Surface-stabilized antiferroelectric liquid crystals (AFLCs) and V-shape smectics share the spontaneous generation of intermediate transmission states, i.e. analogue grayscale. On the other hand, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) appears to be a promising alternative to thin-film transistors (TFTs) in the preparation of reflective microdisplays and spatial light modulators (SLMs). The feasibility of preparing LCOS SLMs using AFLC and V-shaped LCs has been analyzed. A comparative study of a number of AFLC and V-shape materials as candidates for LCOS SLMs has been carried out. Test cells below 1 mum have been prepared using an ITO-coated transparent glass plate and an aluminized silicon back plate mimicking the actual LCOS device. AFLC waveforms compatible to low-voltage operation of the silicon backplane have been demonstrated. V-shape waveforms have been designed and demonstrated as well. The results show that both LC families may be employed in this specific application. Dynamic behavior, with frame rates over 200 Hz, is especially remarkable.