Beam-index line-screen television display systems are disclosed for generating multi-color images throughout the size range from small direct view cathode ray tubes to projection type wall screen configurations. The image in the small screen display is generated by a scanning electron beam whereas the image generated in the large screen configuration is developed bY a scanning optical beam. In both cases the excitation of the image producing target screen is synchronized by beam-indexing features which utilize optical index signals transmitted across the target screen.