Develop Reference

MediaRecorder start failed -19, start failed, try to delete broken file

I have a surface view in my app that works fine but as well as having a video preview on screen I would also like to record the video at the same time. To do this I have:
Declared variables etc:
/************************ GLOBAL VARIABLES FOR VIDEO PREVIEW ********************/
/* For the surface view */
SurfaceView surfaceView;
SurfaceHolder surfaceHolder;
/* For saving the video to the device */
MediaRecorder mediaRecorder;
private static final String IMAGE_DIRECTORY_NAME = "Hello Camera";
/* For both */
Button buttonStartCameraPreview, buttonStopCameraPreview;
Camera camera;
boolean previewing = false;
Then in the onCreate method() initiate the recorder, set up start/stop buttons, set up the surface view and then code to activate the surface view / video capture as per button press:
// Set up the media recorder
initMediaRecorder();
buttonStartCameraPreview = (Button) findViewById(R.id.startCameraPreview);
buttonStopCameraPreview = (Button) findViewById(R.id.stopCameraPreview);
surfaceView = (SurfaceView) findViewById(R.id.surfaceview);
// Set the surfaceView so it appears on top, not behind the view
surfaceView.setZOrderOnTop(true);
// Set the surfaceView background colour to magenta
surfaceView.setBackgroundColor(Color.MAGENTA);
surfaceHolder = surfaceView.getHolder();
surfaceHolder.addCallback(this);
buttonStartCameraPreview.setOnClickListener(new Button.OnClickListener()
{
#Override
public void onClick(View v)
{
if(!previewing)
{
camera = Camera.open();
if (camera != null)
{
try
{
camera.setPreviewDisplay(surfaceHolder);
camera.startPreview();
mediaRecorder.start();
previewing = true;
}
catch (IOException e)
{
e.printStackTrace();
}
}
}
}
});
buttonStopCameraPreview.setOnClickListener(new Button.OnClickListener()
{
#Override
public void onClick(View v)
{
if(camera != null && previewing)
{
camera.stopPreview();
camera.release();
mediaRecorder.stop();
mediaRecorder.release();
finish();
camera = null;
previewing = false;
}
}
});
Other methods of relevance are:
public void surfaceCreated(SurfaceHolder holder)
{
prepareMediaRecorder();
}
And:
/************************ SETTING UP MEDIARECORDER METHODS ************************/
public void initMediaRecorder()
{
mediaRecorder = new MediaRecorder();
mediaRecorder.setAudioSource(MediaRecorder.AudioSource.MIC); // DEFAULT
mediaRecorder.setVideoSource(MediaRecorder.VideoSource.CAMERA); //DEFAULT
//CamcorderProfile camcorderProfile_HQ = CamcorderProfile.get(CamcorderProfile.QUALITY_HIGH);
//mediaRecorder.setProfile(camcorderProfile_HQ);
mediaRecorder.setProfile(CamcorderProfile.get(CamcorderProfile.QUALITY_HIGH));
//mediaRecorder.setOutputFile("/sdcard/" + System.nanoTime() + "_video.mp4");
mediaRecorder.setOutputFile(getOutputMediaFile().toString());
mediaRecorder.setMaxDuration(60000); // Set max duration 60 sec.
mediaRecorder.setMaxFileSize(5000000); // Set max file size 5M
}
public void prepareMediaRecorder()
{
mediaRecorder.setPreviewDisplay(surfaceHolder.getSurface());
try
{
mediaRecorder.prepare();
}
catch (IllegalStateException e)
{
e.printStackTrace();
}
catch (IOException e)
{
e.printStackTrace();
}
}
public static File getOutputMediaFile()
{
// External sd card location
File mediaStorageDir = new File(
Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(Environment.DIRECTORY_PICTURES),
IMAGE_DIRECTORY_NAME);
// Create the storage directory if it does not exist
if (!mediaStorageDir.exists())
{
if (!mediaStorageDir.mkdirs())
{
Log.d(IMAGE_DIRECTORY_NAME, "Oops! Failed create "
+ IMAGE_DIRECTORY_NAME + " directory");
return null;
}
}
File mediaFile;
// Create a media file name
String timeStamp = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyyMMdd_HHmmss",
Locale.getDefault()).format(new Date());
mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator
+ "VID_" + timeStamp + ".mp4");
return mediaFile;
}
The application loads up fine but it is when I press the button to start surface view/recording that the "app has stopped message" occurs (the surface view still works in the background).
I assume the problem is related (as per LogCat) with creating/overwriting the destination file to save output but I can't put my finger on it. CatLog below:
07-13 19:12:14.608: E/MediaRecorder(25372): start failed: -19
07-13 19:12:14.608: E/MediaRecorder(25372): start failed.
07-13 19:12:14.608: E/MediaRecorder(25372): try to delete broken file: /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Hello Camera/VID_20140713_191211.mp4
I also have in the Manifest file:
<!-- Accessing camera hardware -->
<uses-feature android:name="android.hardware.camera"
android:required="true" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CAMERA" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />
Thanks.

Getting a Camera error 100 and a Method called after release error

I'm playing with the google tutorial on using video recorders but I can't get it to work anyhow. I first keep getting at Method called after release error, for the camera preview which I tracked down to realize that mCamera.stoppreview() doesn't work before the startpreview is called again onSurfaceChanged(). Also I get a Camera 100 error with mediaserver died, camera server died and icamera died when MediaRecorder.start() is called. I can't seem to figure out why.
Here is my CameraActivity code
public class MainActivity extends Activity {
private Camera mCamera;
private MediaRecorder mMediaRecorder;
private CameraPreview mPreview;
private static final String TAG = "Message";
public static final int MEDIA_TYPE_IMAGE = 1;
public static final int MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO = 2;
private boolean isRecording = false;
Button captureButton;
#Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
setContentView(R.layout.preview);
System.out.println("Going to get the camera");
mCamera = getCameraInstance();
//mMediaRecorder = new MediaRecorder();
mPreview = new CameraPreview(this, mCamera);
FrameLayout preview = (FrameLayout) findViewById(R.id.camera_preview);
preview.addView(mPreview);
// setPreviewCallback(null);
captureButton = (Button) findViewById(R.id.button_capture);
captureButton.setOnClickListener(
new View.OnClickListener() {
#Override
public void onClick(View v) {
if (isRecording) {
// stop recording and release camera
mMediaRecorder.stop(); // stop the recording
releaseMediaRecorder(); // release the MediaRecorder object
mCamera.lock(); // take camera access back from MediaRecorder
// inform the user that recording has stopped
captureButton.setText("Capture");
isRecording = false;
} else {
// initialize video camera
releaseCamera();
if (prepareVideoRecorder()) {
System.out.println("Starting to record");
// Camera is available and unlocked, MediaRecorder is prepared,
// now you can start recording
mMediaRecorder.start();
// inform the user that recording has started
captureButton.setText("Stop");
isRecording = true;
} else {
// prepare didn't work, release the camera
System.out.println("Recording failed");
releaseMediaRecorder();
// inform user
}
}
}
}
);
}
public static Camera getCameraInstance(){
Camera c = null;
try {
c = Camera.open();
System.out.println("This is the camera "+c);// attempt to get a Camera instance
}
catch (Exception e){
// Camera is not available (in use or does not exist)
System.out.println("Didn't get the camera ");
}
return c; // returns null if camera is unavailable
}
private boolean prepareVideoRecorder(){
mCamera = getCameraInstance();
mMediaRecorder = new MediaRecorder();
/*CameraPreview preview;
preview=new CameraPreview(this, mCamera);*/
// Step 1: Unlock and set camera to MediaRecorder
mCamera.unlock();
mMediaRecorder.setCamera(mCamera);
// Step 2: Set sources
mMediaRecorder.setAudioSource(MediaRecorder.AudioSource.CAMCORDER);
mMediaRecorder.setVideoSource(MediaRecorder.VideoSource.CAMERA);
// Step 3: Set a CamcorderProfile (requires API Level 8 or higher)
mMediaRecorder.setProfile(CamcorderProfile.get(CamcorderProfile.QUALITY_HIGH));
// Step 4: Set output file
mMediaRecorder.setOutputFile(getOutputMediaFile(MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO).toString());
// Step 5: Set the preview output
System.out.println("About to preview");
mMediaRecorder.setPreviewDisplay(mPreview.getHolder().getSurface());
System.out.println("Preview worked");
// Step 6: Prepare configured MediaRecorder
try {
mMediaRecorder.prepare();
} catch (IllegalStateException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "IllegalStateException preparing MediaRecorder: " + e.getMessage());
releaseMediaRecorder();
return false;
} catch (IOException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "IOException preparing MediaRecorder: " + e.getMessage());
releaseMediaRecorder();
return false;
}
return true;
}
#Override
protected void onPause() {
super.onPause();
releaseMediaRecorder(); // if you are using MediaRecorder, release it first
releaseCamera(); // release the camera immediately on pause event
}
private void releaseMediaRecorder(){
if (mMediaRecorder != null) {
mMediaRecorder.reset(); // clear recorder configuration
mMediaRecorder.release(); // release the recorder object
mMediaRecorder = null;
mCamera.lock(); // lock camera for later use
}
}
private void releaseCamera(){
if (mCamera != null){
mCamera.stopPreview();
mCamera.setPreviewCallback(null);
mCamera.release(); // release the camera for other applications
mCamera = null;
}
}
private PictureCallback mPicture = new PictureCallback() {
#Override
public void onPictureTaken(byte[] data, Camera camera) {
System.out.println("Picture received");
File pictureFile = getOutputMediaFile(MEDIA_TYPE_IMAGE);
if (pictureFile == null){
Log.d(TAG, "Error creating media file, check storage permissions: ");
return;
}
try {
System.out.println("Saving");
FileOutputStream fos = new FileOutputStream(pictureFile);
fos.write(data);
fos.close();
} catch (FileNotFoundException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "File not found: " + e.getMessage());
} catch (IOException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "Error accessing file: " + e.getMessage());
}
}
};
/** Create a File for saving an image or video */
/** Create a File for saving an image or video */
private static File getOutputMediaFile(int type){
// To be safe, you should check that the SDCard is mounted
// using Environment.getExternalStorageState() before doing this.
System.out.println("Trying to save picture");
File mediaStorageDir = new File(Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(
Environment.DIRECTORY_PICTURES), "MyCameraApp");
// This location works best if you want the created images to be shared
// between applications and persist after your app has been uninstalled.
// Create the storage directory if it does not exist
if (! mediaStorageDir.exists()){
if (! mediaStorageDir.mkdirs()){
Log.d("MyCameraApp", "failed to create directory");
return null;
}
}
// Create a media file name
String timeStamp = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyyMMdd_HHmmss").format(new Date());
File mediaFile;
if (type == MEDIA_TYPE_IMAGE){
mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator +
"IMG_"+ timeStamp + ".jpg");
} else if(type == MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO) {
mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator +
"VID_"+ timeStamp + ".mp4");
} else {
return null;
}
return mediaFile;
}
}
and this is my CameraPreview class
public class CameraPreview extends SurfaceView implements SurfaceHolder.Callback {
private static final String TAG = "Message";
private SurfaceHolder mHolder;
private Camera mCamera;
public CameraPreview(Context context, Camera camera) {
super(context);
mCamera = camera;
// Install a SurfaceHolder.Callback so we get notified when the
// underlying surface is created and destroyed.
mHolder = getHolder();
mHolder.addCallback(this);
// deprecated setting, but required on Android versions prior to 3.0
mHolder.setType(SurfaceHolder.SURFACE_TYPE_PUSH_BUFFERS);
}
public void surfaceCreated(SurfaceHolder holder) {
// The Surface has been created, now tell the camera where to draw the preview.
try {
mCamera.setPreviewDisplay(holder);
mCamera.startPreview();
} catch (IOException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "Error setting camera preview: " + e.getMessage());
}
}
public void surfaceDestroyed(SurfaceHolder holder) {
// empty. Take care of releasing the Camera preview in your activity.
/*mCamera.setPreviewCallback(null);
mCamera.stopPreview();
mCamera.release();*/
}
public void surfaceChanged(SurfaceHolder holder, int format, int w, int h) {
// If your preview can change or rotate, take care of those events here.
// Make sure to stop the preview before resizing or reformatting it.
if (mHolder.getSurface() == null){
// preview surface does not exist
return;
}
// stop preview before making changes
try {
mCamera.stopPreview();
} catch (Exception e){
// ignore: tried to stop a non-existent preview
System.out.println("Stop preview didn't work ");
}
// set preview size and make any resize, rotate or
// reformatting changes here
// start preview with new settings
try {
mCamera.setPreviewDisplay(mHolder);
mCamera.startPreview();
} catch (Exception e){
Log.d(TAG, "Error starting camera preview: " + e.getMessage());
}
}
}
EDIT:
XML Layout
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
android:orientation="horizontal"
android:layout_width="fill_parent"
android:layout_height="fill_parent"
>
<FrameLayout
android:id="#+id/camera_preview"
android:layout_width="fill_parent"
android:layout_height="fill_parent"
android:layout_weight="1"
/>
<Button
android:id="#+id/button_capture"
android:text="Capture"
android:layout_width="wrap_content"
android:layout_height="wrap_content"
android:layout_gravity="center"
/>
</LinearLayout>

I was also able to fix this issue by removing the call to mCamera.release() in onPause(). Here's some code:
//kv Only call release here if we're running an OS later than Gingerbread, otherwise, camera will freeze
if (android.os.Build.VERSION.SDK_INT > Build.VERSION_CODES.GINGERBREAD_MR1)
{
mCamera.release();
}

Open default camera on SurfaceView and record with front camera

I have write this code to open the front camera on surfaceview in the screen, but when you click on the button i want to record a video with front camera.
This code crash. i have used two different variable for the cameras, but i don t find my error :(.. I have followed the google guide.
public class MainActivity extends Activity {
public static final int MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO = 2;
private Camera mCamera;
private CameraPreview mPreview;
public static final int MEDIA_TYPE_IMAGE = 1;
protected static final String TAG = null;
private MediaRecorder mMediaRecorder;
private Camera mCamerafront;
private boolean isRecording = false;
#Override
public void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);
// Button captureButton = (Button) findViewById(id.button_capture);
mCamera = getCameraInstance();
// Create our Preview view and set it as the content of our activity.
mPreview = new CameraPreview(this, mCamera);
FrameLayout preview = (FrameLayout) findViewById(R.id.camera_preview);
preview.addView(mPreview);
// Add a listener to the Capture button
Button captureButton = (Button) findViewById(id.button_capture);
captureButton.setOnClickListener(
new View.OnClickListener() {
public void onClick(View v) {
if (isRecording) {
// stop recording and release camera
mMediaRecorder.stop(); // stop the recording
releaseMediaRecorder(); // release the MediaRecorder object
mCamerafront.lock(); // take camera access back from MediaRecorder
// inform the user that recording has stopped
//setCaptureButtonText("Capture");
isRecording = false;
} else {
// initialize video camera
if (prepareVideoRecorder()) {
// Camera is available and unlocked, MediaRecorder is prepared,
// now you can start recording
mMediaRecorder.start();
// inform the user that recording has started
//setCaptureButtonText("Stop");
isRecording = true;
} else {
// prepare didn't work, release the camera
releaseMediaRecorder();
// inform user
}
}
}
}
);
/* captureButton.setOnClickListener(
new View.OnClickListener() {
public void onClick(View v) {
// get an image from the camera
mCamera.takePicture(null, null, mPicture);
}
}
);*/
}
//*PARTE registrazione
private boolean prepareVideoRecorder(){
int cameraCount = Camera.getNumberOfCameras()-1;
mCamerafront=Camera.open(cameraCount);
mMediaRecorder = new MediaRecorder();
mCamerafront.unlock();
mMediaRecorder.setCamera(mCamerafront);
mMediaRecorder.setAudioSource(MediaRecorder.AudioSource.CAMCORDER);
mMediaRecorder.setVideoSource(MediaRecorder.VideoSource.CAMERA);
mMediaRecorder.setProfile(CamcorderProfile.get(CamcorderProfile.QUALITY_HIGH));
mMediaRecorder.setOutputFile(getOutputMediaFile(MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO).toString());
try {
mMediaRecorder.prepare();
} catch (IllegalStateException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "IllegalStateException preparing MediaRecorder: " + e.getMessage());
// releaseMediaRecorder();
return false;
} catch (IOException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "IOException preparing MediaRecorder: " + e.getMessage());
//releaseMediaRecorder();
return false;
}
return true;
}
private void releaseMediaRecorder(){
if (mMediaRecorder != null) {
mMediaRecorder.reset(); // clear recorder configuration
mMediaRecorder.release(); // release the recorder object
mMediaRecorder = null;
mCamerafront.lock(); // lock camera for later use
}
}
/** Check if this device has a camera */
private boolean checkCameraHardware(Context context) {
if (context.getPackageManager().hasSystemFeature(PackageManager.FEATURE_CAMERA)){
// this device has a camera
return true;
} else {
// no camera on this device
return false;
}
}
/** A safe way to get an instance of the Camera object. */
public static Camera getCameraInstance(){
Camera c = null;
try {
c = Camera.open(); // attempt to get a Camera instance
}
catch (Exception e){
// Camera is not available (in use or does not exist)
}
return c; // returns null if camera is unavailable
}
/** A basic Camera preview class */
public class CameraPreview extends SurfaceView implements SurfaceHolder.Callback {
private final String TAG = null;
private SurfaceHolder mHolder;
private Camera mCamera;
public CameraPreview(Context context, Camera camera) {
super(context);
mCamera = camera;
// Install a SurfaceHolder.Callback so we get notified when the
// underlying surface is created and destroyed.
mHolder = getHolder();
mHolder.addCallback(this);
// deprecated setting, but required on Android versions prior to 3.0
mHolder.setType(SurfaceHolder.SURFACE_TYPE_PUSH_BUFFERS);
}
public void surfaceCreated(SurfaceHolder holder) {
// The Surface has been created, now tell the camera where to draw the preview.
try {
mCamera.setPreviewDisplay(holder);
mCamera.startPreview();
} catch (IOException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "Error setting camera preview: " + e.getMessage());
}
}
public void surfaceDestroyed(SurfaceHolder holder) {
// empty. Take care of releasing the Camera preview in your activity.
}
public void surfaceChanged(SurfaceHolder holder, int format, int w, int h) {
// If your preview can change or rotate, take care of those events here.
// Make sure to stop the preview before resizing or reformatting it.
if (mHolder.getSurface() == null){
// preview surface does not exist
return;
}
// stop preview before making changes
try {
mCamera.stopPreview();
} catch (Exception e){
// ignore: tried to stop a non-existent preview
}
// set preview size and make any resize, rotate or
// reformatting changes here
// start preview with new settings
try {
mCamera.setPreviewDisplay(mHolder);
mCamera.startPreview();
} catch (Exception e){
Log.d(TAG, "Error starting camera preview: " + e.getMessage());
}
}
}
#Override
protected void onPause() {
super.onPause();
// if you are using MediaRecorder, release it first
releaseCamera(); // release the camera immediately on pause event
}
private void releaseCamera(){
if (mCamera != null){
mCamera.release(); // release the camera for other applications
mCamera = null;
}
}
private PictureCallback mPicture = new PictureCallback() {
public void onPictureTaken(byte[] data, Camera camera) {
File pictureFile = getOutputMediaFile(MEDIA_TYPE_IMAGE);
try {
FileOutputStream fos = new FileOutputStream(pictureFile);
fos.write(data);
fos.close();
} catch (FileNotFoundException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "File not found: " + e.getMessage());
} catch (IOException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "Error accessing file: " + e.getMessage());
}
}
};
private static Uri getOutputMediaFileUri(int type){
return Uri.fromFile(getOutputMediaFile(type));
}
/** Create a File for saving an image or video */
private static File getOutputMediaFile(int type){
// To be safe, you should check that the SDCard is mounted
// using Environment.getExternalStorageState() before doing this.
File mediaStorageDir = new File(Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(
Environment.DIRECTORY_PICTURES), "MyCameraApp");
// This location works best if you want the created images to be shared
// between applications and persist after your app has been uninstalled.
// Create the storage directory if it does not exist
if (! mediaStorageDir.exists()){
if (! mediaStorageDir.mkdirs()){
Log.d("MyCameraApp", "failed to create directory");
return null;
}
}
// Create a media file name
String timeStamp = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyyMMdd_HHmmss").format(new Date());
File mediaFile;
if (type == MEDIA_TYPE_IMAGE){
mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator +
"IMG_"+ timeStamp + ".jpg");
} else if(type == MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO) {
mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator +
"VID_"+ timeStamp + ".mp4");
} else {
return null;
}
return mediaFile;
}
#Override
public boolean onCreateOptionsMenu(Menu menu) {
getMenuInflater().inflate(R.menu.activity_main, menu);
return true;
}
}

You need to add the following permission in yout AndroidManifest.xml file:
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO" />

Android MediaRecorder - "start failed: -19"

I'm trying to create a video recorder on Android, and I've prepared my code which is supposed to be working - but I constantly get an error message start failed: -19.
Here's my code:
public boolean startRecording() {
try {
camera.unlock();
mediaRecorder = new MediaRecorder();
mediaRecorder.setOnErrorListener(new MediaRecorder.OnErrorListener() {
#Override
public void onError(MediaRecorder mr, int what, int extra) {
Log.i(TAG, "Error");
}
});
mediaRecorder.setCamera(camera);
mediaRecorder.setAudioSource(MediaRecorder.AudioSource.MIC);
mediaRecorder.setVideoSource(MediaRecorder.VideoSource.CAMERA);
Log.i(TAG, "a");
mediaRecorder.setOutputFormat(MediaRecorder.OutputFormat.THREE_GPP);
mediaRecorder.setAudioEncoder(MediaRecorder.AudioEncoder.DEFAULT);
mediaRecorder.setVideoEncoder(MediaRecorder.VideoEncoder.H263);
Log.i(TAG, "b");
mediaRecorder.setMaxDuration(maxDurationInMs); // set to 20000
String uniqueOutFile = OUTPUT_FILE + System.currentTimeMillis() + ".3gp";
File outFile = new File(uniqueOutFile);
if (outFile.exists()) {
outFile.delete();
}
mediaRecorder.setOutputFile(uniqueOutFile);
mediaRecorder.setVideoFrameRate(videoFramesPerSecond); // set to 20
mediaRecorder.setVideoSize(sView.getWidth(), sView.getHeight());
Log.i(TAG, "c");
mediaRecorder.setPreviewDisplay(holder.getSurface());
mediaRecorder.setMaxFileSize(maxFileSizeInBytes); // set to 50000
mediaRecorder.prepare();
Log.i(TAG, "d");
mediaRecorder.start();
Log.i(TAG, "e");
return true;
} catch (IllegalStateException e) {
Log.i(TAG, "f");
Log.e(TAG, e.getMessage());
e.printStackTrace();
camera.lock();
return false;
} catch (IOException e) {
Log.i(TAG, "g");
Log.e(TAG, e.getMessage());
e.printStackTrace();
camera.lock();
return false;
} catch (RuntimeException e) {
Log.i(TAG, "h");
Log.e(TAG, e.getMessage());
camera.lock();
return false;
}
}
All the debug logs (from "a" through "d") are printed in log, so it seems that all the steps upto mediaRecorder.prepare() are properly done. Then it catches a RuntimeException with message start failed: -19. There is a similar question, but that doesn't solve my problem.
Is there any other reason to get such an error?

Just found out the bug, in this line:
mediaRecorder.setVideoSize(sView.getWidth(), sView.getHeight());
after commenting out this line, the code runs perfectly!

I solved my problem once i added this for video recording
/**
* Start video recording by cleaning the old camera preview
*/
private void startVideoRecorder() {
// THIS IS NEEDED BECAUSE THE GLASS CURRENTLY THROWS AN ERROR OF
// "MediaRecorder start failed: -19"
// THIS WONT BE NEEDED INCASE OF PHONE AND TABLET
// This causes crash in glass kitkat version so remove it
// try {
// mCamera.setPreviewDisplay(null);
// } catch (java.io.IOException ioe) {
// Log.d(TAG,
// "IOException nullifying preview display: "
// + ioe.getMessage());
// }
// mCamera.stopPreview();
// mCamera.unlock();
recorder = new MediaRecorder();
// Let's initRecorder so we can record again
initRecorder();
}
/**
* Initialize video recorder to record video
*/
private void initRecorder() {
try {
File dir = new File(folderPath);
if (!dir.exists()) {
dir.mkdirs();
}
mCamera.stopPreview();
mCamera.unlock();
videofile = new File(dir, fileName + ".mp4");
recorder.setCamera(mCamera);
// Step 2: Set sources
recorder.setAudioSource(MediaRecorder.AudioSource.CAMCORDER);
recorder.setVideoSource(MediaRecorder.VideoSource.CAMERA);
// Step 3: Set a CamcorderProfile (requires API Level 8 or higher)
recorder.setProfile(CamcorderProfile
.get(CamcorderProfile.QUALITY_HIGH));
// Step 4: Set output file
recorder.setOutputFile(videofile.getAbsolutePath());
// Step 5: Set the preview output
recorder.setPreviewDisplay(mPreview.getHolder().getSurface());
// Step 6: Prepare configured MediaRecorder
recorder.setMaxDuration(video_duration * 1000);
recorder.setOnInfoListener(new OnInfoListener() {
#Override
public void onInfo(MediaRecorder mr, int what, int extra) {
if (what == MediaRecorder.MEDIA_RECORDER_INFO_MAX_DURATION_REACHED) {
mCamera.stopPreview();
releaseMediaRecorder();
/*
* initiate media scan and put the new things into the
* path array to make the scanner aware of the location
* and the files you want to see
*/MediaScannerConnection.scanFile(
CuxtomCamActivity.this,
new String[] { videofile.getPath() }, null,
null);
Intent intent = new Intent();
intent.putExtra(CuxtomIntent.FILE_PATH,
videofile.getPath());
intent.putExtra(CuxtomIntent.FILE_TYPE, FILE_TYPE.VIDEO);
setResult(RESULT_OK, intent);
finish();
}
}
});
recorder.prepare();
recorder.start();
} catch (Exception e) {
Log.e("Error Stating CuXtom Camera", e.getMessage());
}
}
private void releaseMediaRecorder() {
if (recorder != null) {
recorder.reset(); // clear recorder configuration
recorder.release(); // release the recorder object
recorder = null;
}
}
For detailed guide refer to this Open Source Cuxtom Cam

the problem is in your setVideoSize() code .
and why this code error ...
From the research I have done, error code -19 comes about when there is a problem with the size of the video as set by MediaRecorder#setVideoSize()
run this code , and see whitch screen that your camera in your device can support :
final List<Camera.Size> mSupportedVideoSizes = getSupportedVideoSizes(mCamera);
for (Camera.Size str : mSupportedVideoSizes)
Log.e(TAG, "mSupportedVideoSizes "+str.width + ":" + str.height + " ... "
+ ((float) str.width / str.height));
and method is :
public List<Size> getSupportedVideoSizes(Camera camera) {
if (camera.getParameters().getSupportedVideoSizes() != null) {
return camera.getParameters().getSupportedVideoSizes();
} else {
// Video sizes may be null, which indicates that all the supported
// preview sizes are supported for video recording.
return camera.getParameters().getSupportedPreviewSizes();
}
}

I had that problem with some specific phones, I've found out that I couldn't set camcoder profile sizes in some of them. But when that worked for the problematic androids it stopped working on the previous working devices.
So in the end my implemented logic was something like:
Set width/height
Try to start the merdia recorder
In case of exception, try again without setting width/height
Kind of a trash logic, but that worked.
I've setup a github project with that implementation, try it out: https://github.com/rafaelsilverio/MediaRecorder

I also encountered this problem and annotated the following two ways, because the hardware does not support the two configurations.
MediaRecorder .setVideoSize（）
MediaRecorder .setVideoFrameRate（）

android mediarecoder saves empty file

This is the code i used to record video from an android device in MP4 format. The file is being created but is of 0 bytes size. I dont seem to understand what has gone wrong. Any help will be appreciated.
if(mCamera == null) {
mCamera = Camera.open();
mCamera.unlock();
}
if(mediaRecorder == null)
mediaRecorder = new MediaRecorder();
mediaRecorder.setCamera(mCamera);
mediaRecorder.setCamera(mCamera);
mediaRecorder.setAudioSource(MediaRecorder.AudioSource.MIC);
mediaRecorder.setVideoSource(MediaRecorder.VideoSource.CAMERA);
mediaRecorder.setOutputFormat(MediaRecorder.OutputFormat.MPEG_4);
mediaRecorder.setMaxDuration(maxDurationInMs);
mediaRecorder.setOutputFile("/sdcard/1.mp4");
mediaRecorder.setVideoFrameRate(videoFramesPerSecond);
mediaRecorder.setVideoSize(176,144);
mediaRecorder.setAudioEncoder(MediaRecorder.AudioEncoder.DEFAULT);
mediaRecorder.setVideoEncoder(MediaRecorder.VideoEncoder.MPEG_4_SP);
mediaRecorder.setPreviewDisplay(surface);
mediaRecorder.setMaxFileSize(maxFileSizeInBytes);
mediaRecorder.prepare();
try {
mediaRecorder.prepare();
} catch (IllegalStateException e) {
// This is thrown if the previous calls are not called with the
// proper order
e.printStackTrace();
}
mediaRecorder.start();

The reason for such behavior is that you are probably (95% sure) calling recorder.setOutputFile() again after you have finished your recording (after recorder.stop() perhaps). Thus old file is being rewritten by new empty file.

okay so i finally figured it out myself. i used the method described here and it worked properly.
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/media/camera.html#saving-media

The Below code worked for me :
private boolean isRecording = false;
public static final int MEDIA_TYPE_IMAGE = 1;
public static final int MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO = 2;
#Override
protected void onCreate(#Nullable Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_video_record);
// Create an instance of Camera
mCamera = getCameraInstance();
mHolder = surfaceViewRecReadyTestimonial.getHolder();
mHolder.addCallback(this);
mHolder.setType(SurfaceHolder.SURFACE_TYPE_PUSH_BUFFERS);
}
public static Camera getCameraInstance() {
Camera c = null;
try {
c = Camera.open(); // attempt to get a Camera instance
} catch (Exception e) {
// Camera is not available (in use or does not exist)
}
return c; // returns null if camera is unavailable
}
private boolean prepareVideoRecorder() {
mCamera = getCameraInstance();
mMediaRecorder = new MediaRecorder();
// Step 1: Unlock and set camera to MediaRecorder
mCamera.unlock();
mMediaRecorder.setCamera(mCamera);
// Step 2: Set sources
mMediaRecorder.setAudioSource(MediaRecorder.AudioSource.CAMCORDER);
mMediaRecorder.setVideoSource(MediaRecorder.VideoSource.CAMERA);
// Step 3: Set a CamcorderProfile (requires API Level 8 or higher)
mMediaRecorder.setProfile(CamcorderProfile.get(CamcorderProfile.QUALITY_HIGH));
// Step 4: Set output file
mMediaRecorder.setOutputFile(getOutputMediaFile(MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO).toString());
// Step 5: Set the preview output
mMediaRecorder.setPreviewDisplay(surfaceViewRecReadyTestimonial.getHolder().getSurface());
// Step 6: Prepare configured MediaRecorder
try {
mMediaRecorder.prepare();
} catch (IllegalStateException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "IllegalStateException preparing MediaRecorder: " + e.getMessage());
releaseMediaRecorder();
return false;
} catch (IOException e) {
Log.d(TAG, "IOException preparing MediaRecorder: " + e.getMessage());
releaseMediaRecorder();
return false;
}
return true;
}
#Override
public void onClick(View v) {
if (v == btnStart) {
// initialize video camera
if (prepareVideoRecorder()) {
// Camera is available and unlocked, MediaRecorder is prepared,
// now you can start recording
mMediaRecorder.start();
// inform the user that recording has started
isRecording = true;
} else {
// prepare didn't work, release the camera
releaseMediaRecorder();
// inform user
}
} else if (v == btnStop) {
if (isRecording) {
// stop recording and release camera
mMediaRecorder.stop(); // stop the recording
releaseMediaRecorder(); // release the MediaRecorder object
mCamera.lock(); // take camera access back from MediaRecorder
// inform the user that recording has stopped
isRecording = false;
}
} }
private void releaseMediaRecorder() {
if (mMediaRecorder != null) {
mMediaRecorder.reset(); // clear recorder configuration
mMediaRecorder.release(); // release the recorder object
mMediaRecorder = null;
mCamera.lock(); // lock camera for later use
}
}
private void releaseCamera() {
if (mCamera != null) {
mCamera.release(); // release the camera for other applications
mCamera = null;
}
}
/**
* Create a File for saving an image or video
*/
private static File getOutputMediaFile(int type) {
// To be safe, you should check that the SDCard is mounted
// using Environment.getExternalStorageState() before doing this.
File mediaStorageDir = new File(Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(
Environment.DIRECTORY_DCIM), "FolderName");
// This location works best if you want the created images to be shared
// between applications and persist after your app has been uninstalled.
// Create the storage directory if it does not exist
if (!mediaStorageDir.exists()) {
if (!mediaStorageDir.mkdirs()) {
Log.d("FolderName", "failed to create directory");
return null;
}
}
// Create a media file name
String timeStamp = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyyMMdd_HHmmss").format(new Date());
File mediaFile;
if (type == MEDIA_TYPE_IMAGE) {
mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator +
"IMG_" + timeStamp + ".jpg");
} else if (type == MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO) {
mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator +
"VID_" + timeStamp + ".mp4");
} else {
return null;
}
return mediaFile;
}
#Override
protected void onPause() {
super.onPause();
releaseMediaRecorder(); // if you are using MediaRecorder, release it first
releaseCamera(); // release the camera immediately on pause event
}
#Override
public void surfaceCreated(SurfaceHolder holder) {
// The Surface has been created, now tell the camera where to draw the preview.
try {
mCamera.setPreviewDisplay(holder);
mCamera.startPreview();
} catch (IOException e) {
Log.d("RecordVideo", "Error setting camera preview: " + e.getMessage());
}
}
#Override
public void surfaceChanged(SurfaceHolder holder, int format, int width, int height) {
// If your preview can change or rotate, take care of those events here.
// Make sure to stop the preview before resizing or reformatting it.
if (mHolder.getSurface() == null) {
// preview surface does not exist
return;
}
// stop preview before making changes
try {
mCamera.stopPreview();
} catch (Exception e) {
// ignore: tried to stop a non-existent preview
}
try {
Camera.Parameters parameters = mCamera.getParameters();
Display display = ((WindowManager) getSystemService(WINDOW_SERVICE)).getDefaultDisplay();
if (display.getRotation() == Surface.ROTATION_0) {
parameters.setPreviewSize(height, width);
mCamera.setDisplayOrientation(90);
}
if (display.getRotation() == Surface.ROTATION_90) {
parameters.setPreviewSize(width, height);
}
if (display.getRotation() == Surface.ROTATION_180) {
parameters.setPreviewSize(height, width);
}
if (display.getRotation() == Surface.ROTATION_270) {
parameters.setPreviewSize(width, height);
mCamera.setDisplayOrientation(180);
}
if (mCamera != null) {
try {
mCamera.setPreviewDisplay(mHolder);
mCamera.startPreview();
} catch (IOException e) {
// TODO Auto-generated catch block
e.printStackTrace();
}
}
} catch (Exception e) {
e.printStackTrace();
}
// set preview size and make any resize, rotate or
// reformatting changes here
// start preview with new settings
try {
mCamera.setPreviewDisplay(mHolder);
mCamera.startPreview();
} catch (Exception e) {
Log.d(TAG, "Error starting camera preview: " + e.getMessage());
}
}
#Override
public void surfaceDestroyed(SurfaceHolder holder) {
}

public static final String rootDir = getStorageDir().concat(yours_dir);
...
mediaRecorder.setOutputFile(rootDir);

Do you have set user permission
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CAMERA" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO" />