This paper presents an error-robust channel-optimized coding algorithm for the transmission of low-rate video over wireless channels. The proposed coder uses a robust channel-optimized trellis-coded quantization (COTCQ) stage that is designed to optimize the image coding based on the channel characteristics. The resilience to channel errors is obtained without the use of channel coding or error concealment techniques. Additionally, a novel adaptive classification scheme is employed, which eliminates the need for motion compensation. The robust nature of the coder eliminates the appearance of impulsive channel-error-induced artifacts in the decoded video, while increasing the security level of the encoded bit stream. Consequently, the proposed channel-optimized video coder is especially suitable for low-power wireless applications due to its reduced complexity, its robustness to nonstationary signals and channels, and its increased security level. Simulation results show that our coder provides outstanding quantitative and subjective coding performance for a wide variety of channel conditions.