MediaRecorder and VideoSource.SURFACE, stop failed: -1007 (a serious Android bug)

Understanding the “MediaRecorder and VideoSource.SURFACE, Stop Failed: -1007” Error

What is the Error?

The error “MediaRecorder and VideoSource.SURFACE, Stop Failed: -1007” is a serious Android bug that occurs when using MediaRecorder with VideoSource.SURFACE. This bug manifests as a failure to stop the recording process, leading to issues like:

• Video file corruption.
• Memory leaks.
• App instability.

Root Cause:

This error stems from a fundamental flaw in Android’s MediaRecorder implementation. It arises from the interaction between the MediaRecorder and the Surface used as a video source. Specifically, the MediaRecorder fails to release the Surface properly when the recording is stopped.

Debugging the Error

Symptoms:

• The recording process appears to stop, but the MediaRecorder object remains in an active state.
• The MediaRecorder.stop() method returns an error code of -1007.
• The recorded video file might be corrupted or incomplete.
• The app might experience memory leaks or crashes.

Identifying the Source:

• Review your code to confirm you’re using MediaRecorder with VideoSource.SURFACE.
• Verify that you’re calling MediaRecorder.stop() appropriately.

Workarounds

Solution 1: Delaying the Stop Operation

One potential workaround is to introduce a delay before calling MediaRecorder.stop(). This gives the MediaRecorder time to properly process the video data and release the Surface:

Handler handler = new Handler();
handler.postDelayed(new Runnable() {
    @Override
    public void run() {
        mediaRecorder.stop();
    }
}, 500); // 500 milliseconds delay

Solution 2: Using a Different Video Source

If possible, consider using an alternative video source like VideoSource.CAMERA. However, this might require adjustments to your camera setup and may not be feasible in all situations.

Best Practices

• Always release resources properly after using MediaRecorder and related objects.
• Implement error handling to catch the -1007 error and provide appropriate feedback to the user.
• Monitor your app’s memory usage to detect potential memory leaks.

Conclusion

The “MediaRecorder and VideoSource.SURFACE, Stop Failed: -1007” error is a serious Android bug that can significantly impact app stability. While workarounds exist, it’s essential to acknowledge the fundamental flaw in the Android MediaRecorder implementation and be prepared to handle it effectively. Stay informed about potential solutions and best practices to mitigate the risks associated with this bug.