A video switching device includes a video switching unit that has at least two video signal input units, and an encoding device. The video switching unit includes a first control detection unit that, on the basis of an externally inputted control signal, outputs a pre-control signal; a second control detection signal that, on the basis of the control signal, outputs a camera switching instruction signal for switching camera video signals during a vertical blanking interval; and a camera video switching unit that switches two video signals. The encoding device includes an encoding unit that encodes video signals; and a control unit that, by means of the pre-control signal, reduces the amount of code generated by the encoding unit.