Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2023

Forum for discussions about UHD-capable dives
MartyMcNuts
Posts: 2434
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2017 11:45 pm

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by MartyMcNuts »

Baby_Groot wrote:
Thu Mar 10, 2022 7:36 pm
Just checking whether it's possible to change the firmware on my blu-ray drives to make them UHD compatible? I have two drives (both the same) and they're MT1959 platform and manufactured after 2015 (manufactured May 2016 and the other March 2021). The drive models are the external LG BP50NB40 but with SVC code NB40.

The May 2016 drive on MakeMKV shows up as:

Drive Information:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.00
Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXX
Firmware date: 2115-04-22 15:17
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 76

LibreDrive Information:
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 1.00
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

& the March 2021 drive shows up on MakeMKV as:

Drive Information:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXX
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17
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: 1.03
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)

It's the SVC code I'm worried about (NB40) as most of the guides state to have NB50 (I think?). Can any anyone confirm whether these will work for 4K before I try something that bricks my drive?

Thanks! :)
The older one I am not 100% on but I do think it should be ok. If you are not afraid of bricking it, give it a try.

The 2nd one can be done, for sure. Most of the BP50NB40's I have flashed are SVC: NB40.

For UHD campatibility, these need to be cross-flashed to either BP60NB10 or BU40N firmware as the BP50NB40 firmware is not UHD capable. If you don't want to do it yourself, you can get a single drive flasher from me which is very easy to use. See my signature for the link.
Cheers :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For UHD enabled drives (AU/NZ/SG) & DIY Single Drive Flasher (WW): https://www.uhdenableddrives.com
Baby_Groot
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Dec 18, 2019 3:56 am

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by Baby_Groot »

MartyMcNuts wrote:
Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:55 pm
Baby_Groot wrote:
Thu Mar 10, 2022 7:36 pm
Just checking whether it's possible to change the firmware on my blu-ray drives to make them UHD compatible? I have two drives (both the same) and they're MT1959 platform and manufactured after 2015 (manufactured May 2016 and the other March 2021). The drive models are the external LG BP50NB40 but with SVC code NB40.

The May 2016 drive on MakeMKV shows up as:

Drive Information:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.00
Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXX
Firmware date: 2115-04-22 15:17
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 76

LibreDrive Information:
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 1.00
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

& the March 2021 drive shows up on MakeMKV as:

Drive Information:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXX
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17
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: 1.03
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)

It's the SVC code I'm worried about (NB40) as most of the guides state to have NB50 (I think?). Can any anyone confirm whether these will work for 4K before I try something that bricks my drive?

Thanks! :)
The older one I am not 100% on but I do think it should be ok. If you are not afraid of bricking it, give it a try.

The 2nd one can be done, for sure. Most of the BP50NB40's I have flashed are SVC: NB40.

For UHD campatibility, these need to be cross-flashed to either BP60NB10 or BU40N firmware as the BP50NB40 firmware is not UHD capable. If you don't want to do it yourself, you can get a single drive flasher from me which is very easy to use. See my signature for the link.
Thank you, that's great!
Wolf359
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2020 3:19 am

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by Wolf359 »

I am having a hard time finding an enclosure that doesn't break the bank. I see the ones on the first post are all either out of stock or $$$. I don't need to be able to flash with it. Not interested in just a cable I have one. Any suggestions? Need 5.25".
dcoke22
Posts: 2534
Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2020 11:25 pm

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by dcoke22 »

Wolf359 wrote:
Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:33 pm
I am having a hard time finding an enclosure that doesn't break the bank. I see the ones on the first post are all either out of stock or $$$. I don't need to be able to flash with it. Not interested in just a cable I have one. Any suggestions? Need 5.25".
The last enclosure I purchased was the Vantec NST-536S3-BK and it was $50 on Amazon.com (in the USA). My preferred cases, the OWC Mercury Pro cases are up to $65 it seems. I've occasionally seen these things go on sale. You might be able to find a used one. Other than a SATA to USB cable, I haven't found anything much cheaper than that lately.
Wolf359
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2020 3:19 am

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by Wolf359 »

IIRC I bought the Vantec case you referenced for only like $30 a year or so ago. I need another one. But I may skip it. I wonder if these are in short supply?
Joewydiart
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2022 2:05 am

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by Joewydiart »

Hi I have a question.
I manage to FLash my BP50NB40 SVC: NB50 drive to the following firmware: HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-NM00800-212005070917.bin
Now Im able to read bluray discs and it looks like this:
Drive Information
OS device name: G:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 68

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Patched (microcode access re-enabled)
Firmware version: 1.03
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes
I wan to be able to read and rip UHD, so does all this steps are still necessary in order to cross flash the drive?:
BP50NB40 to > BP50NB40-NB50-1.03MK then to > BP60NB10 1.02MK or 1.00MK
NB52 to > BP50NB40-NB50-1.03MK with enc > BP50NB40-NB50-1.03MK with bootloader/full flash > BP60NB10 1.00_HBD from Marty download/file.php?id=2143
if using command line add "full" after rawflash


Or do i just jump and directly flash the BP60NB10? I just dont want to brick my drive.
Thanks in advance.
MartyMcNuts
Posts: 2434
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2017 11:45 pm

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by MartyMcNuts »

Joewydiart wrote:
Tue Mar 22, 2022 5:24 pm
Hi I have a question.
I manage to FLash my BP50NB40 SVC: NB50 drive to the following firmware: HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-NM00800-212005070917.bin
Now Im able to read bluray discs and it looks like this:
Drive Information
OS device name: G:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 68

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Patched (microcode access re-enabled)
Firmware version: 1.03
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes
I wan to be able to read and rip UHD, so does all this steps are still necessary in order to cross flash the drive?:
BP50NB40 to > BP50NB40-NB50-1.03MK then to > BP60NB10 1.02MK or 1.00MK
NB52 to > BP50NB40-NB50-1.03MK with enc > BP50NB40-NB50-1.03MK with bootloader/full flash > BP60NB10 1.00_HBD from Marty download/file.php?id=2143
if using command line add "full" after rawflash


Or do i just jump and directly flash the BP60NB10? I just dont want to brick my drive.
Thanks in advance.
No, those steps are only for SVC NB52. Your drive is NB50 so since you have already flashed to BP50NB40 1.03-MK, you can now flash directly to BP60NB10 1.00-MK.
Cheers :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For UHD enabled drives (AU/NZ/SG) & DIY Single Drive Flasher (WW): https://www.uhdenableddrives.com
Joewydiart
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2022 2:05 am

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by Joewydiart »

MartyMcNuts wrote:
Tue Mar 22, 2022 9:38 pm

No, those steps are only for SVC NB52. Your drive is NB50 so since you have already flashed to BP50NB40 1.03-MK, you can now flash directly to BP60NB10 1.00-MK.
Thank you. Will try now.
__________________________
It worked. Thank you!
asmcom
Posts: 703
Joined: Tue Apr 02, 2019 3:26 pm
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by asmcom »

dcoke22 wrote:
Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:10 pm
Wolf359 wrote:
Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:33 pm
I am having a hard time finding an enclosure that doesn't break the bank. I see the ones on the first post are all either out of stock or $$$. I don't need to be able to flash with it. Not interested in just a cable I have one. Any suggestions? Need 5.25".
The last enclosure I purchased was the Vantec NST-536S3-BK and it was $50 on Amazon.com (in the USA). My preferred cases, the OWC Mercury Pro cases are up to $65 it seems. I've occasionally seen these things go on sale. You might be able to find a used one. Other than a SATA to USB cable, I haven't found anything much cheaper than that lately.
I have plenty of enclosures both OWC & Vantec 5.25"

Please email me what your requirements are?

Asmcom :mrgreen:

uhdfriendlydrives@gmail.com
b***t (Fantastic service, comms and item. Best ebay experience ever)
h***i (49) Best communication ever, extremely fast shipping, excellent seller!
Click Here! viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19387
russellsd
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 4:38 pm

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by russellsd »

Hey Folks,

Just picked up a drive and was wondering if this can flashed and if so, what firmware should I flash to. Here is the drive info:

Drive Information
OS device name: H:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE WH14NS40
Revision: 1.05
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2120-05-06 14:44
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: 1.05
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)

Russ
MartyMcNuts
Posts: 2434
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2017 11:45 pm

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by MartyMcNuts »

russellsd wrote:
Sat Apr 02, 2022 4:43 pm
Hey Folks,

Just picked up a drive and was wondering if this can flashed and if so, what firmware should I flash to. Here is the drive info:

Drive Information
OS device name: H:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE WH14NS40
Revision: 1.05
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2120-05-06 14:44
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: 1.05
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)

Russ
Yep, the recommended fw for your drive is WH16NS60 1.02-MK
Cheers :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For UHD enabled drives (AU/NZ/SG) & DIY Single Drive Flasher (WW): https://www.uhdenableddrives.com
russellsd
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 4:38 pm

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by russellsd »

Awesome, and I take it that I can follow the video.

Thanks,
Russ
Pete B
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:32 pm

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by Pete B »

Hi.

This is my first post. I'm hoping someone is able to help me please confirm if my external LG BD drive (manufactured Aug 2019) is able to be flashed and if so, what I need to do to get it done.

I've watched this video which makes it look pretty easy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne3SchKN8Pg but this note on the first page of this thread has got me concerned: "4. Just because your drive is the same model number does not mean it will work, if you are unsure ask me i offer remote flashing and check everything before i flash."

So, I thought it would be prudent to check to see if it can be done with the hardware I have and if so, what I need to download and run to flash it.

Here is the drive info from MakeMKV:

Drive Information
OS device name: D:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: I DELETED IT FROM THIS POST AS IT'S WHAT OTHER POSTS HAD DONE.
Firmware date: 2119-05-03 15:10
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 76

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible, not yet enabled
Drive platform: MT1959

If I need to post more info, please just let me know what is needed.

Thanks.
MartyMcNuts
Posts: 2434
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2017 11:45 pm

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by MartyMcNuts »

russellsd wrote:
Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:10 pm
Awesome, and I take it that I can follow the video.

Thanks,
Russ
Not sure if the video is up to date or not. Anyway, as your drive comes with encrypted firmware just use SDFTool flasher and you can flash diretly to WH16NS60 1.02-MK.
Cheers :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For UHD enabled drives (AU/NZ/SG) & DIY Single Drive Flasher (WW): https://www.uhdenableddrives.com
russellsd
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 4:38 pm

Re: Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2022

Post by russellsd »

Ok, gottcha. Thanks.
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