Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2026

[nicholfd]

"HK Download" error - MakeMKV needs internet access to download keys. It is enabled by default. Check internet or confirm setting in MakeMKV allows Internet access. I *think* some downloads are from Russia(?) - make sure your FW/router is not blocking Regional IP addresses.

Download failure is not related to the SCSI error messages - those are still power related.

Desktop does not necessarily equal better power.

Use a "Y" cable w/2 x USB port connections, AC adapter (if chassis supports it), or a good, high amp output USB hub.

[farmboy]

still having an error. switched to a desktop so there is better power available. Got it so it doesn't randomly disconnect. But will still fail. Screenshot below. There is an error that comes up about "downloading latest HK disabled or failed". Not sure if that is relevant? 1st time it tried to download that, it just sat there a while and failed.

you still likely have a power issue if the dive is showing no disc in the middle of trying to open it
try a high powered usb hub 35+ watts

oh wait your on linux downgrade to 1.00 then try again

no luck on 1.00 either.
Going to walk away from this tonight.
So, what is a recomended external drive for ripping 4K UHD movies?

[Billycar11]

no luck on 1.00 either.
Going to walk away from this tonight.
So, what is a recomended external drive for ripping 4K UHD movies?

no problem
i only recommend pioneers but they are near impossible to find at a reasonable price my favorite drive is the xd08b/s/g
never get the tc one thats fake.

you still may have a power issue as is disconnecting right away right at 0 get your self a high powered usb hub 35+ watts and try again

defiantly do not get the archgon as for now it does not work for flashing or reading in the case

[babayaga]

It seems now that the new verbatim slim drives are now using LG in northern Europe as well, this was bought two weeks ago (21/3-26).

Code: Select all

Drive Information
OS device name: D:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.05
Serial number: .........
Firmware date: 2124-04-23 13:47
Bus encryption flags: 17

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

at least it can be flashed

[MartyMcNuts]

It seems now that the new verbatim slim drives are now using LG in northern Europe as well, this was bought two weeks ago (21/3-26).

Code: Select all

Drive Information
OS device name: D:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.05
Serial number: .........
Firmware date: 2124-04-23 13:47
Bus encryption flags: 17

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

at least it can be flashed

I think all Verbatim models have been LG BU40N drives since mid 2025, except the 43887 which still contains a Pioneer BDR-UD03 (who knows for how long!) that can be cross-flashed to BDR-UD04 firmware for UHD compatibility.

[videogameguru]

Hey everyone I'm sorry to double post but I don't believe my previous post was seen. I'd really appreciate an answer please.

Hey everyone! I was looking on the front page and noticed that there's a bunch of new firmwares since I flashed my LG WH16NS60 7 odd years ago. Its on version 1.01. is there any reason for me to update it? If so am I safe to do so without risk of bricking? These units are long discontinued now and I'd hate to ruin an otherwise perfectly running drive. Thanks!

[MartyMcNuts]

Hey everyone I'm sorry to double post but I don't believe my previous post was seen. I'd really appreciate an answer please.

Hey everyone! I was looking on the front page and noticed that there's a bunch of new firmwares since I flashed my LG WH16NS60 7 odd years ago. Its on version 1.01. is there any reason for me to update it? If so am I safe to do so without risk of bricking? These units are long discontinued now and I'd hate to ruin an otherwise perfectly running drive. Thanks!

Why would you want to? There's no benefit. If it works, leave it alone.

[videogameguru]

Hey everyone I'm sorry to double post but I don't believe my previous post was seen. I'd really appreciate an answer please.

Hey everyone! I was looking on the front page and noticed that there's a bunch of new firmwares since I flashed my LG WH16NS60 7 odd years ago. Its on version 1.01. is there any reason for me to update it? If so am I safe to do so without risk of bricking? These units are long discontinued now and I'd hate to ruin an otherwise perfectly running drive. Thanks!

Why would you want to? There's no benefit. If it works, leave it alone.

I wasn't sure if there was under the hood changes that improved things possibly. It works great as is just figured I'd see if there's any reason to flash a newer firmware. But if the experts don't believe it's necessary I won't worry about it.

[farmboy]

"HK Download" error - MakeMKV needs internet access to download keys. It is enabled by default. Check internet or confirm setting in MakeMKV allows Internet access. I *think* some downloads are from Russia(?) - make sure your FW/router is not blocking Regional IP addresses.

Download failure is not related to the SCSI error messages - those are still power related.

Desktop does not necessarily equal better power.

Use a "Y" cable w/2 x USB port connections, AC adapter (if chassis supports it), or a good, high amp output USB hub.

can you point to a specific "Y" cable?
I've tried a few different types, but the ones I've gotten only allow power and data from the side with 1 connection (Side A) to either cable on the two cable side (Side B). Meaning that I cannot connect the the drive to side A, and have one cable on side B go to the computer and the other go to my 65W output USB-C. The power won't go from side B to side A. And it appears to be isolated so I can't send power across the two side B cables.
(hopefully this makes sense). I'm not finding a way to supply power AND data to the drive via two different sources.

[nicholfd]

"HK Download" error - MakeMKV needs internet access to download keys. It is enabled by default. Check internet or confirm setting in MakeMKV allows Internet access. I *think* some downloads are from Russia(?) - make sure your FW/router is not blocking Regional IP addresses.

Download failure is not related to the SCSI error messages - those are still power related.

Desktop does not necessarily equal better power.

Use a "Y" cable w/2 x USB port connections, AC adapter (if chassis supports it), or a good, high amp output USB hub.

can you point to a specific "Y" cable?
I've tried a few different types, but the ones I've gotten only allow power and data from the side with 1 connection (Side A) to either cable on the two cable side (Side B). Meaning that I cannot connect the the drive to side A, and have one cable on side B go to the computer and the other go to my 65W output USB-C. The power won't go from side B to side A. And it appears to be isolated so I can't send power across the two side B cables.
(hopefully this makes sense). I'm not finding a way to supply power AND data to the drive via two different sources.

The "Y" cables have "specific" ends. Here is a 2 x USB-A -> USB-C cable I've used & include with my Verbatim drives I have for sale: cablecc USB-C Male & USB 2.0 Dual Power Data Y Cable for Laptop & Hard Disk.

The thinner cabled USB-A is power only. The thicker USB-A is power & data. The USB-C end is for the drive, and you'd have to buy a "Y" cable with the same connector type on this end, to match what is on your USB chassis/drive (I don't recall if you listed what is on your USB drive chassis).