The video image display apparatus of flat tube type comprisinga phosphor screen, an electron beam source having a predetermined number (15) of line cathodes for in turn emitting said predetermined number of horizontal rows of electron beams, each row having a second predetermined number (320) of rod shaped electron beams,horizontal deflection means for horizontally deflection of the electron beams,vertical deflection means for vertical deflections of the electron beams of the horizontal rows,switch pair means of said predetermined number, each switch pair means comprises each-other oppositely working first switching means and second switching means, in each switch pair means the first switching means switches cathode heating current and the second switching means switches cathode bias voltage to bias a selected cathode in turn to enable electron emission, the switch pair means being controlled by switch control signal in turn impressed thereto.