Abstract: A CRT compensation system (10) is disclosed which utilizes a cathode stabilizer circuit (16) to correct a cathode current I.sub.k which deviates from an ideal transfer function. The cathode stabilizer circuit (16) takes the cathode voltage V.sub.K and the cathode current I.sub.K and removes the ideal gamma transfer function from I.sub.K to produce a linear output. This linear output is then subtracted from the cathode voltage V.sub.K to produce an error voltage V.sub.err which is used to adjust the CRT drive to minimize the error in the cathode current. For example the V.sub.err the error voltage may be utilized to change the voltage level of the grid one element of the CRT (14). As a result, the CRT (14) will more closely approximate the ideal transfer function. The system (10) operates continuously and thus is able to correct for short term cathode current effects on a real time basis.