Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that use one or more of advanced signal processing or auxiliary metadata to detect maximum video pixel drive levels required, in advance, for quickly reducing light source power levels to only supply what is absolutely required by the spatial light modulator for that time period. A spatial light modulator is controlled so as to compensate proportionally by increasing its throughput. Thus, the image brightness can be preserved at a lower average source power level resulting in increased lifetime of the light source and lower operating cost on a per-hour basis and/or projection at a desired brightness using a lower cost light source than prior art systems.