Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated New Pioneer Flashing 2026

[Mr_Orange]

For the Asus SBW-06D2X-U, it states only the 8510/8511 platform is compatible with flashing. Are there versions of this unit around with a different platform? Would it be safe to buy one now?

[Billycar11]

For the Asus SBW-06D2X-U, it states only the 8510/8511 platform is compatible with flashing. Are there versions of this unit around with a different platform? Would it be safe to buy one now?

there are 4 versions at least really one has lg
so could be more

known ones are BU40N ,UD03 8510, UD03 8511, UD03 8590 there could be more

[Mr_Orange]

For the Asus SBW-06D2X-U, it states only the 8510/8511 platform is compatible with flashing. Are there versions of this unit around with a different platform? Would it be safe to buy one now?

there are 4 versions at least really one has lg
so could be more

known ones are BU40N ,UD03 8510, UD03 8511, UD03 8590 there could be more

OK, the first 3 are usable which is good news. Is the platform 8590 no good for UHD?

[Billycar11]

OK, the first 3 are usable which is good news. Is the platform 8590 no good for UHD?

yeah 8590 seems not to do UHD

[jwagner]

Hey everyone I wanted to post this on the forum to let everyone know that there is an affordable slim 4K Blu-ray optical drive that has a factory firmware that works out of the box with MakeMKV. I tested it with 4K, Blu-Ray and standard DVDs last night and it works successfully without any firmware modification.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H1HNDPCL?re ... asin_title

IF the link doesn't work you can search for the title "JOTEC Premium Aluminum 4K UHD External Blu-Ray Drive
4K Blu-ray Burner, USB 3.0 & Type C Dual Interface, Compatible with All PC & Mac Models, Support 100GB 128GB"

The manufacturer ships both BU40N BU50N models. It retails for $142.99

In my case it handshakes with the MakeMKV status message of-

Drive Information
OS device name: /dev/rdisk4
Current profile: DVD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: FR07
Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXX
Firmware date: 2116-12-20 16:51
Bus encryption flags: 1F
Highest AACS version: 82

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 0.FR07J
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

I used the forum to flash a Verbatium BU40N (much more expensive but I was able to get it flashed thanks to everyone and Mike). I decided to buy a cheaper drive as a back up to flash while the process was in my memory. And much to my surprise the JOTEC has a better build quality and works out of the box with old school factory firmware.

[onigiribomb]

Hi Billycar11 / all,

I made the mistake from the "Heads up for old Asus BW-16D1HT with 1.01" thread: a brand-new BW-16D1HT (label 2026) on stock 1.01 (MT1939, ASUS_BW-16D1HT_1.01_211302051930). I flashed ASUS-BW-16D1HT-3.10-WM01601 with rawflash main and it reported "Done successfully". It now only comes up as HL-DT-ST BD-RE BH16NS48 BOOT.

What I have:
- A full 2 MB dump of the original 1.01 firmware, taken with dump auto before flashing. Offsets 0x0-0x9FFF (bootloader, "MT1939 Boot Code") still match what the drive reports, so the bootloader looks intact.
- Linux, MakeMKV 1.17.7 sdftool, sdf.bin 0xA6.
- The drive is in a Vantec NST-540S3 USB enclosure (JMicron JMS578) with its own power supply.

What I tried:
- With -t mtk19xx, sdftool now talks to the drive in BOOT mode.
- rawflash "main,nocheck,boot=MT1939 Boot Code" -i dump_full_1.01.bin, and the same with boot=MT1959 Boot JB8 and with nowait, all fail the same way:
Faking existing boot loader with custom boot mark = "MT1939 Boot Code"
Current Drive ID: HL-DT-ST_BD-RE__BH16NS48_BOOT
Desktop drive handshake failed with error=0x07030084, trying slim drive handshake.
Using USB chipset workaround for Slim drive handshake
Write flags NG 02/3A/00
Command produced error code 0x82023a00

Questions:
1. Is there a command or flag combination that can recover an MT1939 drive in BOOT through a JMicron USB bridge, or do I need a direct SATA connection? My only machine is a mini PC with one SATA port. I could temporarily connect the drive's data line there, with the enclosure's power supply powering the drive.
2. If it needs your remote recovery, does that work through a USB enclosure?

I understand this drive can't do UHD. I just want it back on 1.01 for DVD and Blu-ray. Thanks!

[Billycar11]

Hi Billycar11 / all,

I made the mistake from the "Heads up for old Asus BW-16D1HT with 1.01" thread: a brand-new BW-16D1HT (label 2026) on stock 1.01 (MT1939, ASUS_BW-16D1HT_1.01_211302051930). I flashed ASUS-BW-16D1HT-3.10-WM01601 with rawflash main and it reported "Done successfully". It now only comes up as HL-DT-ST BD-RE BH16NS48 BOOT.

What I have:
- A full 2 MB dump of the original 1.01 firmware, taken with dump auto before flashing. Offsets 0x0-0x9FFF (bootloader, "MT1939 Boot Code") still match what the drive reports, so the bootloader looks intact.
- Linux, MakeMKV 1.17.7 sdftool, sdf.bin 0xA6.
- The drive is in a Vantec NST-540S3 USB enclosure (JMicron JMS578) with its own power supply.

What I tried:
- With -t mtk19xx, sdftool now talks to the drive in BOOT mode.
- rawflash "main,nocheck,boot=MT1939 Boot Code" -i dump_full_1.01.bin, and the same with boot=MT1959 Boot JB8 and with nowait, all fail the same way:
Faking existing boot loader with custom boot mark = "MT1939 Boot Code"
Current Drive ID: HL-DT-ST_BD-RE__BH16NS48_BOOT
Desktop drive handshake failed with error=0x07030084, trying slim drive handshake.
Using USB chipset workaround for Slim drive handshake
Write flags NG 02/3A/00
Command produced error code 0x82023a00

Questions:
1. Is there a command or flag combination that can recover an MT1939 drive in BOOT through a JMicron USB bridge, or do I need a direct SATA connection? My only machine is a mini PC with one SATA port. I could temporarily connect the drive's data line there, with the enclosure's power supply powering the drive.
2. If it needs your remote recovery, does that work through a USB enclosure?

I understand this drive can't do UHD. I just want it back on 1.01 for DVD and Blu-ray. Thanks!

only way i know of to fix that is dos flash
see guide on that for recovery i no longer assist on this as its usually a dead end as many dont have the hardware required

[SpencerC]

Hello All! I have a NORCO RPC-4020 4U server chassis that has a spot for a DVD/Bluray drive. This spot isn't your standard 5.25" drive bay. According to AI I can fit a slim optical drive:

The RPC‑4020 includes 1 external slim CD‑ROM bay, meaning it fits laptop‑style slim optical drives (12.7 mm or 9.5 mm height), not desktop 5.25" drives.

I see a few listed as "slim" on the list. Is there a recommended drive? Or rather, which is the best drive that will work in this chassis. I don't mind spending a few extra dollars for quality hardware.

Thank you in advance!

[mercilessming2000]

Thinking of buying the drive Wagner spoke of, is it true that 1080P standard Blu Ray rips with MakeMKv work just with encrypt key download , you only need libredrive feature/flash if you want 4k ripping if drive doesn't natively do it? I never tried before flashing, just flashed and went on but this drive if I get one that can't natively libreDrive and doesnt' turn out to be a model that can flash like they change from BU40s for example. But things seem to be getting tougher and more expensive for Physical media drives outside of DVD/CD drives so even if bad luck gives me just a 1080P blu ray ripper then I am better than nothing as I just want backup to my backup ripper drive.

Hey everyone I wanted to post this on the forum to let everyone know that there is an affordable slim 4K Blu-ray optical drive that has a factory firmware that works out of the box with MakeMKV. I tested it with 4K, Blu-Ray and standard DVDs last night and it works successfully without any firmware modification.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H1HNDPCL?re ... asin_title

IF the link doesn't work you can search for the title "JOTEC Premium Aluminum 4K UHD External Blu-Ray Drive
4K Blu-ray Burner, USB 3.0 & Type C Dual Interface, Compatible with All PC & Mac Models, Support 100GB 128GB"

The manufacturer ships both BU40N BU50N models. It retails for $142.99

In my case it handshakes with the MakeMKV status message of-

Drive Information
OS device name: /dev/rdisk4
Current profile: DVD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: FR07
Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXX
Firmware date: 2116-12-20 16:51
Bus encryption flags: 1F
Highest AACS version: 82

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 0.FR07J
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

I used the forum to flash a Verbatium BU40N (much more expensive but I was able to get it flashed thanks to everyone and Mike). I decided to buy a cheaper drive as a back up to flash while the process was in my memory. And much to my surprise the JOTEC has a better build quality and works out of the box with old school factory firmware.

[Hucz89]

I was able to successfully flash my Pioneer BD-RW BDR-212 thanks to Billycar and Cooper. I was also able to successfully decrypt my first Blu-ray disc to my drive. However, I can't seem to get my drive to read a UHD disc. Any ideas what could be happening? Thanks in advance!

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Manufacturer: PIONEER
Product: BD-RW BDR-S12U
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: DCDLXXXXXXWL
Firmware date: 2022-03-07
Bus encryption flags: 1B
Highest AACS version: 12

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: RS8F01
Firmware name: PIONEER BDR-212T
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 1.02/ID43
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

Disc Information
No disc inserted

I also have tried this firmware version, same result (can't read UHD disc, but reads standard Blu-ray just fine):

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Manufacturer: PIONEER
Product: BD-RW BDR-S12JX
Revision: 1.01
Serial number: DCDLXXXXXXWL
Firmware date: 2020-07-21
Bus encryption flags: 1B
Highest AACS version: 12

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: RS8F01
Firmware name: PIONEER BDR-212T
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 1.01/ID72
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

No disc inserted

[Yethidran]

have you tried flashing them to the "X12U"?
i flashed mine from "S12U" to eventually become a "X12U" with version 1.06 firmware dated on 22/12/20".
All working fine and dandy.
but please remember to save the "BackUp and Dump" from your current drive, before proceeding to flash them to "X12U" with version 1.06 firmware dated on 22/12/20".
I used "MattJackson's Flasher" by the way...

[Billycar11]

I was able to successfully flash my Pioneer BD-RW BDR-212 thanks to Billycar and Cooper. I was also able to successfully decrypt my first Blu-ray disc to my drive. However, I can't seem to get my drive to read a UHD disc. Any ideas what could be happening? Thanks in advance!

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Manufacturer: PIONEER
Product: BD-RW BDR-S12U
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: DCDLXXXXXXWL
Firmware date: 2022-03-07
Bus encryption flags: 1B
Highest AACS version: 12

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: RS8F01
Firmware name: PIONEER BDR-212T
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 1.02/ID43
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

Disc Information
No disc inserted

I also have tried this firmware version, same result (can't read UHD disc, but reads standard Blu-ray just fine):

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Manufacturer: PIONEER
Product: BD-RW BDR-S12JX
Revision: 1.01
Serial number: DCDLXXXXXXWL
Firmware date: 2020-07-21
Bus encryption flags: 1B
Highest AACS version: 12

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: RS8F01
Firmware name: PIONEER BDR-212T
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 1.01/ID72
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

No disc inserted

Try cleaning the laser.

eject tray

unplug drive with tray out

pop off front bezel clips on sides and bottom with plastic tool

undo screws from bottom will be under stickers if you have an s13, 213 does not have stickers.

flip backover and remove top cover

clean lasers with a lint free cloth or qtip and water or alcohol and dry with another
do this 2 times and do not let it air dry you must remove the residue with a dry one!

[MartyMcNuts]

I was able to successfully flash my Pioneer BD-RW BDR-212 thanks to Billycar and Cooper. I was also able to successfully decrypt my first Blu-ray disc to my drive. However, I can't seem to get my drive to read a UHD disc. Any ideas what could be happening? Thanks in advance!

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Manufacturer: PIONEER
Product: BD-RW BDR-S12U
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: DCDLXXXXXXWL
Firmware date: 2022-03-07
Bus encryption flags: 1B
Highest AACS version: 12

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: RS8F01
Firmware name: PIONEER BDR-212T
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 1.02/ID43
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

Disc Information
No disc inserted

I also have tried this firmware version, same result (can't read UHD disc, but reads standard Blu-ray just fine):

Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Manufacturer: PIONEER
Product: BD-RW BDR-S12JX
Revision: 1.01
Serial number: DCDLXXXXXXWL
Firmware date: 2020-07-21
Bus encryption flags: 1B
Highest AACS version: 12

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: RS8F01
Firmware name: PIONEER BDR-212T
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 1.01/ID72
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

No disc inserted

Clean the UHD disc and let the OS initialise it BEFORE you open the MakeMKV application.