In this paper, we propose an image contrast enhancement algorithm for an LCD TV. The proposed algorithm consists of two processes: the image segmentation process and the tone curve control process. The first process uses an automatic threshold technique to decompose an input image into two regions and then utilizes a hierarchical structure for real-time processing. The second process generates a gray level tone curve for contrast enhancement using a weighted sum of average tone curves for two segmented regions. Experimental result shows that the proposed algorithm outperforms the conventional contrast enhancement methods for an LCD TV.