NEW OPTION: 'UHD Friendly' Firmware Downgrade / Cross-Flash Using Official (Modified) ASUS Flasher for ASUS & LG Drives

[MartyMcNuts]

I've followed the directions given by the OP. And it still doesn't change the fact that it will not flash at all. It fails even when attempting to go from the stock 1.02 to the 1.02 mk. Maybe you need to read a bit more.

Ok, I think I know why it hasn't worked. I just realized that your drive's stock 1.02 firmware is an encrypted firmware.

Here are the new steps for you:
1. Using the SDFtool Flasher, select firmware 1.02 MK and check the "enc" box.
2. Once this has flashed successfully, select firmware 1.00 MK and make sure "enc" is not checked.

This should do the trick and you should be on 1.00 MK.

Thank you so much! Got the firmware down to 1.0 using the exact method you listed. Unfortunately its still showing not supported by DVDFAB even though they list the drive with 1.0 being supported, but thats an issue for there not here. I just want to rip my movies and have VOB files in AVI so I can watch them from my media player in the truck like I do with standard blurays.
Do you have any recommendations for software that will do that with this drive now at 1.0? Does MakeMKV have that option or is it full disc backup only?

Glad you got it sorted.

MakeMKV can back upto full folder or movie only MKV file.

You could use MakeMKV to rip your movies to a MKV file. If your media player can't play MKV files, you could use basically any other software, such as HandBrake or DVDFab, to then convert the MKV file to an AVI.

[GregoryV]

Ok, I think I know why it hasn't worked. I just realized that your drive's stock 1.02 firmware is an encrypted firmware.

Here are the new steps for you:
1. Using the SDFtool Flasher, select firmware 1.02 MK and check the "enc" box.
2. Once this has flashed successfully, select firmware 1.00 MK and make sure "enc" is not checked.

This should do the trick and you should be on 1.00 MK.

Thank you so much! Got the firmware down to 1.0 using the exact method you listed. Unfortunately its still showing not supported by DVDFAB even though they list the drive with 1.0 being supported, but thats an issue for there not here. I just want to rip my movies and have VOB files in AVI so I can watch them from my media player in the truck like I do with standard blurays.
Do you have any recommendations for software that will do that with this drive now at 1.0? Does MakeMKV have that option or is it full disc backup only?

Glad you got it sorted.

MakeMKV can back upto full folder or movie only MKV file.

You could use MakeMKV to rip your movies to a MKV file. If your media player can't play MKV files, you could use basically any other software, such as HandBrake or DVDFab, to then convert the MKV file to an AVI.

Thank you for the info. I will start watching some videos to learn how to properly use MakeMKV. You've been a rock star being so patient with my newbie ways. I hope you have a glorious weekend!

[MartyMcNuts]

Thank you so much! Got the firmware down to 1.0 using the exact method you listed. Unfortunately its still showing not supported by DVDFAB even though they list the drive with 1.0 being supported, but thats an issue for there not here. I just want to rip my movies and have VOB files in AVI so I can watch them from my media player in the truck like I do with standard blurays.
Do you have any recommendations for software that will do that with this drive now at 1.0? Does MakeMKV have that option or is it full disc backup only?

Glad you got it sorted.

MakeMKV can back upto full folder or movie only MKV file.

You could use MakeMKV to rip your movies to a MKV file. If your media player can't play MKV files, you could use basically any other software, such as HandBrake or DVDFab, to then convert the MKV file to an AVI.

Thank you for the info. I will start watching some videos to learn how to properly use MakeMKV. You've been a rock star being so patient with my newbie ways. I hope you have a glorious weekend!

You too. Cheers

[Billycar11]

if only all of us read the pinned guide lol

Newer OEM Firmwares and encrypted:

New Encrypted firmware
List of Know Encrypted firmware (so far, any firmware with date in 2020 is encrypted)
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BE16NU50-1.04-N000300-212005081025.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH14NS50-1.03-N000400-212004211008.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH16NS40-NS50-1.05-N000600-212005061331.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH16NS50-1.03-N000400-212004210958.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH16NS55-1.05-N000400-212004211049.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH16NS60-1.02-N000600-212005081014.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-N000800-212005070917.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP55EB40-NB50-1.03-N000800-212005070924.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP60NB10-1.02-N000800-212005070935.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-N000500-212005061142.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH14NS40-NS50-1.05-N000900-212005061444.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS40-NS50-1.05-N000900-212005061440.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-N000600-212005081010.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WP50NB40-NB50-1.03-N000800-212005070929.bin
HL-DT-ST-BDDVDRW_CH12NS40-1.03-N000800-212005080957.bin
HL-DT-ST-BDDVDRW_UH12NS40-1.03-N000800-212005080959.bin

[GregoryV]

if only all of us read the pinned guide lol

Newer OEM Firmwares and encrypted:

New Encrypted firmware
List of Know Encrypted firmware (so far, any firmware with date in 2020 is encrypted)
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BE16NU50-1.04-N000300-212005081025.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH14NS50-1.03-N000400-212004211008.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH16NS40-NS50-1.05-N000600-212005061331.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH16NS50-1.03-N000400-212004210958.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH16NS55-1.05-N000400-212004211049.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BH16NS60-1.02-N000600-212005081014.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-N000800-212005070917.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP55EB40-NB50-1.03-N000800-212005070924.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP60NB10-1.02-N000800-212005070935.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-N000500-212005061142.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH14NS40-NS50-1.05-N000900-212005061444.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS40-NS50-1.05-N000900-212005061440.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-N000600-212005081010.bin
HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WP50NB40-NB50-1.03-N000800-212005070929.bin
HL-DT-ST-BDDVDRW_CH12NS40-1.03-N000800-212005080957.bin
HL-DT-ST-BDDVDRW_UH12NS40-1.03-N000800-212005080959.bin

I understand your point to a degree but it was not in the beginning of this thread and no post at the beginning leading to this list. I stated my status as a newbie to the flashing and used the search function here in regards to firmware issues for my drive. That "pinned" list did not come up in the probably 250 pages on different threads with clear search terms I went through.

[Billycar11]

I understand your point to a degree but it was not in the beginning of this thread and no post at the beginning leading to this list. I stated my status as a newbie to the flashing and used the search function here in regards to firmware issues for my drive. That "pinned" list did not come up in the probably 250 pages on different threads with clear search terms I went through.

i didnt mean it as an insult i tried to help you too but i didnt remember my own guide because that part was updated by the makemkv developer.

[something0]

hey, I'm really new to the whole drive firmware flashing,

I recently bought an LG BP50NB40 with SVC NB40 (i didn't specifically choose that SVC) and it has a drive platform of MT1959. the revision is also 1.03. I believe from one of the posts in this thread or another that I SHOULD, in theory, be able to flash the BP50NB40-NB40 IF it has a drive platform of MT1959, but when I use the modified Asus flasher I get an updating failure #5 error. when I used the modified LG flasher I just get stuck on 0%.

can anyone help me with this as I really feel like I wasted my money?

Drive Information
OS device name: G:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number: SIKB1K7805309
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.03
DVD all regions: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw data read: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw metadata read: Possible (with patched firmware)
Unrestricted read speed: Possible (with patched firmware)

[MartyMcNuts]

hey, I'm really new to the whole drive firmware flashing,

I recently bought an LG BP50NB40 with SVC NB40 (i didn't specifically choose that SVC) and it has a drive platform of MT1959. the revision is also 1.03. I believe from one of the posts in this thread or another that I SHOULD, in theory, be able to flash the BP50NB40-NB40 IF it has a drive platform of MT1959, but when I use the modified Asus flasher I get an updating failure #5 error. when I used the modified LG flasher I just get stuck on 0%.

can anyone help me with this as I really feel like I wasted my money?

Drive Information
OS device name: G:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number: SIKB1K7805309
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.03
DVD all regions: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw data read: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw metadata read: Possible (with patched firmware)
Unrestricted read speed: Possible (with patched firmware)

Yep, use the SDFtool Flasher. Get it from here. viewtopic.php?f=16&t=22896

Your drive comes with an encrypted firmware, so here are the steps for you to follow:

• Run SDFtool Flasher and select drive.

• Select "WRITE firmware" if not already selected.

• Select firmware HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-NM00800-212005070917.bin from the "HL-DT-ST" folder in the MK firmware pack you have already downloaded with the ASUS flasher.

• Check the "enc?" box as your drive's stock firmware is encrypted.

• Press START to flash your drive.

Your drive should now be on firmware BP50NB40 1.03 MK, which will have enabled LibreDrive. Now, if you also want UHD capabilities, please perform the below steps:

• Select the drive in SDFtool Flasher.

• Select "WRITE firmware" if not already selected.

• Select firmware HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP60NB10-1.00-NM00200-211711211720.bin from the "old" folder in the MK firmware pack you have already downloaded with the ASUS flasher.

• Press START to flash your drive.

Your drive should now be on firmware BP60NB10 1.00 MK which has LibreDrive enabled and can also read UHD discs.

[something0]

hey, I'm really new to the whole drive firmware flashing,

I recently bought an LG BP50NB40 with SVC NB40 (i didn't specifically choose that SVC) and it has a drive platform of MT1959. the revision is also 1.03. I believe from one of the posts in this thread or another that I SHOULD, in theory, be able to flash the BP50NB40-NB40 IF it has a drive platform of MT1959, but when I use the modified Asus flasher I get an updating failure #5 error. when I used the modified LG flasher I just get stuck on 0%.

can anyone help me with this as I really feel like I wasted my money?

Drive Information
OS device name: G:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number: SIKB1K7805309
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.03
DVD all regions: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw data read: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw metadata read: Possible (with patched firmware)
Unrestricted read speed: Possible (with patched firmware)

Yep, use the SDFtool Flasher. Get it from here. viewtopic.php?f=16&t=22896

Your drive comes with an encrypted firmware, so here are the steps for you to follow:

• Run SDFtool Flasher and select drive.

• Select "WRITE firmware" if not already selected.

• Select firmware HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-NM00800-212005070917.bin from the "HL-DT-ST" folder in the MK firmware pack you have already downloaded with the ASUS flasher.

• Check the "enc?" box as your drive's stock firmware is encrypted.

• Press START to flash your drive.

Your drive should now be on firmware BP50NB40 1.03 MK, which will have enabled LibreDrive. Now, if you also want UHD capabilities, please perform the below steps:

• Select the drive in SDFtool Flasher.

• Select "WRITE firmware" if not already selected.

• Select firmware HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP60NB10-1.00-NM00200-211711211720.bin from the "old" folder in the MK firmware pack you have already downloaded with the ASUS flasher.

• Press START to flash your drive.

Your drive should now be on firmware BP60NB10 1.00 MK which has LibreDrive enabled and can also read UHD discs.

hey man, thanks

I literally found out about SDFtool Flasher right after I made that post. I successfully flashed it to the MK version with SDFtool and then I used your modded Asus flasher to flash your hybrid BP60NB10 onto my drive.

now my drive is being recognised as BP60NB10

thanks a lot for making the hybrid firmware

[DMCnNYC]

The tools listed here and these last several posts were a HUGE help in getting my drive flashed appropriately! Thanks for all the hard work on this.

[MartyMcNuts]

hey, I'm really new to the whole drive firmware flashing,

I recently bought an LG BP50NB40 with SVC NB40 (i didn't specifically choose that SVC) and it has a drive platform of MT1959. the revision is also 1.03. I believe from one of the posts in this thread or another that I SHOULD, in theory, be able to flash the BP50NB40-NB40 IF it has a drive platform of MT1959, but when I use the modified Asus flasher I get an updating failure #5 error. when I used the modified LG flasher I just get stuck on 0%.

can anyone help me with this as I really feel like I wasted my money?

Drive Information
OS device name: G:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number: SIKB1K7805309
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.03
DVD all regions: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw data read: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw metadata read: Possible (with patched firmware)
Unrestricted read speed: Possible (with patched firmware)

Yep, use the SDFtool Flasher. Get it from here. viewtopic.php?f=16&t=22896

Your drive comes with an encrypted firmware, so here are the steps for you to follow:

• Run SDFtool Flasher and select drive.

• Select "WRITE firmware" if not already selected.

• Select firmware HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-NM00800-212005070917.bin from the "HL-DT-ST" folder in the MK firmware pack you have already downloaded with the ASUS flasher.

• Check the "enc?" box as your drive's stock firmware is encrypted.

• Press START to flash your drive.

Your drive should now be on firmware BP50NB40 1.03 MK, which will have enabled LibreDrive. Now, if you also want UHD capabilities, please perform the below steps:

• Select the drive in SDFtool Flasher.

• Select "WRITE firmware" if not already selected.

• Select firmware HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP60NB10-1.00-NM00200-211711211720.bin from the "old" folder in the MK firmware pack you have already downloaded with the ASUS flasher.

• Press START to flash your drive.

Your drive should now be on firmware BP60NB10 1.00 MK which has LibreDrive enabled and can also read UHD discs.

hey man, thanks

I literally found out about SDFtool Flasher right after I made that post. I successfully flashed it to the MK version with SDFtool and then I used your modded Asus flasher to flash your hybrid BP60NB10 onto my drive.

now my drive is being recognised as BP60NB10

thanks a lot for making the hybrid firmware

No worries, but for future reference, if you follow all my steps above, the hybrid firmware is no longer needed! Anyway, glad you now have it UHD capable.

[Cesarleeds]

*Edit*

My bad, i was trying to flash firmware 3.02 on a new ASUS BW-16D1HT that came with 3.10, only got update failure error, then flashed 3.10 mod perfectly.

[njweb]

Was posting this as new thread, but figured perhaps easier to just post into this existing thread.

Hey everyone. New to the forums. Based on recommendations here, I am getting an Archgon MD8107-UHD external BD burner (rebadged LG BU40N) drive (arrives tomorrow).
I wanted drive that can read old discs (have many old burned CD/DVD discs from ~2002 that my Samsung USB DVD drive does not read. My Asus external BD-R drive -BW-12D1S-U - reads them fine, but it is too bulky for every day use, hence the Archgon; I figured I may as well get something with BD-R and UHD support at the same time.

Anyway I want to enable UHD disc reading on the Archgon (BU40N).
Been reading the threads here https://www.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic ... 873#p70284 ; (and saw the video on youtube too), but just to be sure I am on the right track and do not brick my drive on day 1 (done a lot of flashing in my day, but new to the UHD scene...).

1) I downloaded the following:\https://www.mediafire.com/file/mezq26ac ... 9.zip/file
I.e. Modified) ASUS ODD FW Changer (24.08.2019) + UHD Friendly Firmwares + Latest MK Pack (20.07.2020.zip
I believe this is the latest zip.

2) Unless I am mistaken, I just need to run the above flasher (.exe of course) and select the right binary for my drive (BU40N series).
Anything else (since I have the Archgon)?


Re. firmwares, I believe there are two fw options for the BU40N:
Either the official v1.00 firmware or custom v1.03MK BU40N firmware?
Any recommendation as to whether to go with official 1.00 or 1.03MK?
Still new to UHD, so appreciate any recommendations between the two versions?
Reading another thread, Ibelieve I should use 1.03MK to enable full UHD reading-related functionality?

(Did find 1.04 mentioned here - https://www.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19113). Is that preferred?

Back to 1.03, I did not see the latter 1.03 in the flasher zip, but can I use this one in a thread to which Billy linked (post my Mike Admin)?
https://www.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic ... 19&t=19422
https://www.makemkv.com/forum/download/file.php?id=1937

Thanks in advance!

[MartyMcNuts]

Was posting this as new thread, but figured perhaps easier to just post into this existing thread.

Hey everyone. New to the forums. Based on recommendations here, I am getting an Archgon MD8107-UHD external BD burner (rebadged LG BU40N) drive (arrives tomorrow).
I wanted drive that can read old discs (have many old burned CD/DVD discs from ~2002 that my Samsung USB DVD drive does not read. My Asus external BD-R drive -BW-12D1S-U - reads them fine, but it is too bulky for every day use, hence the Archgon; I figured I may as well get something with BD-R and UHD support at the same time.

Anyway I want to enable UHD disc reading on the Archgon (BU40N).
Been reading the threads here https://www.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic ... 873#p70284 ; (and saw the video on youtube too), but just to be sure I am on the right track and do not brick my drive on day 1 (done a lot of flashing in my day, but new to the UHD scene...).

1) I downloaded the following:\https://www.mediafire.com/file/mezq26ac ... 9.zip/file
I.e. Modified) ASUS ODD FW Changer (24.08.2019) + UHD Friendly Firmwares + Latest MK Pack (20.07.2020.zip
I believe this is the latest zip.

2) Unless I am mistaken, I just need to run the above flasher (.exe of course) and select the right binary for my drive (BU40N series).
Anything else (since I have the Archgon)?


Re. firmwares, I believe there are two fw options for the BU40N:
Either the official v1.00 firmware or custom v1.03MK BU40N firmware?
Any recommendation as to whether to go with official 1.00 or 1.03MK?
Still new to UHD, so appreciate any recommendations between the two versions?
Reading another thread, Ibelieve I should use 1.03MK to enable full UHD reading-related functionality?

(Did find 1.04 mentioned here - https://www.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19113). Is that preferred?

Back to 1.03, I did not see the latter 1.03 in the flasher zip, but can I use this one in a thread to which Billy linked (post my Mike Admin)?
https://www.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic ... 19&t=19422
https://www.makemkv.com/forum/download/file.php?id=1937

Thanks in advance!

The Archgon (BU40N) is an excellent drive. I have one myself!

It will most likely be delivered to you with firmware 1.01. Regardless, the best firmware for this drive is DE_LG_BU40N_1.00. It fully enables UHD ripping and is compatible with more (other) software.

[njweb]

The Archgon (BU40N) is an excellent drive. I have one myself!

It will most likely be delivered to you with firmware 1.01. Regardless, the best firmware for this drive is DE_LG_BU40N_1.00. It fully enables UHD ripping and is compatible with more (other) software.

Thanks for the help Marty!
Glad I picked it then !. I had done some research and I felt it was a great deal for a rebadged (LG BU40N) UHD-capable slim external burner.

I will use the flasher I linked to in my post then and select the DE_LG_BU40N_1.00 then.
I assume that the Asus ODD FW Changer flasher will allow me to downgrade to the above firmware, regardless of which OEM version it ends up shipping with?
(My drive arrives tomorrow).

Looking forward to getting it!