Abstract: A light management unit (LMU) includes multiple brightness compensation modules and algorithms mixed together in a digital domain. The LMU is configured to receive content data, such as gamma correction data generated by a graphics or video processor and corresponding to frames of video data, ambient light data obtained using a light sensor, ambient temperature data using a temperature sensor, and a manual brightness setting. An ambient light compensation value is multiplied into the manual brightness settings so the resulting compensation value is a percent of the manual settings. A content adjustment interface (CAI) module is configured to compensate the backlight brightness according to real-time video data. The content adjustment performed by the CAI module is combined with the ambient light adaptive dimming. A final stage step generator enables a gradual brightness transition to minimize, if not eliminate jitter and jump.