Apple Cinema Display - Firewire access through Thunderbolt?

[treehorn]

I was tempted to get one of the Apple Cinema Thunderbolt Displays (even though it's a bit past its sell-by date), especially since it has Firewire ports, which, as it doesn't have a Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt combo at the end of the cable (as earlier models did - minus the Thunderbolt of course) - seemed to indicate that one could use it as a Firewire hub/converter for the new Mac Pro.

However when I asked at the Apple Store, I was told that wasn't the case. But as I was also told a few other things that turned out to be false, I want to see if she was right…

I currently have an HP LP3065 30" monitor which I'm thinking of using until things…settle…a bit. But if the Cinema Display means I gain a firewire port…it's tempting.

 

[jakesaunders27]

I was tempted to get one of the Apple Cinema Thunderbolt Displays (even though it's a bit past its sell-by date), especially since it has Firewire ports, which, as it doesn't have a Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt combo at the end of the cable (as earlier models did - minus the Thunderbolt of course) - seemed to indicate that one could use it as a Firewire hub/converter for the new Mac Pro.

However when I asked at the Apple Store, I was told that wasn't the case. But as I was also told a few other things that turned out to be false, I want to see if she was right…

I currently have an HP LP3065 30" monitor which I'm thinking of using until things…settle…a bit. But if the Cinema Display means I gain a firewire port…it's tempting.

yes the thunderbolt carries the firewire you were right

 

[treehorn]

I couldn't see how that couldn't be the case, given there was no other way for it to work/get connected…

Hmmm….decisions, decisions…Spend $1,000 and get an older monitor that would work better with the computer and have Firewire, or spend $100 for an adaptor and use my old monitor until I figure out what to get…or something newer/more stable comes along...

 

[jakesaunders27]

I couldn't see how that couldn't be the case, given there was no other way for it to work/get connected…

Hmmm….decisions, decisions…Spend $1,000 and get an older monitor that would work better with the computer and have Firewire, or spend $100 for an adaptor and use my old monitor until I figure out what to get…or something newer/more stable comes along...

I assume you have a nMP? I would buy the dual link adaptor and wait for an updated display,

 

[chfilm]

Does anyone know if the Ethernet port on the TB display is fast enough for a 150mbit internet connection? Or should i attach directly to the nMP?

 

[jakesaunders27]

Does anyone know if the Ethernet port on the TB display is fast enough for a 150mbit internet connection? Or should i attach directly to the nMP?

I'd put it straight into Mac Pro

 

[zesta]

Some important differences in nomenclature:

Apple LED Cinema Display = older one with no thunderbolt, but with firewire, etc. connections on the end of the cable

Apple Thunderbolt Display = new one with Thunderbolt. The USB, Firewire, and ethernet are all connected via the single Thunderbolt connection.

 

[bennibeef]

Does anyone know if the Ethernet port on the TB display is fast enough for a 150mbit internet connection? Or should i attach directly to the nMP?

It doesnt matter if you are using Gigabit Ethernet at home. Both devices can handle Gbit Ethernet, you may save on some bandwith on the thundebolt bus if you connect it directly to the nMPro but that should not be a bottleneck.

 

[treehorn]

I assume you have a nMP? I would buy the dual link adaptor and wait for an updated display,

I'm getting one…any day now (two weeks earlier than estimated - of course coming right when I have back to back to back to back projects so really can't afford to mess around with a new system). it seems a shame to have my old monitor (which admittedly still runs strong…and specs don't seem that out dated) with my shiny new toy but…

…saving money isn't a bad thing (and that ultra wide LG looks intriguing…hopefully it will work well for video editing)

 

[chfilm]

It doesnt matter if you are using Gigabit Ethernet at home. Both devices can handle Gbit Ethernet, you may save on some bandwith on the thundebolt bus if you connect it directly to the nMPro but that should not be a bottleneck.

Thanks! It's just a question of cable management on my desk basically..

 

[analog guy]

I was tempted to get one of the Apple Cinema Thunderbolt Displays (even though it's a bit past its sell-by date), especially since it has Firewire ports, which, as it doesn't have a Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt combo at the end of the cable (as earlier models did - minus the Thunderbolt of course) - seemed to indicate that one could use it as a Firewire hub/converter for the new Mac Pro.

However when I asked at the Apple Store, I was told that wasn't the case. But as I was also told a few other things that turned out to be false, I want to see if she was right…

I currently have an HP LP3065 30" monitor which I'm thinking of using until things…settle…a bit. But if the Cinema Display means I gain a firewire port…it's tempting.

FW800 works on the TBD connected to an nMP.

 

[wesk702]

I thought the cinema displays only had 3 USB ports. It has FW at the cable end?

 

[Consultant]

I thought the cinema displays only had 3 USB ports. It has FW at the cable end?

http://www.apple.com/displays/specs.html

 

[jenzjen]

Some important differences in nomenclature:

Apple LED Cinema Display = older one with no thunderbolt, but with firewire, etc. connections on the end of the cable

Apple Thunderbolt Display = new one with Thunderbolt. The USB, Firewire, and ethernet are all connected via the single Thunderbolt connection.

Further corrections, the LED Cinema Display does not have firewire. It has 3 USB2 ports on the back and a USB/mini DP/power connector for a MBP on the other end - at least this was the 27" LED display.

 

[wesk702]

http://www.apple.com/displays/specs.html

Exactly, that's a Thunderbolt Display, not a Cinema Display. Those are two different kinds.

 

[Draeconis]

Some important differences in nomenclature:

Apple LED Cinema Display = older one with no thunderbolt, but with firewire, etc. connections on the end of the cable

Apple Thunderbolt Display = new one with Thunderbolt. The USB, Firewire, and ethernet are all connected via the single Thunderbolt connection.

The Apple Cinema Display 27" only has 3 powered USB ports, no FireWire or Ethernet. One useful fact is it can charge iDevices independently, it doesn't draw power from USB.

 

[kendall69]

Old CD works just fine on the NEw Mac Pro

Just buy the adapter. I bought the thunderbolt display but it was too small. I got my HUGE screen back Ahhhhhhhhhhh

 

[Consultant]

Exactly, that's a Thunderbolt Display, not a Cinema Display. Those are two different kinds.

OP has question about "Apple Cinema Thunderbolt Displays" so he probably didn't know Apple removed "Cinema" from the display name, and that the Thunderbolt is the newest model.

 

[treehorn]

OP has question about "Apple Cinema Thunderbolt Displays" so he probably didn't know Apple removed "Cinema" from the display name, and that the Thunderbolt is the newest model.

Bingo. Haven't bought one in years. Thanks for the correction of current terminology

 

[Consultant]

Bingo. Haven't bought one in years. Thanks for the correction of current terminology

Yeah the Cinema name is memorable but there are too many versions spanning too many years.

And yes, you can add Firewire 800 and a Gigabit ethernet port to new Mac Pro, rMBP, and MacBook Air with the Apple Thunderbolt Display. I suggest getting one from refurb store for 20% off and it still comes with same warranty as a new one.

If you are a designer you might like the higher pixel density of the Apple display instead of the 30" versions.