The vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) system of the inventive invention includes a display matrix including an array of anodes, a processor, at least two anode drivers, and a grid driver to selectively activate the anodes of the display matrix. The system of the instant invention alternatingly disables some of the output gates of the two anode drivers so that the anodes in the outer columns of anodes associated with the activated grids are, preferably, pulled to ground, while the anodes in the inner columns of anodes of the activated grids may respond to the display data output from the anode driver output gates that are not currently disabled. Preferably, the output lines of each anode driver are connected to particular columns of anodes such that when successive grids are activated, thus enabling particular columns of anodes, at least some of the anode driver output gates are connected to the anodes in the outer columns of anodes in the activated grids, while the other anode driver output gates are connected to the anodes in the inner columns of anodes in the activated grids.