1. A method of adjusting image intensity to compensate backlight dimming in dynamic backlight control, comprising the steps of: estimating distortion of an image that corresponds to different mapping index values (X C ) selected from intensity levels of said image, wherein said estimating distortion of said image is based on factors including: the quantity of pixels that have intensity exceeding said mapping index value; and the amount that the intensity of each said pixel exceeds the corresponding mapping index value; and selecting from a plurality of schemes for adjusting image intensity to minimize the estimated distortion obtained from said estimating step.