Abstract: A display terminal adapted to present character information, in any one of a plurality of different display formats, within a display frame having approximately constant dimensions. The terminal preferably includes a programmable CRT controller, first and second character memories, horizontal and vertical deflection circuits for selectably generating output signals having first or second periods, a central processor and circuitry for generating constant frequency dot clock and character clock signals. In establishing each display format, the central processor programs the CRT controller with the display parameters that are appropriate for that format and generates a plurality of display format control signals for controlling the selection of a character memory and the periods of the output signals of the horizontal and vertical deflection circuits.