Enable 720p Video Recording on Google Nexus 7 [How-To-Guide]

Google's Nexus 7 tablet does not support high-definition 720p video recording out of the box. But this, it turns out, is not a hardware limitation, but a software limitation. To overcome it, users simply need to edit their media_profiles.xml file.

Though a flashable zip file with an embedded editor tool will no doubt come in the future, a manual file editing method is now available, thanks to XDA Recognised Developer hillbeast - the creator of the guide. As the developer says, it seems Google just didn't add a media profile to enable 720p recording on the camera. It is not a hardware or kernel limitation.

Here is the complete step-by-step guide to enable 720p video recording on your Nexus 7 tablet:

NOTE: The instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only and do not cover any warranty claims involving device damage or issues arising out of using this guide.

How to Enable 720p Video Recording on Google Nexus 7

• Modify /system/etc/media_profiles.xml on stock build

• If you are editing source files on custom builds like AOSP, then you should edit: android/device/asus/grouper/media_profiles.xml using a Camera.apk (Download here)

• Assign the right permissions (rw-r-r-or chmod 644) while copying the file to your tablet

• Then add the following lines of code at the end of line 130 in the xml file:

Finally, those users who want to employ an untethered approach can follow rushter's method given below:

Step 1- Open ES File Explorer and browse to /system/etc/

Step 2- Locate the file media_profiles.xml and copy it (long press the file and select copy from the menu)

Step 3- Navigate to any other directory of your choice and paste it there (temporarily)

Step 4- Return to the /system/etc/ directory again and rename the media_profiles.xml to media_profiles.xml.old and save it (long press the file and select rename from the menu)

Step 5- Now return to the directory you copied the file to and long press it. When the menu pops up choose cut and go to the /system/etc directory and hit paste up at the top

Step 6- Now just click on the file you just pasted and a list of editors will pop up.

Step 7- Choose ES Note Editor (it comes with ES File Explorer) and locate the section in the file where it says

Step 8- Add this code right after

Step 9- Once you have added the lines of code in step 8, click the back button on the bottom and a menu will show up on the bottom prompting you to save it. Save the file and proceed.

Step 10- Long press the file you just saved and select Properties at the bottom and make sure you give it the correct permissions (rw-r--r-- or chmod 644) by clicking the change button. There should be 4 check marks on that screen User read, User write, Group read, Other read. Click ok and ok again to save it.

Step 11- Reboot the device and you are all set to enjoy 720p video recording on your favourite Nexus 7.

[Source: XDA Developers]