A television receiver providing a stable image whether or not a composite color signal is present, in which a transmitter-recognition processes the television synchronization signals of the composite color signal. A character generator displays alphanumeric as well as graphic characters. The deflection generators and the character generator are operative with TV signals as well as characters that are alphanumeric as well as graphic. The deflection generators and the character generator are driven by control signals. An oscillator controls the deflection generators, and a phase comparator operates in the presence of synchronization signals to synchronize the oscillator. The phase comparator receives no signals from the input terminal when no synchronization signals are present, so that the oscillator oscillates at a fixed preadjustable frequency to provide a stable image.