Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2026

[Coopervid]

Well. Linux guys seem to be masochistic. You need to flash to an UHD firmware. Described here. Install a VM and do so.

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=22896&hilit=sdftool

[jmanlinux]

Hello,
I have a BU40N that is currently on 1.02 and looking to flash to 1.03. My MKV details are below. I downloaded the all you need firmware file and the gui sdf tool. However after selecting the drive and proper file I click start however nothing happens. I tried on two computers and same result. It did work when I updated an internal drive LG WH16NS40,. So for the BU40N is there any known issue or additional steps other than using the tool selecting drive and file ad clicking start? If tool is an issue would cmd commands work?

Drive Information
OS device name: /dev/sr0
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: MO9P5694026
Firmware date: 2120-12-01 17:16
Bus encryption flags: 1F
Highest AACS version: 76

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.02
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)

No disc inserted

[nicholfd]

Hello,
I have a BU40N that is currently on 1.02 and looking to flash to 1.03. My MKV details are below. I downloaded the all you need firmware file and the gui sdf tool. However after selecting the drive and proper file I click start however nothing happens. I tried on two computers and same result. It did work when I updated an internal drive LG WH16NS40,. So for the BU40N is there any known issue or additional steps other than using the tool selecting drive and file ad clicking start? If tool is an issue would cmd commands work?

Drive Information
OS device name: /dev/sr0
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: MO9P5694026
Firmware date: 2120-12-01 17:16
Bus encryption flags: 1F
Highest AACS version: 76

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.02
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)

No disc inserted

What is the brand/Mfg of the chassis the drive came in? If it's Archgon, the chassis is junk and flashing doesn't work with that chassis. The drive can be removed and flashed with an adapter or in another chassis.

Thanks,
Frank

[jmanlinux]

Yes it is archgon case thanks for providing the reason it would not flash. Will look at other case etc.

[nicholfd]

Yes it is archgon case thanks for providing the reason it would not flash. Will look at other case etc.

I purchased this drive from Amazon, removed the included drive & swapped in the drive from the archgon unit. Paid about $18 USD:
External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, DVD Burner CD Reader for Laptop, 8-in-1 USB 3.0 Portable CD Players with SD/TF Ports, External Disk Drive Optical for MacBook Windows 11 10 PC Linux OS

Thanks,
Frank