Abstract: An active matrix color crystal display has an active matrix circuit, a counterelectrode panel and an interposed layer of liquid crystal. The active matrix display is located in a portable microdisplay system. The image is written to the the display therein causing the liquid crystal to move to a specific image position. A light source is flashed to illuminate the display. The pixel electrodes are set to a specific value to cause the liquid crystal to move towards a desired position. The process of writing, flashing, and setting the electrode intensity value to reorient the liquid crystal to produce an image is repeated.