVI adapter is also available for users of ADC systems with a DVI display. On newer displays lacking ADC, Apple still attempts to clean up the cabling through the use of a "ganged cable" that connects the separate signal cables to each other so they cannot tangle, though the widespread sale of Apple Bluetooth keyboards and mice often help as well.

[edit] See also

Apple Displays

[edit] External links

The Electrical Interface for the ADC

v • d • e</div> Audio and video connectors
Single conductor: Binding post \| Banana plug \| Fahnestock clip
Audio: RCA \| Jack plug \| XLR \| DIN / Mini-DIN \| BNC \| DB25 \| Speakon \| TosLink
Video: DVI / Mini-DVI / UDI \| RCA \| VGA / Mini-VGA \| DFP \| P&D \| BNC \| DIN / Mini-DIN \| 13W3 \| D4 \| DisplayPort
Multi: ADC \| HDMI \| TRS \| SCART \| F \| Belling-Lee \| DisplayPort