Applications of electrically controlled birefringence of nematic liquid crystals to display devices are tested with a matrix-type letter-and-number indication system. Such a cell, with 35 × 35 elements, was realised without storage circuits. The display shows bright colours, especially red and green, for low operating voltages (< 20 V). The feasibility of a liquid-crystal matrix display with 100 × 100 points has been demonstrated in the laboratory.