Polymers were synthesized with modified trans-bis(styryl)benzene segments in the main polycondensation of OH-functionalized oligo(arylenevinylenes) and aliphatic diacid chlorides. Most of the visible light emitting polymers were soluble at room temperature and fusible below the range of decomposition. The formation of a smectic A phase was observed in the melt state. Isotropization temperatures of polymers with phenyl-substituted arylenvinylene segments were detected below 200 degrees C. A remarkable thermal stability in the melt state with respect to cross-linking was observed for polymers containing CF3-substituted arylenevinylene segments. The polymers were investigated by spectroscopic methods, thermogravimetrical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing microscopy, wide angle X-ray scattering, small angle X-ray scattering, dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, and by stress-strain experiments.