Abstract: In one embodiment, a standard dot-type shadow mask color picture tube is modified by (1) increasing the glass transmission of the faceplate, and/or the mask aperture size, to increase the screen brightness; (2) making the color phosphor dots smaller and coating the space between the dots with an opaque and non-reflecting black matrix, to maintain acceptable contrast; and making the color phosphor dots sufficiently larger than the mask apertures that the beam spots on the screen are smaller than the dots (positive tolerance), to facilitate manufacture of the screen; while maintaining good purity tolerance and smaller but acceptable white uniformity tolerance. In another embodiment, a line screen-line grille shadow mask color picture tube is similarly modified.