Pioneer BDR-XD04 Bluray Drive

[Coopervid]

You have your second opinion like for medical reasons. Both "doctors" agree on diagnostics

[Lady Fitzgerald]

So why didn't you post that info in the first place? If you ask for help, you need to provide as much information as possible when doing so!! If you don't provide the info, you will get smartalec answers or no answers at all...

...Anyway, it's a 13+ year old drive. I'd be suprised if it stil works. You really shouldn't buy used drives. There's generally a (bad) reason why people are getting rid of their old used drives.

Try cleaning the discs and cleaning the lasers and trying other ripping software. If you can't use Xreveal, try DVDFab. Other than that, if it doesn't work throw it in the bin.

I didn't post the needed information at first because I didn't know what you would need.

One reason I'm desperate to get a couple more ODDs was I had bought a couple new ones after you had said they would work, then, when they didn't, I had to hurry up and send them back for a refund before the return window closed. After than, when I posted that they didn't, then you vaguely replied that I need to do certain things to get them to work, none of which made sense to me, and wouldn't have helped because, by then, they were no longer available.

I bought it because misbegotten Pioneer has discontinued all their ODDs and, beside Pioneer once making the best drives, they are the only ones that open up on the top instead of having a tray and it was the only one I could find with the flip top (other than Chinese vendors, most of which are probably "drop shippers" trying to sell the same grossly overpriced drive, which I trust as far as I can spit upwind in a class 5 hurricane). Trays, besides being jam prone, eat up more desktop space and are more awkward to use. Optical disks are resurging in popularity much like vinyl did yet ODD manufacturers are discontinuing them?

I have two Pioneer BD ODDs and two UHD ones. I have a desktop computer for my daily driver and keep two drives at my desk since I often rip more than one disc at a time. I did the same with a laptop. However, I recently put a second laptop into service and now have one laptop in a large bag that has a lot of accessories, such as a flatbed scanner, office supplies, etc. in it for when I go on long trips and the other one that is lighter and less equipped for shorter trips. I can now carry only one ODD with each laptop. Plus, if one of my ODDs decides to die, I'll be up the creek without...forget the paddle, I'd be without the canoe.

DVDFab doesn't make a version for Linux. I bought a so called lifetime license back when I was still on Win 7 since I was planning on switching over to Linux and DVD Fab had just come out with a Linux version but the jerks discontinued it by the time I made the switch. Their so called lifetime license is a joke since, for every new DRM scheme that comes along, you have to buy the fix (and the fixes aren't cheap).

[MartyMcNuts]

So why didn't you post that info in the first place? If you ask for help, you need to provide as much information as possible when doing so!! If you don't provide the info, you will get smartalec answers or no answers at all...

...Anyway, it's a 13+ year old drive. I'd be suprised if it stil works. You really shouldn't buy used drives. There's generally a (bad) reason why people are getting rid of their old used drives.

Try cleaning the discs and cleaning the lasers and trying other ripping software. If you can't use Xreveal, try DVDFab. Other than that, if it doesn't work throw it in the bin.

I didn't post the needed information at first because I didn't know what you would need.

One reason I'm desperate to get a couple more ODDs was I had bought a couple new ones after you had said they would work, then, when they didn't, I had to hurry up and send them back for a refund before the return window closed. After than, when I posted that they didn't, then you vaguely replied that I need to do certain things to get them to work, none of which made sense to me, and wouldn't have helped because, by then, they were no longer available.

I bought it because misbegotten Pioneer has discontinued all their ODDs and, beside Pioneer once making the best drives, they are the only ones that open up on the top instead of having a tray and it was the only one I could find with the flip top (other than Chinese vendors, most of which are probably "drop shippers" trying to sell the same grossly overpriced drive, which I trust as far as I can spit upwind in a class 5 hurricane). Trays, besides being jam prone, eat up more desktop space and are more awkward to use. Optical disks are resurging in popularity much like vinyl did yet ODD manufacturers are discontinuing them?

I have two Pioneer BD ODDs and two UHD ones. I have a desktop computer for my daily driver and keep two drives at my desk since I often rip more than one disc at a time. I did the same with a laptop. However, I recently put a second laptop into service and now have one laptop in a large bag that has a lot of accessories, such as a flatbed scanner, office supplies, etc. in it for when I go on long trips and the other one that is lighter and less equipped for shorter trips. I can now carry only one ODD with each laptop. Plus, if one of my ODDs decides to die, I'll be up the creek without...forget the paddle, I'd be without the canoe.

DVDFab doesn't make a version for Linux. I bought a so called lifetime license back when I was still on Win 7 since I was planning on switching over to Linux and DVD Fab had just come out with a Linux version but the jerks discontinued it by the time I made the switch. Their so called lifetime license is a joke since, for every new DRM scheme that comes along, you have to buy the fix (and the fixes aren't cheap).

Are you sure the XD04 is getting enough power? Ensure all USB connectors are plugged in (if more than one). Don't use case ports. Use ports direct from the motherboard (if using a desktop PC) or an AC self-powered USB hub of at least 30w. If using a laptop, some USB ports don't provide enough constant power so a powered hub is usually a good idea.

Didn't you buy some XD08's a while back? Why did you return them. You were told back then that they work fine as is out of the box for non-UHD discs. They only required libredrive to be enabled for UHD discs, which you don't care for anyway. Libredrive is helpful for standard blu-ray (it allows the drive to continue to be used even if the drive certificate is revoked by a newer AACS revision) but is not required.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

...Are you sure the XD04 is getting enough power? Ensure all USB connectors are plugged in (if more than one). Don't use case ports. Use ports direct from the motherboard (if using a desktop PC) or an AC self-powered USB hub of at least 30w. If using a laptop, some USB ports don't provide enough constant power so a powered hub is usually a good idea...

It was getting plenty of power. I had it plugged into a USB port connected to a rear USB 3.1 Gen 1 port on the rear I/O panel of the MOBO. The same port operates my other Pioneer ODDs just fine.

...Didn't you buy some XD08's a while back? Why did you return them. You were told back then that they work fine as is out of the box for non-UHD discs. They only required libredrive to be enabled for UHD discs, which you don't care for anyway. Libredrive is helpful for standard blu-ray (it allows the drive to continue to be used even if the drive certificate is revoked by a newer AACS revision) but is not required.

Yes. This link leads back to where we discussed this. viewtopic.php?p=187050#p187050 I bought them because you said they would work. I returned them because they did not work when I tried them and I had a narrow window to return them for a refund. It was only after that you said there were things I needed to do to make them work (and was vague about what those things were).

[MartyMcNuts]

...Are you sure the XD04 is getting enough power? Ensure all USB connectors are plugged in (if more than one). Don't use case ports. Use ports direct from the motherboard (if using a desktop PC) or an AC self-powered USB hub of at least 30w. If using a laptop, some USB ports don't provide enough constant power so a powered hub is usually a good idea...

It was getting plenty of power. I had it plugged into a USB port connected to a rear USB 3.1 Gen 1 port on the rear I/O panel of the MOBO. The same port operates my other Pioneer ODDs just fine.

...Didn't you buy some XD08's a while back? Why did you return them. You were told back then that they work fine as is out of the box for non-UHD discs. They only required libredrive to be enabled for UHD discs, which you don't care for anyway. Libredrive is helpful for standard blu-ray (it allows the drive to continue to be used even if the drive certificate is revoked by a newer AACS revision) but is not required.

Yes. This link leads back to where we discussed this. viewtopic.php?p=187050#p187050 I bought them because you said they would work. I returned them because they did not work when I tried them and I had a narrow window to return them for a refund. It was only after that you said there were things I needed to do to make them work (and was vague about what those things were).

All you had to do was plug them in and they would work as is for DVD/BD just not UHD. Nothing needed to be done at all. The whole firmware changing and SDF.bin updates etc are only to enable libredrive and UHD disc compatibility, neither are needed for DVD/BD discs.

You keep saying they did not work but have not provided any information on what wouldn't work, no log, nothing. You cannot expect any help if you don't provide as much information as you can. Nobody can help you if they don't know what your issue is/was.

"They did not work" is so unhelpful and tells us absolutley nothing.

If you insert a disc and it doesn't show up, it's usually 1 of 3 reasons why. Either the lasers are dead/dirty, not enough power to the drive or the disc needs cleaning. First port of call is to clean the disc before trying again. Sometimes a wipe with a cloth is all it takes. Other times, it might need a good clean using soapy water.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

The two new Pioneer BDR-XD08B drives I bought based on you saying they would work, then returned, did NOT work; they couldn't read any DVD or BD I put in them. I plugged each drive (one at a time), opened up MakeMKV (which had the latest version), inserted a known rippable DVD in the drive, closed the lid, then watch the little ODD icon just spin away without ever opening the disc. When I posted they didn't work, it was only then you started asking if I had done certain things first. Had I known that those certain things needed to be done (which you were mighty vague about, BTW), I wouldn't have sent them back. Now your saying they would have worked as is without the added stuff to be done (never mind that they didn't!)? So excuse me for being rather annoyed (to put it mildly!).

As far as not providing information when I first posted about the used drive, I didn't know what information you all needed beyond the model number nor where to find it. Instead of getting all huffy over it, all you all needed to do was just ask for it and say where to get it.

I realize you are all volunteers donating time here but incomplete help is useless.

[MartyMcNuts]

The two new Pioneer BDR-XD08B drives I bought based on you saying they would work, then returned, did NOT work; they couldn't read any DVD or BD I put in them. I plugged each drive (one at a time), opened up MakeMKV (which had the latest version), inserted a known rippable DVD in the drive, closed the lid, then watch the little ODD icon just spin away without ever opening the disc. When I posted they didn't work, it was only then you started asking if I had done certain things first. Had I known that those certain things needed to be done (which you were mighty vague about, BTW), I wouldn't have sent them back. Now your saying they would have worked as is without the added stuff to be done (never mind that they didn't!)? So excuse me for being rather annoyed (to put it mildly!).

As far as not providing information when I first posted about the used drive, I didn't know what information you all needed beyond the model number nor where to find it. Instead of getting all huffy over it, all you all needed to do was just ask for it and say where to get it.

I realize you are all volunteers donating time here but incomplete help is useless.

I am not huffy about anything. Your issues have zero affect on me.

Incomplete or lack of information results in incomplete and lack of help... We aren't mind readers. Why would you possibly think that the model number would be sufficient information?? When asking for help you should provide as much info as possible about the drive and the actual issue and if that's then not enough you may be asked for more specific info.

Also, you know you should always insert the disc and let the OS initialise (so it can be seen by the OS) it before opening up MakeMKV, right? Often if MakeMKV is open before you insert a disc it won't show up.

Oh, and merry christmas!!

[ryley]

The two new Pioneer BDR-XD08B drives I bought based on you saying they would work, then returned, did NOT work; they couldn't read any DVD or BD I put in them.

Absolutely nothing additional would’ve been required on your part to use those drives with DVDs or 1080p Blu-ray Discs. The drives you purchased were either non-functional or your operating system configuration was the issue.

[MartyMcNuts]

The two new Pioneer BDR-XD08B drives I bought based on you saying they would work, then returned, did NOT work; they couldn't read any DVD or BD I put in them.

Absolutely nothing additional would’ve been required on your part to use those drives with DVDs or 1080p Blu-ray Discs. The drives you purchased were either non-functional or your operating system configuration was the issue.

And I seriously doubt that 2 brand new drives would be faulty. More likely a user fault. Possibly a power issue. Sometimes simply changing to a different USB port can do wonders. USB-C is even better.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

The two new Pioneer BDR-XD08B drives I bought based on you saying they would work, then returned, did NOT work; they couldn't read any DVD or BD I put in them.

Absolutely nothing additional would’ve been required on your part to use those drives with DVDs or 1080p Blu-ray Discs. The drives you purchased were either non-functional or your operating system configuration was the issue.

And I seriously doubt that 2 brand new drives would be faulty. More likely a user fault. Possibly a power issue. Sometimes simply changing to a different USB port can do wonders. USB-C is even better.

[Coopervid]

See what Billycar posted here:

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=32736&p=190971&hil ... 00#p190971

I have found the xd08 to be the most reliable yet over 500 sold in the last month not 1 bad or damaged in shipping

[ryley]

I watch my movies on a 43" 1920 x 1080 TV with my eyes 9 feet away from the screen.

Careful, your TV might disappear from your peripheral vision if you roll your eyes and I'm sure you'll need our help to find it again.

I have ADHD and need simple complete directions to do anything.

Have you thought about upgrading to ADUHD? You might become more self sufficient and less reliant on the charity of more competent users to do your reading for you.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

See what Billycar posted here:

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=32736&p=190971&hil ... 00#p190971

I have found the xd08 to be the most reliable yet over 500 sold in the last month not 1 bad or damaged in shipping

You and your UHD obsession. Not everyone wants or needs the latest and supposedly greatest. Build a bridge and get over it.

I don't give the north end of a furry little rodent how many sold in the last month; the two I got DID NOT WORK, most likely due to the incomplete information I had been given! And where did you get that figure? Pioneer stopped manufacturing all ODDs and I haven't been able to find any more where I can get them from.

[Coopervid]

See what Billycar posted here:

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=32736&p=190971&hil ... 00#p190971

I have found the xd08 to be the most reliable yet over 500 sold in the last month not 1 bad or damaged in shipping

You and your UHD obsession. Not everyone wants or needs the latest and supposedly greatest. Build a bridge and get over it.

I don't give the north end of a furry little rodent how many sold in the last month; the two I got DID NOT WORK, most likely due to the incomplete information I had been given! And where did you get that figure? Pioneer stopped manufacturing all ODDs and I haven't been able to find any more where I can get them from.

This turns into a very funny thread. I like it! I didn't have a discussion about rattus rattus' rectum since my former boss always used this term 25 years ago. Another funny one was when customers requested a price down: "Which part of NO you don't understand?".

UHD has nothing to do with my hint that Billycar has sold tons of drives and none of them was defective. Unless you bought from a site that was very cheap and suspiciously cheap it is very unlikely that you received 2 defective drives. And again. You didn't tell us where you bought them.

You can still buy drives globally from Asmcom when his shop opens up again in February of 2026.

In the US you can buy from Billycar.

viewforum.php?f=20

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I watch my movies on a 43" 1920 x 1080 TV with my eyes 9 feet away from the screen.

Careful, your TV might disappear from your peripheral vision if you roll your eyes and I'm sure you'll need our help to find it again.

I have ADHD and need simple complete directions to do anything.

Have you thought about upgrading to ADUHD? You might become more self sufficient and less reliant on the charity of more competent users to do your reading for you.

It's insensitive people (forum friendly term) like you than make me glad I live in a country where we have laws to protect the disabled and ADHD is a disability. As far as competence in this forum goes, people here may be very competent when working with ODDs and MakeMKV but when it comes to helping others who do not know as much as you do, you all are terrible.

I rolled my eyes when I got responses that were downright insulting, especially since I had already ruled those inane "suggestions" out and had already said so. I'm pretty knowledgeable when it comes to how computers work; heck, I build my own, make my own power cables, and even design and build the cases. I've even done some programming in the distant past. That doesn't mean I don't have gaps in my knowledge; heck, we all do.

I don't work with ODDs much—I only use them for ripping CDs, DVDs, and BDs anymore—but the four ODDs (other than the used one I bought) I have now work just fine using MakeMKV so I must know what I'm doing with how to connect them to the computer, set up my system configuration, and use the program; I just never had to do anything more than plug and play before. Learning how to do a lot of that has been a rough road because of my ADHD but, as long as I have the data I need in digestible bites in delivered in a single, orderly package, I do just fine.

My IQ is significantly higher that average,being in the top 7% percentile on the IQ scale (and, according to the last doctor who tested it while evaluating me for ADHD, is probably higher but didn't show in testing due to my ADHD). I managed to get a college degree despite having ADHD (and not knowing it way back then). Fortunately for me, here in the USA, we still have laws that protect people with disabilities. In the work place and for public access, reasonable accommodations for the disabled are still required by law because of insensitive people like you.

Many computer very knowledgeable experts have forgotten what it is like to be new at something and/or don't realize directions they give are incomplete, either because they assumed missing steps are common knowledge, or the step is so ingrained in their "muscle memory", they don't even realize they are doing it while they are doing it. When I was first adopting SSDs and Linux, I had a hard time finding out how to perform TRIM over USB. At the time, the only instructions on the internet had a vital step left out. I eventually figured out what that step was, mostly by dumb luck, but when I politely pointed it out to the author of those directions, the arrogant jerk fire back that there was nothing wrong with the directions and they worked just fine (my guess is he was performing the missing step subconsciously; it was interesting to notice that he corrected those directions a year or two later).

Here, I've been given incomplete, scattered, and conflicting advice and you can't understand my frustration or even care, sometime resorting to insults. If forum regulations would allow me to more fully express my feelings, I would be doing far more than mere eye rolls. I know forums aren't regulated by laws protecting the disabled but what's wrong with people just having the decency to respect the needs of them?