Disclosed are video conferencing systems, devices, architectures, and methods for using media notifications to coordinate switching between video in a distributed arrangement. An exemplary media switch in accordance with embodiments can include: a first interface configured for a first type communication with an endpoint; a second interface configured for the first type communication with another media switch, the second interface being configured to receive a first video stream having a first characteristic and a second video stream having a second characteristic; a third interface configured for a second type communication with a stream controller, the stream controller being configured to provide a notification; and a fourth interface configured for the second type communication with a controlling server, whereby the media switch is configured to re-target an active stream in response to the notification or a difference between the first and second characteristics.