System and method for efficiently enhancing videos and images. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for processing videos and/or images. The method includes providing a target pixel that is characterized by a first pixel value. The method further includes obtaining a plurality of surrounding pixels that are positioned within a predetermined area surrounding the target pixel. Also, the method includes selecting a transition pixel from the plurality of surrounding pixels. The transition pixel is characterized by a second pixel value. The transition pixel is associated with a greatest transition value that is a function of the first pixel value and the second pixel value. The method additionally includes determining a first direction, the first direction being parallel to a second direction from the target pixel to the transition pixel.