New BU40N Drive Flash Failure

[BobRoberts]

I attempted to flash this 'new' BU40N drive with the firmware options that I could find in the forum, each received an error. My guess is that this drive is not the same as the other 40N versions, but of course am not sure so I have included a picture as reference. Interestingly, notice in the photo that it says the drive was manufactured 11/20/2018 even though I just purchased it It shipped out of Maryland, so maybe they just have a mass of drives in storage there. Anyway the drive works fine with blu-rays, though it maxes out at 2.0x, and with the 0=99 regedit 3.0x, however it will not work with UHD drives without the firmware flash. Funnily the first UHD attempt was War Games Advice on how to proceed would be welcome. If this device can be flashed to work, I'm thinking of buying a few extra as backups, as the price isn't too bad, and apparently they aren't making them anymore.

fyi I bought the drive here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3MY2DG

[MartyMcNuts]

I attempted to flash this 'new' BU40N drive with the firmware options that I could find in the forum, each received an error. My guess is that this drive is not the same as the other 40N versions, but of course am not sure so I have included a picture as reference. Interestingly, notice in the photo that it says the drive was manufactured 11/20/2018 even though I just purchased it It shipped out of Maryland, so maybe they just have a mass of drives in storage there. Anyway the drive works fine with blu-rays, though it maxes out at 2.0x, and with the 0=99 regedit 3.0x, however it will not work with UHD drives without the firmware flash. Funnily the first UHD attempt was War Games Advice on how to proceed would be welcome. If this device can be flashed to work, I'm thinking of buying a few extra as backups, as the price isn't too bad, and apparently they aren't making them anymore.

fyi I bought the drive here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3MY2DG


[img]https://imgur.com/a/FfGeWLD{/img]

Copy and paste the MakeMKV drive info & libredrive info sections so we can have a look.

[BobRoberts]

I figured it out earlier today and the drive works just fine (and I watched Wargames in 4kUHD )

1. The correct firmware was within Admin Mike's MK collection (not the 'everything' collection that I tried.. or if it was I missed it)

HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142


2. When I attempted to go through all the other options (all BU - 50) I made the mistake of having the War Games Blu-Ray in the drive. I read through all of the instructions and told myself when I was finished, I need to remove the disc before I tried, and I forgot to do so lol.

Interestingly the read speed climbed up to 6.0x after the flash, but not the '24' read speed the drive claims, but it was certainly faster... So if anyone else needs a slim drive that can be flashed to read 4k UHD discs this one works well.

In the states it is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3MY2DG

[BobRoberts]

You asked for the MakeMKV & LibreDrive info. Here is what it looks like after the flash:

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.04
Serial number: 811HS013514
Firmware date: 2120-05-06 11:42
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 78

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Patched (microcode access re-enabled)
Firmware version: 1.04
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

No disc inserted

[MartyMcNuts]

You asked for the MakeMKV & LibreDrive info. Here is what it looks like after the flash:

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.04
Serial number: 811HS013514
Firmware date: 2120-05-06 11:42
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 78

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Patched (microcode access re-enabled)
Firmware version: 1.04
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

No disc inserted

BU40N 1.03-MK is better. it is in the /old folder.

[BobRoberts]

Since you suggested it, I tested it

Interesting to note that the date specified on the firmware is 2118... Must be some active tachyon fields in the drive!

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.03
Serial number: 811HS013514
Firmware date: 2118-10-24 19:34
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 78

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

The drive maxed out slightly slower with the 1.03 than the 1.04 I was hoping for the '24' speed the drive states

[MartyMcNuts]

Since you suggested it, I tested it

Interesting to note that the date specified on the firmware is 2118... Must be some active tachyon fields in the drive!

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.03
Serial number: 811HS013514
Firmware date: 2118-10-24 19:34
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 78

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

The drive maxed out slightly slower with the 1.03 than the 1.04 I was hoping for the '24' speed the drive states

Max is 6.0x.

[BobRoberts]

That is what I received on the firmware mk 1.04 (note screenshot above) ... interesting the difference between 1.03 / 1.04

[MartyMcNuts]

That is what I received on the firmware mk 1.04 (note screenshot above) ... interesting the difference between 1.03 / 1.04

There are so many variables (the disc itself, dust particles, humidity etc...) that the speed you get depends on. You would note in the Ultimate Guide 2025, 1.03-MK is recommended. This is the recommendation after extensive testing but you do whatever you like.

Personally, I put BU40N 1.00 on them as it is compatible with a wider range of software and most rips sit at 6.0x for the majrity of the time.

[BobRoberts]

I trying 1.01 right now and am receiving a bit slower speeds:


I would have tried BU40N-1.00 but I did not see it in the 'old' directory:

Though it could be there.. my eyesight is very poor because of my disabilities, one of which is cataracts

I noticed you stated: 'but you do whatever you like' .. which could be interpreted as less than friendly. I reviewed what I previously posted and did not see anything unkind. I was simply sharing the performance results that I received for those that might find them useful. As a former R&D developer, I would have looked fondly upon such information. I believe in this product, which is why I purchased it yesterday, but will cease sharing further info.

[MartyMcNuts]

I trying 1.01 right now and am receiving a bit slower speeds:


I would have tried BU40N-1.00 but I did not see it in the 'old' directory:

Though it could be there.. my eyesight is very poor because of my disabilities, one of which is cataracts

I noticed you stated: 'but you do whatever you like' .. which could be interpreted as less than friendly. I reviewed what I previously posted and did not see anything unkind. I was simply sharing the performance results that I received for those that might find them useful. As a former R&D developer, I would have looked fondly upon such information. I believe in this product, which is why I purchased it yesterday, but will cease sharing further info.

Nope, nothing unkind there. Just stating what is recommended (after hundreds of hours of testing) but you can use whatever firmware you like. No one can force you one way or another.

BU40N 1.00 is an original firmware, not a MK firmware thus is not in that MK firmware pack. It should be in Billy's all you need firmware pack and is also in my all you need firmware pack in the SDFtool Flasher thread.