A projection system based on self emitting display panels is described, in which the projection technology involves organic/inorganic electroluminescent display panels with spatially separated color segments. The color pictures are shown in three spatially separate segments. A color combination mechanism, such as dichroic mirrors, are used to merge the three color pictures to a color picture. One of the advantages of the present invention is that only the on state pixel is driven to a bright state that uses energy. The off state pixel need not be driven to a bright state and therefore the energy consumption is virtually nothing. Another advantage is that the system does not require a separate light source and display panel. Therefore the projection system can be made very compact, which is extremely useful for portable projection systems.