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

Forum for discussions about UHD-capable dives
martinmcu
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2021 4:33 am

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

Post by martinmcu »

My old BP50NB40 died. I bought a replacement, but am having difficulty flashing it. As best I can tell, this is the most recent set of instructions for this drive:

viewtopic.php?p=107174#p107174
MartyMcNuts wrote:
Thu Mar 25, 2021 10:09 pm
trav06 wrote:
Thu Mar 25, 2021 10:01 pm
MartyMcNuts wrote:
Mon Mar 22, 2021 3:29 am


Step 1 is ok, but you can't use the ASUS flasher as your drive has encrypted firmware. Use the "SDFtool Flasher" with "enc?" checked.
Step 2 should be: Flash BP60NB10 1.01-MK from the MK/old folder using SDFtool Flasher with "enc?" unchecked. Don't use BP60NB10 1.02 as it's crap.

Done!
Thank you thank you thank you! Haven't gone through the steps yet, but this will save me a lot of trouble.
No problem. Also, I mentioned using 1.01-MK in step 2, which is ok, however, I just wanted to say that BP60NB10 1.00-MK is also good and is what I personally use.
However, I am having difficulty with step 1. I only have Linux systems in the house, but it seems like I should be able to use the sdftool command line. Here is my drive info:

Code: Select all

matt@superlappy: ~/uhdfw
[]$ sdftool -l
Found 1 drives(s)
00: dev_21:0, /dev/sr0, /dev/sr0
  HL-DT-ST_BD-RE_BP50NB40_1.03_212005070917_SIK06L1SD0537

matt@superlappy: ~/uhdfw
[]$ sdftool -d /dev/sr0 --info
SDF.bin version: 0x007E

Drive Tool SDF present

Drive Specific SDF present

[Drive Specific SDF] Embedded Info Strings:
8000:LibreDrive Information

8013:Status
8109:Possible (with patched firmware)

8001:Drive platform
:MT1959

8010:Harware support
8100:Yes

8011:Firmware support
8101:No

8002:Firmware type
8108:Original (patched version available)

8003:Firmware version
:1.03

8005:DVD all regions
8109:Possible (with patched firmware)

8006:BD raw data read
8109:Possible (with patched firmware)

8007:BD raw metadata read
8109:Possible (with patched firmware)

8009:Unrestricted read speed
8109:Possible (with patched firmware)


[Drive Specific SDF] Embedded Status Message:
8096:LibreDrive mode for this drive is only possible with firmware upgrade (id=%1)
:2C1A8405ECEF


Identification SDF present

[Identification SDF] Embedded Info Strings:
8000:LibreDrive Information

8013:Status
8102:Possible, not yet enabled

8001:Drive platform
:MT1959


[Identification SDF] Drive autodetect string:
mtk:19:59:BUP3:HL-DT-ST:BD-RE BP50NB40  1.03:N000800:-

matt@superlappy: ~/uhdfw
[]$ sdftool -d /dev/sr0 help

MTK19xx firmware module v1.22

Commands:

  dump [auto|full|user]
  Dumps firmware image
    dump full      - dumps full rom image (if not disabled in firmware)
    dump user      - dumps non-volatile user data
    dump auto      - dumps full image if possible, user data otherwise

  rawflash [<flag>,<flag=value>,...]
    Sends the image and flashing flags to drive
    for flashing in self-update mode
  flags:
    main           - flashes main firmware (this is the default)
    full           - flashes boot loader and main firmware (Caution!!!)
    de             - sets DE byte in image
    enc            - encrypts firmware before sending to drive

However, flashing fails:

Code: Select all

matt@superlappy: ~/uhdfw
[]$ sdftool -d /dev/sr0 rawflash enc -i HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-NM00800-212005070917.bin -v
Loaded SDF.bin version 0x7e

Reading input file HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-NM00800-212005070917.bin
Flashing flags = 0x0 : 0 0 0 0 : ---- ---- ---- ----
Sending image in encrypted format
Current Drive ID: HL-DT-ST_BD-RE_BP50NB40_1.03_212005070917_SIK06L1SD0537
DEBUG: Code 4280012805 at Mx=Q{%DdK23UWRSK}6/xi^l-6'?wWl*&:121264648

Command produced error code 0x8f1bd005
Am I missing something, or do I need to look into a Windows VM/finding a physical Windows box? Thanks,

Matt
liamtoh1
Posts: 38
Joined: Mon May 10, 2021 6:25 pm

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

Post by liamtoh1 »

This week I purchased an LG WH16NS40 from Amazon Warehouse (they accidentally send me LG WH14NS40 with a mfg date of Jan-2017). This drive came with 1.02 firmware which was able to decrypt and create BDMV and/or MKV using MakeMKV. However, it would give an error when creating ISO using ImgBurn saying the disc is copy protected. I tried to update the firmware with 2 other methods
1. Command line option using makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d H: rawflash enc -i "C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.02-NM00100-211810291936.bin") and
2. SDF tool flasher.

Both options did not update the firmware.

I was about to open a message here when I happen to come across this thread. I was hesitant but gave this ASUS ODD FW changer a shot and voila.. it worked.

Thanks for this thread and helping me update my drive.
Attachments
ASUS ODD FW Updated Screenshot 2021-05-16 111933.jpg
ASUS ODD FW Updated Screenshot 2021-05-16 111933.jpg (26.81 KiB) Viewed 17861 times
MartyMcNuts
Posts: 2434
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2017 11:45 pm

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

Post by MartyMcNuts »

liamtoh1 wrote:
Sun May 16, 2021 3:39 pm
This week I purchased an LG WH16NS40 from Amazon Warehouse (they accidentally send me LG WH14NS40 with a mfg date of Jan-2017). This drive came with 1.02 firmware which was able to decrypt and create BDMV and/or MKV using MakeMKV. However, it would give an error when creating ISO using ImgBurn saying the disc is copy protected. I tried to update the firmware with 2 other methods
1. Command line option using makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d H: rawflash enc -i "C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.02-NM00100-211810291936.bin") and
2. SDF tool flasher.

Both options did not update the firmware.

I was about to open a message here when I happen to come across this thread. I was hesitant but gave this ASUS ODD FW changer a shot and voila.. it worked.

Thanks for this thread and helping me update my drive.
The command line and SDFtool flasher didn't work for you because you had "enc"in the command. Your 1.02 firmware is not encrypted!!
Cheers :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For UHD enabled drives (AU/NZ/SG) & DIY Single Drive Flasher (WW): https://www.uhdenableddrives.com
liamtoh1
Posts: 38
Joined: Mon May 10, 2021 6:25 pm

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

Post by liamtoh1 »

MartyMcNuts wrote:
Mon May 17, 2021 3:01 am
The command line and SDFtool flasher didn't work for you because you had "enc"in the command. Your 1.02 firmware is not encrypted!!
Thanks.
Vaker86
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon May 24, 2021 3:59 pm

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

Post by Vaker86 »

What about Asus BW-16D1HT/B, 5.25" BDXL ( 90DD01E0-B30000) does this drive work to copy uhd blu-ray discs with makemkv? Is putting up custom Firmware so simple without a command line?
Vaker86
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon May 24, 2021 3:59 pm

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

Post by Vaker86 »

Vaker86 wrote:
Mon May 24, 2021 4:09 pm
What about Asus BW-16D1HT/B, 5.25" BDXL ( 90DD01E0-B30000) does this drive work to copy uhd blu-ray discs with makemkv? Is putting up custom Firmware so simple without a command line?
Any comments? I would like to copy the UHD movies what I bought into a computer viewable format.
d00zah
Posts: 1412
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2016 8:23 pm

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

Post by d00zah »

What does MakeMKV report for drive info/LibreDrive info (right-hand pane... copy/paste)? If the drive is compliant, it is "so simple".
50thhome
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 3:34 pm

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

Post by 50thhome »

MartyMcNuts wrote:
Sun Feb 17, 2019 3:30 am
Hi everyone,

Just to give you all another option, I have modified the official ASUS ODD FW Flasher tool to allow the user to flash or cross-flash their drive to a "UHD Friendly" firmware.

Included with the ASUS Flasher, is the 'DE' UHD friendly firmwares we are currently using with the LG Flasher tool.

Also, if you happen to use your own clean firmware file that hasn't been 'DE' enabled, this app will automatically make the file 'DE' enabled and save it.

It is very easy to use:

1. Run ASUS_ODD_FW_Changer_(Modified).exe.
2. In popup window, select a firmware file to flash. (If you click CANCEL, the auto default firmware is ASUS BW-16D1HT 3.02)
3. When the main interface opens, select your drive (if not already selected)
4. Hit "START" button. The drive tray will open. Once firmware flash is completed, drive tray will close again.
5. Done.

EDIT (24.08.2019): I have updated the Modified ASUS Flasher which will now allow:
  • The LG BP60NB10 external UHD drive to be flashed with firmware LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK only.
  • The LG BP50NB40 external Blu-Ray drive to be flashed with firmware LG_BP50NB40-NB50_1.01_MK only. (Not UHD friendly but enables libredrive.)

EDIT (03.09.2019):
I have created 2 modified (hybrid = HBD) firmwares solely for the BP50NB40. Firmware BP60NB10_1.00_MK_HBD will allow you to flash your BP50NB40 to BP60NB10. Firmware BP50NB40-NB50_1.01_MK_HBD will allow you to go back to BP50NB40_1.01_MK if you ever require it. The firmware zip is below.

EDIT (01.01.2020):
Depending on what firmware your BP50NB40 comes with (1.01, 1.02 or 1.03), please flash the corresponding firmware BP50NB40 NB50 1.xx_MK from the MK pack first, then you can cross-flash using the hybrid BP60NB10 1.00 firmware.


Hybrid_Firmware_for_BP50NB40_to_BP60NB10.zip



EDIT (22.05.2020):
Below is the link to the modified ASUS FW Flasher + Downgrade Enabled Firmware + the latest MK firmware pack (20/07/2020):

https://www.mediafire.com/file/mezq26ac ... 9.zip/file


Here is just the modified ASUS Flasher if you don't need the firmwares. Just put it in the folder with the firmwares.


ASUS_ODD_FW_Changer_(Modified) (24.08.2019).zip



Have fun guys!!
MartyMcNuts,

the ASUS_ODD_FW_Changer_(Modified).exe that is included in the ASUS_ODD_FW_Changer_(Modified) (24.08.2019).zip download is sequestered by up to date McAfeee Anti Virus when attempting to execute because McAfee AV detected a threat...

McAfee security report is attached...
mcafee_av_realtime_detect.png
mcafee_av_realtime_detect.png (17.36 KiB) Viewed 17505 times
has anyone else had this problem...

please advise...
d00zah
Posts: 1412
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2016 8:23 pm

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

Post by d00zah »

(Modified) ASUS ODD FW Changer (24.08.2019) + UHD Friendly Firmwares + Latest MK Pack (20.07.2020).zip: https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/e3b ... /detection

ASUS_ODD_FW_Changer_(Modified).exe: https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/57e ... /detection

Only 6 security vendors flagged this file as malicious (out of 69), probably because the tool modifies HW at a low (FW) level. File has been around since 2019, used by many & no bad reports (except, maybe, by people who didn't read ALL of the instructions).
Eygii
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2021 1:52 am

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

Post by Eygii »

First of all, Thank you.

I just used the ASUS FW Flasher + Downgrade Enabled Firmware + the latest MK firmware pack (20/07/2020) since my new ASUS BW-16D1HT has the 3.10 firmware, so I selected the ASUS-BW-16D1HT-3.10-WM01601-211901041014.bin

It worked perfectly and I now have a Libre Drive enabled that reads UHD Blu-rays.

The question is: Should I now downgrade it to 3.02? or should I use it as is?

Once again, thank you.
MartyMcNuts
Posts: 2434
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2017 11:45 pm

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

Post by MartyMcNuts »

Eygii wrote:
Fri Jun 18, 2021 2:01 am
First of all, Thank you.

I just used the ASUS FW Flasher + Downgrade Enabled Firmware + the latest MK firmware pack (20/07/2020) since my new ASUS BW-16D1HT has the 3.10 firmware, so I selected the ASUS-BW-16D1HT-3.10-WM01601-211901041014.bin

It worked perfectly and I now have a Libre Drive enabled that reads UHD Blu-rays.

The question is: Should I now downgrade it to 3.02? or should I use it as is?

Once again, thank you.
Nah, it should work good as is.
Cheers :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For UHD enabled drives (AU/NZ/SG) & DIY Single Drive Flasher (WW): https://www.uhdenableddrives.com
jyi768
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 3:10 am

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

Post by jyi768 »

Hello MartyMcNuts,
I would like to run this by you before I jump the gun.

I have a ASUS BW-16D1HT that was manufactured in June 2013.
Do I flash the official one from ASUS first, then flash it with your modified one?
The firmware on the drive has never been updated before.
Besides read, will it be capable of writing m-disc BDXLs?
Coopervid
Posts: 1129
Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2019 10:32 pm

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

Post by Coopervid »

Don't flash this drive!!!! It is too old and not compatible with the newer firmware that need the MT1959 chip. Check with Makemkv. Most likely it is based on MT1939.
jyi768
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 3:10 am

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

Post by jyi768 »

Coopervid wrote:
Sat Jun 19, 2021 4:28 pm
Don't flash this drive!!!! It is too old and not compatible with the newer firmware that need the MT1959 chip. Check with Makemkv. Most likely it is based on MT1939.
Thanks man. It is indeed based on MT1939.
Would flashing it brick the drive?
If that's the case I'm really miffed ASUS kept the naming and there aren't any warnings on their product page.
Just out of curiosity, when do they start using MT1959?
MartyMcNuts
Posts: 2434
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2017 11:45 pm

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

Post by MartyMcNuts »

jyi768 wrote:
Sat Jun 19, 2021 4:51 pm
Coopervid wrote:
Sat Jun 19, 2021 4:28 pm
Don't flash this drive!!!! It is too old and not compatible with the newer firmware that need the MT1959 chip. Check with Makemkv. Most likely it is based on MT1939.
Thanks man. It is indeed based on MT1939.
Would flashing it brick the drive?
If that's the case I'm really miffed ASUS kept the naming and there aren't any warnings on their product page.
Just out of curiosity, when do they start using MT1959?
They started using MT1959 around October 2015. Yeah, as coopervid said, DO NOT flash that drive or it will be bricked.
Cheers :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For UHD enabled drives (AU/NZ/SG) & DIY Single Drive Flasher (WW): https://www.uhdenableddrives.com
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