Bi-level and full-color video combination for video communication

Systems and methods for video communication are described. In one aspect, network bandwidth conditions are estimated. Bi-level or full-color video is then transmitted over the network at transmission bit rates that are controlled as a function of the estimated bandwidth conditions. To this end, network bandwidth capability is periodically probed to identify similar, additional, or decreased bandwidth capabilities as compared to the estimated bandwidth conditions. Decisions to hold, decrease, or increase the video transmission bit rate are made based on the estimated bandwidth conditions in view of the probing operations. When the transmission bit rate is increased or decreased, the transmission bit rate is calculated to target an upper or lower bit rate, both of which are indicated by the estimated bandwidth conditions. Bi-level video communication is switched to full-color video transmission, or vice versa, when the video transmission bit rate respectively reaches the upper bit rate or the lower bit rate.