A display timing generator is provided for selecting line types and providing synchronization timing signals for video signals. The display timing generator provides programmability for the user to select line types for a frame to be displayed on a display. The line types defining rise and fall times, synchronization shapes, blanking levels and horizontal and vertical timings for providing a desired display format to different display types. A plurality of programmable parameters for pulse width, horizontal timing and voltage amplitude allow a user to define timing variations associated with a given line type. The display timing generator also includes a generic mode for allowing a programmer to select line types for particular groupings of lines.