A pixel array display system including an illumination source of discrete emitters with uniform emitting areas, a separate collimator in front of each emitter, and a condenser in front of said collimators which focuses collimated light from the emitters onto the pixel array. The pixel array display system does not include a light homogenizing optical element such as a light pipe. Each emitter is focused onto at least 75 percent of the pixels. A portion of the emitters which provide collimated light cones proximate to a modulated light optical cone from the pixel array may be provided reduced power in a high contrast operating mode.