An apparatus generates pixel data in a display. RGB pixel data is received corresponding to a target pixel of an image. A local adaption level is determined for the RGB pixel data representing perceived brightness of the RGB pixel data. The local adaption level is modified to generate a modified local adaption level. A transfer curve is generated based on the modified local adaption level and the transfer curve is applied to the input RGB pixel data. A local dimming value is generated to drive a light source driver of the display based on RGB pixel data for each of the pixels in the local dimming block and RGBW pixel data for each of the pixels in the local dimming block.