Flat-panel type picture display device having a face plate with a luminescent screen at the inner side and, arranged at a short distance therefrom, a rear plate adjoined by a large number of electron transport ducts operating by means of wall interaction of electrons. An active selection structure for directing electrons from transport ducts towards pixels on the luminescent screen comprises an apertured preselection plate and an apertured fine-selection plate, each preselection aperture being associated with at least two fine-selection apertures. Special auxiliary (or dummy) electrodes between the preselection plate and the selection plate, and/or a special geometry of the preselection apertures ensure that colour purity and contrast are maximal.