A method and system for generating colors efficiently. In one embodiment, a start signal for a primary color subcycle may be received. A primary light source used to drive the primary color may be activated if there is data in the primary color's buffer. The primary light source may be deactivated during the primary color subcycle if there is no data in the primary color's buffer. In another embodiment, a highest amplitude signal for one of a plurality of primary colors may be normalized. A drive light source intensity may be adjusted to a percentage of a maximum intensity where the percentage corresponds to a content of the normalized primary color in a frame. The amplitude of all but the normalized primary color may be adjusted proportionally. In another embodiment, a maximum intensity for a light source intensity may be set to a first value. A maximum pixel intensity for each of a plurality of pixels may be set to a second value. The maximum intensity for the light source intensity may be adjusted by the first value divided by the second value. An amplitude for each of the plurality of pixels may be adjusted by the second value divided by the first value.