100% Firmware Downgrade for ASUS BW-16D1HT and LG BH16NS55

[TeddyRaspin]

Thanks mike

Indeed I've successfully converted my BH16NS55 (SVC code NS50) into WH16NS60 (SVC code NS60).

So it is possible to convert a UHD Friendly drive into a "real" UHD drive and viceversa.

I think with my findings, it is possible also to convert a BH16NS40 into BH16NS55 (from NS40 to NS50)
as they both use the same MediaTek chipset.

If my theory is right, it could be possible to convert a normal LG drive (NS40) into a UHD Friendly drive (NS50).

[Lovely Rita]

additional information and tools would be announced in near future that would make the process easier and fool-proof. Specifically:
- any firmware can be upgraded or downgraded, on all platforms, using open-source tools (without dosflash or patched OEM flashers).
- any drive can be cross-flashed (UHD into friendly, for example).
- partially dumped firmware can be recovered.

Impressive, most impressive.

[pimpinonline]

I definitely welcome being able to flash my LG BU50N to be able to rip discs. That would be awesome. I have been waiting for some ability, software or firmware to make it possible.

[TeddyRaspin]

Good Morning guys,

I've made several firmware tests, using different versions (WHxxNS40, BHxxNS5x, ASUS, and so on) and this is my own experience :

- All drives coming with SVC Code NS50 are UHD friendly and can be crossflashed using other firmwares NS50 based.

- BH16NS55 (and I think also other NS50 drives) can be converted in "UHD real" drive, flashing via DOSFLASH the WH16NS60 firmware (1.00 or 1.01), after importing the needed calibration data and drive signature info.

- I've tried to crossflash my NS50 device into NS40 but my unit does not work.

- Maybe someone could try, via DOSFLASH (the DOS modified version), to force to flash a NS50 firmware on a NS40 device and see if it works (after importing needed data, of course).

- All LG firmwares, especially NS55 ones, reach 6x as maximum peak speed in the ripping process of an UHD discs. If you need more speed, ASUS firmwares (BW-16D1HT 3.00, 3.01 and 3.02) are the best choice. In this case UHD ripping speed increases up to 8x !!!

That's all.

[Hinteger]

Actually, what is the easiest procedure to downgrade the Asus BW-16D1HT to 3.02 ?

[TeddyRaspin]

Actually, what is the easiest procedure to downgrade the Asus BW-16D1HT to 3.02 ?

Via DOSFLASH modified version (DOS).

[TeddyRaspin]

I definitely welcome being able to flash my LG BU50N to be able to rip discs. That would be awesome. I have been waiting for some ability, software or firmware to make it possible.

Could you please dump your BU50N firmware please and send it to me ?

You can use the Devilsclaw's method linked in my guide.

[Hinteger]

Actually, what is the easiest procedure to downgrade the Asus BW-16D1HT to 3.02 ?

Via DOSFLASH modified version (DOS).

I managed to downgrade my firmware from 3.03 to 3.02 using your method. (with dosflash and eeprom data mover).
Makemkv was then able to read the UHD but during the selection the player starts spinning very quickly, is this normal?

[TeddyRaspin]

I don't know if it's normal. Anyway I've sent you a valid 3.02 dump according to your data.

[sonner]

Thanks.....

[pimpinonline]

I know it says not perform these steps in AHCI mode, but what about RAID? I don't have an "IDE" setting in my BIOS, just AHCI and RAID.

[TeddyRaspin]

In Raid Mode it will not work at all.

[dazbobaby]

I've got the Asus BW-16D1HT, running FW 3.01

Do I need to downgrade? I ask because you have an excellent tutorial, but no information why I need too.

I know it's probably around here somewhere though...

[TeddyRaspin]

FW 3.01 is fine for UHD. You don't need to downgrade or upgrade at all.

[dazbobaby]

FW 3.01 is fine for UHD. You don't need to downgrade or upgrade at all.

Cheers TeddyRaspin, I'll stick at this then