An image characteristic judgement circuit analyzes input image data and obtains first brightness data indicating brightness of a backlight within a single vertical period and image characteristic data corresponding to the first brightness data. In at least one embodiment, an image data conversion circuit performs conversion to the input image data according to the image characteristic data and outputs the image data after the conversion to a liquid crystal panel. A period-by-period brightness calculation circuit obtains, based on the first brightness data, second brightness data indicating brightness of the backlight within each of a plurality of periods into which the single vertical period is divided. A brightness setting circuit 18 controls the brightness of the backlight using the second brightness data. Flickers in a screen are reduced by changing the brightness of the backlight within a single vertical period in this manner.