A method is disclosed for loading and modulating the pixels of a display in parallel. The method includes the steps of receiving a plurality of data bits, loading the data bits into the storage elements of single-latch pixels in a plurality of rows of the display within a loading period, turning on a light source prior to the end of the loading period when each of the loaded bits has an assertion time greater than or equal to the duration of the loading period. Alternatively, the method includes turning on the light source following the loading period when each of the bits has an assertion time less than the duration of the loading period. Another method includes modulating the light source on and off to conserve power when the light source is supposed to be turned on. A display driver is also disclosed to perform the inventive methods.