MakeMKV Can't Open Any Disc in HL BH40N Drive

[Caltronic]

Hello all, new member here.

My system:
Dell Optiplex 3010 with latest BIOS
KUbuntu 24.04 (KDE Desktop version of Ubuntu) with all apt updates/upgrades
MakeMKV v1.18.4 Linux X64
HL (Hitachi/LG) BH40N SATA Desktop drive with A1B1 firmware and mfg date Sep 2018
Drive is at /dev/sr0
Drive is connected to the SATA on the motherboard

I had a HL DVD (only, no Blu-ray) drive in, used MakeMKV to rip many DVDs, worked fine. I swapped the DVD drive for the BH40N so I could rip Blu-ray discs, but MakeMKV can't open any disc, even DVDs, in this HL BH40N drive.

The HL BH40N drive otherwise works fine in the system, Kaffiene (TV and media player) can play DVDs in this HL BH40N drive, Dolphin (file manager) can mount/open DVD and Blu-ray discs in the drive and I can see the folders and files, it's just MakeMKV that can't open discs in this drive. What happens is MakeMKV knows the tray is closed, the drive icon closes the tray and starts spinning, on the drive itself the activity LED blinks slow for a few seconds, then fast for a few seconds, then goes off and stays off (no disc activity) and in MakeMKV the drive icon just keeps spinning. I have to quit, then kill the MakeMKV - otherwise it never progresses to actually opening any disc or even sees when I manually eject the disc, it seems to just hang. For some reason it can't at all open any discs on this HL BH40N drive.

If I plug in a USB DVD or Blu-ray drive, or go back to the previous HL DVD (only) drive, MakeMKV can open discs as expected.

Is there a way to get MakeMKV to communicate normally with this drive?

---

I'm no expert on MakeMKV but here's some info:

MakeMKV GUI / Info:

Drive Information
OS device name: /dev/sr0
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BH40N
Revision: A1B1
Serial number: M6AI9RH1219
Firmware date: 2117-12-01 17:04
Bus encryption flags: 1F
Highest AACS version: 63

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

No disc inserted


...and from makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 --info

SDF.bin version: 0x00A6

Drive Tool SDF present

Drive Specific SDF not present

Identification SDF present

[Identification SDF] Embedded Info Strings:
8000:LibreDrive Information

8013:Status
8102:Possible, not yet enabled

8001:Drive platform
:MT1959


[Identification SDF] Drive autodetect string:
mtk:19:59:JB8 :HL-DT-ST:BD-RE BH40N A1B1:D000000:-

---

I tried to find more info on using the MakeMKV command line utils but found that most discussions assumed knowledge I do not yet possess, e.g. I tried to make a backup of the HL BH40N firmware with the command makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 dump auto but that didn't work (nothing happened) (to be honest I'm not sure what should have happened, I expected a file to be created in the current dir but that didn't happen) and I had to Ctrl-C to get my command line prompt back.

---

Ideas? Specific commands someone would like the output from?

[Sayaka]

The issue here is that MakeMKV is attempting to do a firmware dump for your drive (since your drive isn't LibreDrive-enabled yet) and failing, since you're using a makemkv-bin version above 1.17.7.

You can downgrade to 1.17.6-bin here : viewtopic.php?t=42158

Then just open a disc with MakeMKV and wait for the firmware dump to be automatically created, and switch back to 1.18.4-bin after that if you wish. This should solve the problem.

This drive can *probably* also be cross-flashed to WH16NS60 1.02-MK firmware (at least two people have confirmed this before, I believe the original idea came from Marty himself) if you're willing to risk it, which would also likely solve your issue as well as enable UHD ripping. You would need to do a regular rawflash main for this one. Be sure to use makemkv-bin-1.17.6 to flash if you choose to risk it, and let me know if you need further assistance.

[Sayaka]

Copied and modified my flashing guide, specifically for your BH40N. I'm fairly sure it would work, but just in case, please do not go past the "downgrade to makemkv-bin-1.17.6" part if you mind the risk of your drive potentially getting bricked (i.e, you can follow the firmware dump instructions I mentioned previously, just do not proceed with the actual flashing operation if you mind the risk).

LINUX GUIDE FOR BH40N WITH 2017 FIRMWARE DATE

Step 1 : Downgrade to makemkv-bin-1.17.6

Since, on Linux, makemkv-bin versions above 1.17.7 have a broken universal firmware tool, we are going to downgrade to 1.17.6-bin (which should be almost the same as 1.17.7-bin). Ignore this step you've already done so.

Check out this topic : viewtopic.php?t=42158

The versions you want are 1.18.4-oss and 1.17.6-bin.

Please check out this topic for instructions for the oss part : viewtopic.php?t=224

Ignore the libavcodec part, it's outdated.

Then, after unzipping makemkv-bin-1.17.6, enter the newly created folder, open a terminal window inside it, and type

Code: Select all

make

then

Code: Select all

sudo make install

Step 2 : Additional Linux step just in case

Open a new terminal window and type

Code: Select all

sudo modprobe sg

To avoid possible issues


Step 3 : Identify the correct drive

Now open a new terminal window and type

Code: Select all

makemkvcon f -l

Identify the drive you want to flash, there should be something called /dev/sr0 or something like that. Make a note of this.


Step 4 : Prepare the needed firmware files

Check out this topic : viewtopic.php?t=22896

And click on the mediafire link below "All You Need firmware pack"

Once you're done downloading, extract it.

Copy DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.02_MK.bin and DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.00.bin (from "All You Need Firmware Pack (MartyMcNuts)/Internal Desktop Drives/") and paste them into the /tmp folder.


EDIT : Make sure there is no disc in the drive during Step 5 and the optional Step 8.

Step 5 : Perform the flashing operation

Copy and paste this line into a terminal window, replacing /dev/sr0 with the correct device path (if needed) that you made a note of when you did Step 3.

Code: Select all

makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 rawflash main -i /tmp/DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.02_MK.bin

Step 6 : Unplug the drive and leave it unplugged for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.


Step 7 : Test the drive, and make sure it's working as intended.


Step 8 : If you're having trouble on Linux despite thoroughly cleaning your Blu-ray discs, try this, replacing /dev/sr0 with the correct device path (if needed) that you made a note of when you did Step 3 :

Code: Select all

makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 rawflash main -i /tmp/DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.00.bin

Only do Step 8 after Steps 5, 6, and 7, and only if you plan on mostly using your drive with Linux and are having trouble with the firmware you flashed at Step 5. Then do Steps 6 and 7 again.


Step 9 : Once everything is working fine, please feel free to upgrade back to 1.18.4-bin.

[Caltronic]

The issue here is that MakeMKV is attempting to do a firmware dump for your drive (since your drive isn't LibreDrive-enabled yet) and failing, since you're using a makemkv-bin version above 1.17.7.

You can downgrade to 1.17.6-bin here : viewtopic.php?t=42158

Then just open a disc with MakeMKV and wait for the firmware dump to be automatically created, and switch back to 1.18.4-bin after that if you wish. This should solve the problem.

This drive can *probably* also be cross-flashed to WH16NS60 1.02-MK firmware (at least two people have confirmed this before, I believe the original idea came from Marty himself) if you're willing to risk it, which would also likely solve your issue as well as enable UHD ripping. You would need to do a regular rawflash main for this one. Be sure to use makemkv-bin-1.17.6 to flash if you choose to risk it, and let me know if you need further assistance.

Many thanks for your time and effort on this issue! I am willing to risk the flash process to enable LibreDrive and what a bonus it would be to be able to rip UHD. But first I will start by downgrading to 1.17.6 and verify that I can open a disc.

I have seen in some threads where folks were searching for the firmware I have in this drive - A1B1. Before I try any flashing is there a way I can download the firmware from this drive in a form that others can use to flash their drive?

This evening I will downgrade MakeMKV to 1.17.6, and try to open a disc, and post results.

EDIT: I just downgraded to 1.17.6, the FW Dump was successful, and I was indeed able to open (and rip) a standard Blu-ray disk. MakeMKV now shows The Highest AACS version: 70 (was previously 63). I have also verified I can now open and rip discs using MakeMKV 1.18.4

The file ~/.MakeMkV/_private_data.tar has grown from 18kb to 3mb and has the addition of many files, including sdf_000000a6.bin at 2mb. Would this sdf file be the actual A1B1 firmware that others could use to flash their BH40N to A1B1? There appears to be the desire of others with this drive to downgrade from firmware A1B2 to A1B1.

[Sayaka]

Before I try any flashing is there a way I can download the firmware from this drive in a form that others can use to flash their drive?

You could try, with makemkv-bin-1.17.6 (replacing /dev/sr0 with the correct device path if needed) :

Code: Select all

makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 dump full

This should give you the full firmware dump since your firmware is not encrypted. Please do ask a firmware expert such as MartyMcNuts or Billycar11 if it's okay to flash it back directly should you ever need it, I have never done such a thing and I don't know about the potential risks.

(Please also do note that I have the official LG A1B2 flasher for your drive, in case you care.)

Would this sdf file be the actual A1B1 firmware that others could use to flash their BH40N to A1B1?

I really don't know (although I would say "most likely not") but if you do a successful "dump full" like stated above, it shouldn't matter. If you are really curious, you could do a diff on sdf_000000a6.bin and the dump file you will create and check.

[Caltronic]

Before I try any flashing is there a way I can download the firmware from this drive in a form that others can use to flash their drive?

You could try, with makemkv-bin-1.17.6 (replacing /dev/sr0 with the correct device path if needed) :

Code: Select all

makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 dump full

Here's what happened ...

kyle@KaffeineSvr:~/Dev$ makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 dump full

Error: full dump is disabled in this firmware version
DEBUG: Code 4279205893 at ),_s4zL&yiok<4o@JLf1am'D=Ct{fox-:29395034

Command produced error code 0xff0f8005
kyle@KaffeineSvr:~/Dev$

Per other posts in these forums it appears I won't be able to download this firmware. I'm guessing this is why it can't be found when folks search for it. I will proceed to flashing my drive from the previous post instructions.

EDIT: I flashed my drive from your instructions with the exception of using the v1.03 version from mk-firmware-pack-20200720.zip (found elsewhere on this site). The flash appears to be a success, I will now shut down my system and unplug the drive for 30+ seconds, then test the drive - and post results.

This is what I did:

kyle@KaffeineSvr:~/Dev/mk-firmware-pack-20200720/MK/HL-DT-ST/WH16NS60$ makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 rawflash main -i /tmp/HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-NM00600-212005081010.bin

Reading input file /tmp/HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-NM00600-212005081010.bin
Flashing flags = 0x0 : 0 0 0 0 : ---- ---- ---- ----
Current Drive ID: HL-DT-ST_BD-RE__BH40N_A1B1_211712011704_M6AI9RH1219
Ready to write drive flash memory.
Type "yes" to continue, "no" to abort
yes
Operation started: Sending flash image to drive
100% Operation finished
Operation started: Programming flash
100% Operation finished
Done successfully

kyle@KaffeineSvr:~/Dev/mk-firmware-pack-20200720/MK/HL-DT-ST/WH16NS60$

[Caltronic]

Copied and modified my flashing guide, specifically for your BH40N. I'm fairly sure it would work, but just in case, please do not go past the "downgrade to makemkv-bin-1.17.6" part if you mind the risk of your drive potentially getting bricked (i.e, you can follow the firmware dump instructions I mentioned previously, just do not proceed with the actual flashing operation if you mind the risk).

LINUX GUIDE FOR BH40N WITH 2017 FIRMWARE DATE

Step 1 : Downgrade to makemkv-bin-1.17.6

Since, on Linux, makemkv-bin versions above 1.17.7 have a broken universal firmware tool, we are going to downgrade to 1.17.6-bin (which should be almost the same as 1.17.7-bin). Ignore this step you've already done so.

Check out this topic : viewtopic.php?t=42158

The versions you want are 1.18.4-oss and 1.17.6-bin.

Please check out this topic for instructions for the oss part : viewtopic.php?t=224

Ignore the libavcodec part, it's outdated.

Then, after unzipping makemkv-bin-1.17.6, enter the newly created folder, open a terminal window inside it, and type

Code: Select all

make

then

Code: Select all

sudo make install

Step 2 : Additional Linux step just in case

Open a new terminal window and type

Code: Select all

sudo modprobe sg

To avoid possible issues


Step 3 : Identify the correct drive

Now open a new terminal window and type

Code: Select all

makemkvcon f -l

Identify the drive you want to flash, there should be something called /dev/sr0 or something like that. Make a note of this.


Step 4 : Prepare the needed firmware files

Check out this topic : viewtopic.php?t=22896

And click on the mediafire link below "All You Need firmware pack"

Once you're done downloading, extract it.

Copy DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.02_MK.bin and DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.00.bin (from "All You Need Firmware Pack (MartyMcNuts)/Internal Desktop Drives/") and paste them into the /tmp folder.


EDIT : Make sure there is no disc in the drive during Step 5 and the optional Step 8.

Step 5 : Perform the flashing operation

Copy and paste this line into a terminal window, replacing /dev/sr0 with the correct device path (if needed) that you made a note of when you did Step 3.

Code: Select all

makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 rawflash main -i /tmp/DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.02_MK.bin

Step 6 : Unplug the drive and leave it unplugged for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.


Step 7 : Test the drive, and make sure it's working as intended.


Step 8 : If you're having trouble on Linux despite thoroughly cleaning your Blu-ray discs, try this, replacing /dev/sr0 with the correct device path (if needed) that you made a note of when you did Step 3 :

Code: Select all

makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 rawflash main -i /tmp/DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.00.bin

Only do Step 8 after Steps 5, 6, and 7, and only if you plan on mostly using your drive with Linux and are having trouble with the firmware you flashed at Step 5. Then do Steps 6 and 7 again.


Step 9 : Once everything is working fine, please feel free to upgrade back to 1.18.4-bin.

This worked! Many thanks for your assist, & hope this helps others upgrade their drive. I don't have any UHD discs to test but a standard Blu-ray rips fine, will now look for UHD discs.

I got this drive on ebay for $75 in barely used condition and now have a LibreDrive and UHD drive. It may not be a Pioneer but it's a good quality drive, perhaps the next best thing.

I'll now go back to MakeMKV v1.18.4

Here's the info on my drive in MakeMKV now:

Drive Information
OS device name: /dev/sr0
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE WH16NS60
Revision: 1.03
Serial number: M6AI9RH1219
Firmware date: 2120-05-08 10:10
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 70

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

No disc inserted


So, a HL BH40N drive dated 2017 or newer, with A1B0 or A1B1 firmware is a good choice for flashing to LibreDrive and UHD.

I think it's possible A1B2 firmware for this drive interferes with flashing due to "Security Enhancements" - per a note about it on Dell's Support site, but I don't have a drive with A1B2 to test. Would be very interesting to see if someone with a drive with A1B2 can do the same flashing I did successfully. If I come across another of these drives I will try flashing from A1B2.

Thanks again Sayaka, you are a great help.

[Sayaka]

You're welcome ! I am glad I could help.

I think it's possible A1B2 firmware for this drive interferes with flashing due to "Security Enhancements" - per a note about it on Dell's Support site, but I don't have a drive with A1B2 to test. Would be very interesting to see if someone with a drive with A1B2 can do the same flashing I did successfully. If I come across another of these drives I will try flashing from A1B2.

I will try using Firmware Extractor 2 on my LG BH40N A1B2 flasher (I just need to get my Windows computer ready). If the tool can extract the firmware, that means A1B2 is not encrypted and there shouldn't be any additional downgrade checks, if it fails to extract the firmware, it will probably mean that A1B2 is encrypted and you would need to do a "rawflash enc" to DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.02_MK.bin rather than a "rawflash main". It would also mean, most likely, that flashing directly to DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.00.bin (without flashing to DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.02_MK.bin first) would be impossible.

Please stay tuned, I plan on posting the results soon !

[Sayaka]

Results :

Firmware Extractor 2 failed to extract the firmware from the A1B2 flasher, and it would seem that the flasher itself was last modified in 2021. This firmware seems to be encrypted, a "rawflash enc" to DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.02_MK.bin would therefore be necessary.

EDIT : Sorry, I missed one of your previous posts :

Per other posts in these forums it appears I won't be able to download this firmware. I'm guessing this is why it can't be found when folks search for it.

I managed to get my hands on an A1B1 flasher. Later today, I will once again try to extract the firmware from it. Since it's A1B1 rather than A1B2, I believe it should work.

Also, my apologies about assuming you would be able to dump the firmware because it wasn't encrypted. It would seem that for a moment I just forgot about hardware manufacturers blocking firmware dumping with other means than encryption.

EDIT: I flashed my drive from your instructions with the exception of using the v1.03 version from mk-firmware-pack-20200720.zip (found elsewhere on this site). The flash appears to be a success, I will now shut down my system and unplug the drive for 30+ seconds, then test the drive - and post results.

WH16NS60 1.02-MK is what's generally recommended for these internal desktop drives (newer firmware isn't always better), but I believe I've heard of someone flashing 1.03 onto a BH40N with decent results. You might not even need to do a second rawflash main to WH16NS60 1.02-MK.

[Caltronic]

I found that link to the Dell Support site regarding the A1B2 firmware. It is https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us ... erid=6wv1m
In the Fixes/Enhancements section about this version (A1B2):

"Fixes:
- Fixed the issue where non Hitachi-LG Data Storage (HLDS) optical drives cannot read DVD-RW with write-protect enabled using HLDS Blu-Ray optical drive.
- Fixed the issue where file read error message is displayed when you delete files that were copied into DVD-RW with Live File System format.

Enhancements:
- Enhanced the system security by preventing downgrade or download of unauthorized drive firmware.
- Supports Sony Qual-Layer BD-R 4x media."


I think this is why folks are looking for earlier versions of the firmware, to try to avoid the "security enhancement". But, as I found in my A1B1, downloading firmware is already blocked...but maybe the "enc" option would have worked and allowed me to download?...too late to know now...but FWIW in previous posts - folks (who know way more than I) have said that when the download error (in previous post) is encountered there is no way to download the firmware...but maybe?...the good news is that from at least A1B0 and A1B1 it is possible to load the HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-NM00600-212005081010.bin firmware. I'm really curious if it can be loaded from A1B2.


BTW the HL BH40N drive was (is?) a popular OEM Blu-ray drive in Dell desktops like various Optiplex models, has the Dell part number of 07MM6C and spans the same model number of HL BH40N with mfg dates from something like 2010 or 2011 to at least 2018, maybe 2020 or beyond. The reason Dell has the above firmware update is because they OEM'd this drive for many years.


Another note: I have seen a HL BH40N on ebay with a ~label~ that says Dell p/n 07MM6C and mfg date 2015 and firmware A1B0 - and with ~MakeMKV v1.18.4 screens~ that show MT1959 and firmware flashed to ASUS BW-16D1HT v3.02 and AACS v82 and LibreDrive and UHD enabled and opening/reading a UHD Blu-ray. In a drive mfg 2015. I didn't know that was possible, maybe there are more drives out there than previously thought that are UHD capable?...

I think it would be really interesting to see if that drive mfg 2015 could be flashed with the HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-NM00600-212005081010.bin that I used...

[Billycar11]

Another note: I have seen a HL BH40N on ebay with a ~label~ that says Dell p/n 07MM6C and mfg date 2015 and firmware A1B0 - and with ~MakeMKV v1.18.4 screens~ that show MT1959 and firmware flashed to ASUS BW-16D1HT v3.02 and AACS v82 and LibreDrive and UHD enabled and opening/reading a UHD Blu-ray. In a drive mfg 2015. I didn't know that was possible, maybe there are more drives out there than previously thought that are UHD capable?...

I think it would be really interesting to see if that drive mfg 2015 could be flashed with the HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-NM00600-212005081010.bin that I used...

because late 2015 is when they swapped to mt1959
but for the guide to be safe i say 2016

[Caltronic]

Another note: I have seen a HL BH40N on ebay with a ~label~ that says Dell p/n 07MM6C and mfg date 2015 and firmware A1B0 - and with ~MakeMKV v1.18.4 screens~ that show MT1959 and firmware flashed to ASUS BW-16D1HT v3.02 and AACS v82 and LibreDrive and UHD enabled and opening/reading a UHD Blu-ray. In a drive mfg 2015. I didn't know that was possible, maybe there are more drives out there than previously thought that are UHD capable?...

I think it would be really interesting to see if that drive mfg 2015 could be flashed with the HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-NM00600-212005081010.bin that I used...

because late 2015 is when they swapped to mt1959
but for the guide to be safe i say 2016

OK thanks, good to know.

[Caltronic]

WH16NS60 1.02-MK is what's generally recommended for these internal desktop drives (newer firmware isn't always better), but I believe I've heard of someone flashing 1.03 onto a BH40N with decent results. You might not even need to do a second rawflash main to WH16NS60 1.02-MK.

Oh, OK, guess I should probably run the 1.02 firmware then? From the 1.03 could I just do:

makemkvcon f -d /dev/sr0 rawflash main -i /tmp/DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.02_MK.bin


...to load the v1.02 firmware instead?

[Sayaka]

I would wait until you actually run into issues before doing another flash, now that you've flashed 1.03. When it comes to optical drive firmware, you shouldn't attempt to fix something that isn't currently broken, and the less a drive gets flashed, the better. If you do get errors on a troublesome disc for example, it might be worth giving DE_LG_WH16NS60_1.02_MK.bin a try.

EDIT : Also, yes, that command is the correct one should you ever need it.