1. A method for adjusting image characteristics on a display device having a processor, said method comprising: a) generating a panel tone curve and generating a plurality of candidate tone curves, wherein each of said candidate tone curves comprises a black level transition region corresponding to a different backlight brightness level for each candidate tone curve and an identified common region that is substantially similar in each candidate tone curve and said panel tone curve; b) said processor analyzing an image to determine an image characteristic; c) said processor selecting a candidate tone curve from said plurality of candidate tone curves, wherein said selecting is based on said image characteristic; and d) said processor applying said selected candidate tone curve to said image thereby creating an adjusted image.