Customer controlled video network

A video network controller comprising:

• a storage device configured to store a catalog of routes and a schedule for connections between ports;
• a network interface configured to receive a request from an end user for a video connection between a first port and a second port, wherein the request specifies at least a start time, an end time, the first port and the second port;
• a route manager configured to analyze a plurality of available routes between the first port and the second port to determine at least one selected route that will be used to connect the first port and the second port;
• and
• at least one switch controller interface configured to send, to at least one switch controller, a first command to connect the first port and the second port via the at least one selected route at the start time.

At least one non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with computer executable instruction that, when executed by a computer, perform a method for controlling a video network, the method comprising:

• receiving a request from an end user for a video connection between a first port and a second port, wherein the request specifies at least a start time, an end time, the first port and the second port;
• analyzing, using at least one processor, a plurality of available routes between the first port and the second port to determine at least one selected route that will be used to connect the first port and the second port;
• and
• automatically sending, to at least one switch controller, a first command to connect the first port and the second port via the at least one selected route at the start time.