Least ‘Bad’ Hitachi-LG Drive for UHD?

[Konten]

Hey everyone,

Looking for a bit of advice. I know the general consensus here deservedly leans heavily in favor of Pioneer drives, and tends to steer clear of LG models.

I already own a couple of Pioneer drives and have been really happy with them.

That said, I’m considering picking up an LG drive as a backup. I’ve read the reports about issues like circular scratches and other problems, which obviously make me hesitant.

But I’m wondering: is there any particular LG model that’s considered the “least bad” or safest option to go with?

Much appreciate any guidance!

[zittrig]

If you want a LG and maximum ripping speed is not very important for you take a LG BU40N or a BU50N. It's a slim drive.

You can find it without enclosure or built in the new Verbatim 43888 or in the LG BP55EB40. Also Techpulse, Nolyth or Orico has externel slim drives which could has a BU40N inside but have a good look before buying.

[Konten]

If you want a LG and maximum ripping speed is not very important for you take a LG BU40N or a BU50N. It's a slim drive.

You can find it without enclosure or built in the new Verbatim 43888 or in the LG BP55EB40. Also Techpulse, Nolyth or Orico has externel slim drives which could has a BU40N inside but have a good look before buying.

Thanks for the info! So, just to confirm—are the full-height versions generally not recommended then?

I also didn’t realize the BP55EB40 contains a BU40N. That’s good to know, but I was under the impression that circular scratching was a known issue with that model. I’ve seen it mentioned both here and on Reddit. Do you know if that’s been addressed or resolved in any way?

As for the BU50N (or the BP60NB10), I haven’t been able to find any new ones available in Europe. Are they essentially just the UHD-capable versions of the previous models?

[zittrig]

The internal drives has different quality, there are better and worse drives, but with the BU40N I've personally the best expierience with difficult discs (in relation to LG-based drives). Also the recommended firmware is important. With the BU40N 1.00 for example the ripping of horrible 4K disc Black Hawk Down breaks up with an error. But there are no problems with the 1.03MK.

I'd severaly BP55EB40 in use or flashing for friends / family but this problem I'd with none of them. But no drive should be moved when it's in use at this moment, that can cause scratches on the disc, 'cause the disc lose stability.

The BU50N and the BP60NB10 (I think it's just differently flashed) are indeed more than rare. Better set your focus on the BU40N.

[Konten]

The internal drives has different quality, there are better and worse drives, but with the BU40N I've personally the best expierience with difficult discs (in relation to LG-based drives). Also the recommended firmware is important. With the BU40N 1.00 for example the ripping of horrible 4K disc Black Hawk Down breaks up with an error. But there are no problems with the 1.03MK.

I'd severaly BP55EB40 in use or flashing for friends / family but this problem I'd with none of them. But no drive should be moved when it's in use at this moment, that can cause scratches on the disc, 'cause the disc lose stability.

The BU50N and the BP60NB10 (I think it's just differently flashed) are indeed more than rare. Better set your focus on the BU40N.

Thanks a lot — that really helps.

Based on what you’ve said, I think I’ll go ahead with the BU40N. With the right firmware it sounds like the most reliable option and also good to know that the scratching issue is more likely due to movement during operation rather than a specific hardware flaw.

[zittrig]

You're welcome.

Good luck for your search.

Ah, I've forgot another slim drive with the BU40N in it. You can also look out for the Buffalo BRXL-PT6U2V(B). But have a good look before buying. I'd only two of them, both with the BU40N. I've not enough expierience with it to say, every of them has the BU40N in it. Perhaps another one of the people here have this information.

If you want to buy such a drive from private, ask for a screen of the Windows device manager or of the MakeMKV drive information. That would help.

Edit: Also is out there an Archgon slim Blu-ray drive. Could be installed a BU40N or a Panasonic drive, have also a good look.

[MartyMcNuts]

You're welcome.

Good luck for your search.

Ah, I've forgot another slim drive with the BU40N in it. You can also look out for the Buffalo BRXL-PT6U2V(B). But have a good look before buying. I'd only two of them, both with the BU40N. I've not enough expierience with it to say, every of them has the BU40N in it. Perhaps another one of the people here have this information.

If you want to buy such a drive from private, ask for a screen of the Windows device manager or of the MakeMKV drive information. That would help.

Edit: Also is out there an Archgon slim Blu-ray drive. Could be installed a BU40N or a Panasonic drive, have also a good look.

The Archgon MD-8107S-U3-UHD contains a LG BU40N. I have not known it to contain anything different.

[zittrig]

Yes, thanks for the addition!