Abstract: A display device using a scanned dot-matrix array produces a running display by shifting the displayed characters by one column at each scan of the array. The characters are fetched from store sequentially and are decoded into dot-matrix form. The dot columns corresponding to each character are then shown sequentially as the display is scanned. The process is repeated at the next scan with a one-column displacement of the characters. In one embodiment the characters are stored in a recycling shift register and the required displacement is achieved by means of a counter incremented at each scan of the array. In another embodiment the characters are stored in a random-access memory and the sequencing and displacement are achieved by means of a preprogrammed micro-computer.