>8-bit shift registers are common.  The 74HC164 is about as basic as they
>get.  Its major limitation is that the data in the register flows
>directly to the output pins.  While you are shifting in new data, the
>output pins will assume unwanted states.  If you shift fast enough, they
>won't be visible on the LED.  Or you could turn off the LED's power
>supply while shifting.  More advanced shift registers have latched and/or
>tri-stated outputs.
>

We use a pair of 164s to drive a single char alphanumeric. The load process
is not even close to observable, on a z8 running at <1 mips. Unless you get
hung in a long int or something during reload, it's not a problem.

remember to add current limiting resistors for each segment !