The invention relates to a sequential control process for a matrix display using the cholesteric - nematic phase transition effect of a liquid crystal. This process consists of sequentially applying to the columns of electrodes of the display, a blanking signal followed by an addressing signal, the rows of electrodes of said display being addressed in parallel, in order to obtain the displayed or undisplayed state of the liquid crystal, followed by the sequential application of an addressing signal to the rows of electrodes, the columns of electrodes being addressed in parallel, in order to maintain the displayed or undisplayed state of the liquid crystal, while significantly improving the contrast.