Do I need to update LibreDrive to a newer version?

[BravoVictor]

Sorry for what feels like a noob question here. I've got a "BD-RE HL-DT-ST BD-RE BP60NB10 1.00 SIM21221C3552d" (LG slim drive) that MakeMKV reports is using "LibreDrive mode (v06.3 id=4ACF8047C3AC)", which I'm using on a Mac using a paid version of MakeMKV. It was purchased pre-flashed from a forum member a few years ago, and it's working great. Assuming that's the version of LibreDrive (v06.3), I think I'm reading the forum right that v1.02 or v1.00 is current. Is there a reason I should upgrade? And, if so, do I follow the same directions as a new flash? /forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=22896 being what I think are the directions.

The drive reports " Firmware Revision: 1.00" in the system information, in case that's the one I should be looking at instead of what's reported in MakeMKV when I start a copy.

[dcoke22]

You should not update your drive's firmware. You said your drive is working great, so just keep using it.

If you update your drive's firmware, you might prevent it from working correctly for ripping.

[BravoVictor]

Great, thanks!

For my understanding, that's not just for the manufacturer's firmware (I know that could go sideways), but LibreDrive firmware versions as well? It's certainly working so I don't need a change, easy to leave it alone

[dcoke22]

It is my understanding that LibreDrive is loaded into your optical drive's RAM after MakeMKV is launched. The MK firmware just allows that to happen. Consequently LibreDrive stays up-to-date because of MakeMKV; it isn't tied to the version of the firmware on the optical drive.

MakeMKV's author has written a post with more details about LibreDrive: What is LibreDrive?

Once a drive's firmware is in a state where it is LibreDrive enabled, then you generally don't need to touch it.

[dcoke22]

There are caveats of course. For the LG based drives, there's a list of recommended firmware in the Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide. This list is based on the extensive experience of some members of the forum. These firmware versions have been found to work more reliably.

In some cases, some drives like a BU40N work better on Linux on 1.00 firmware.

In some cases, a drive can be cross-flashed to a different firmware to enable other features, sometimes giving a drive the capability to rip UHDs where it didn't have it before for example.

In some cases, drives being on 1.00 firmware allow it to work with MakeMKV and with other ripping tools.

Generally speaking, one of the advantages of buying a drive from a seller here on the forum is they take care of all of this for you. Once you get the drive from them it should be properly setup and ready to go. You should not change the firmware on your drive.

[BravoVictor]

Perfect. I'll leave it the heck alone, thanks.