A display system which includes a display controller, a display unit, and a light source is disclosed. The display controller includes a processor unit, a memory device, a voltage source and, optionally, a light source control unit. The display unit includes an array of pixel cells and circuitry to receive logic and control voltages and data and operate the display, a transparent counter electrode, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the two alignment layers. The pixel cell includes a storage element, a DC balance control switch, a pixel voltage override circuit, an inverter able to select between two voltages available to it, and a pixel electrode/mirror. In different modes of operation the pixel mirror voltage may be determined by the storage element or by the pixel voltage override circuit. The display system may display images in one period and reset to a fixed state in another period.