MakeMKV above v1.17.7 still broken on Linux

[aarddave]

Versions of MakeMKV above version 1.17.7 are still broken on Linux. The only way I can get MakeMKV to work is to build and use v1.17.7, otherwise the scan step just spins forever.

This is the case on Fedora 41 and Debian 12. Technically as long as this thing keeps working on the old version, I'm fine but there's been a bunch of new releases since this thing broken completely last year and I'm hoping I won't need one of those.

[wmcclain]

Same on Arch.

[DukeFleed]

It's not like that.

On EndeavourOS (Arch derivative) MakeMKV v1.18.1 installed from AUR works perfectly. The important thing is to have the private_data.tar file (that I have from previous versions).

[wmcclain]

Really? I'll try that after the next update if it is still not working. Thanks.

[DukeFleed]

Yes.

You could also do it this way (not tested, just an idea): install on VM Ubuntu from v20.04+, download MakeMKV v1.17.7 from here https://makemkv.com/download/old/ and install in it, then start it and make it download the private_data.tar file. Once done, copy this file to the .makemkv directory of your Home on Arch.

[dcoke22]

If you need a valid private_data.tar file, at the bottom of the first post of the Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide, you'll find a link to one. It is a few years old at this point, but if that's the only thing standing in your way, it might be enough to get started.

[JumpyGrumpy]

I'm still seeing this on 1.18.1 running on Fedora 42 installed via flatpak off Flathub, but only on a subset of drives:

- Pioneer BDR-212V on stock firmware - fails
- Pioneer BDR-XS07S on stock firmware - fails
- LG WH16NS40 flashed to WH16NS60 firmware - works

When I downgrade to 1.17.7, the BDR-212V works (not for UHD, but didn't expect it to), as does the LG.

I may try the "upgrade to latest and replace it with the _private_data.tar from the older one" approach when I have a bit more time. Curious, though, what's in that file if this does make it work.

Cheers

[JumpyGrumpy]

I tried running the current build with a _private_data.tar downloaded/created with 1.17.7 and it did not make the newer version work.

@mike admin: What's the best way to provide bug reports/info?

Thanks for your work!

[loucipher]

So, this may or may not be related. I offer it as advice to others with issues similar. I was having very odd problems, on multiple systems running multiple versions, both debian fwiw. First problem was that I couldn't download new keys. That was going on for a while, but since I had KEYDB.cfg, I just ignored it. Just today I was having issues with some new discs, makemkv said there was no disc inserted for some, not others. Upgraded to 1.18.1, same issue. The fix for me seems to have been deleting _private_data.tar entirely. I can read discs again, and I can download keys again. so, somehow the .tar was corrupted. Dunno how or exactly when. But if you're having weird issues like this, back up the .tar and let it be recreated.

[arz555]

I have 1.17.9 running and I'm an idiot. Not sure where I downloaded it, but now it's telling me I need to upgrade. I most certainly didn't compile a tarball.

[JerryTheFlamingo]

I'm having this same issue. I'm on EndevourOS running the Flatpak 1.18.1 version. I have tried deleting the _private_data.tar file so it downloaded on restart. Recorded same result. Deleted the .tar and replaced it with the old one. Recorded same result.

I have not yet tried uninstalling the flatpak version and either trying the repository version, or make from bin or source. Will give it a shot when I get time and try to troubleshoot it and update.

[msknight]

I'm also having the same issue. Now, however, I'm encountering BluRays that are above the encryption level as even the latest KEYDB.cfg files won't help and now I'm stuck.

Can't get above 1.17.7 no matter how hard I try.

[dougmckeen]

If I first load a Bluray in my drive after launching MakeMKV, then I get the endless spin. If I load a DVD first, then a Bluray, it works.

[robinb]

If I first load a Bluray in my drive after launching MakeMKV, then I get the endless spin. If I load a DVD first, then a Bluray, it works.

I've just encountered these posts after I'd posted elsewhere (awaiting mod approval)
In my case a DVD loaded into the blu-ray drive suffers the same endless spin.
However, I have a second optical drive which is only DVD. I found that if I launch the app with empty drives, then introduce a DVD into the DVD drive, let that be detected, then insert the blu-ray into the blu-ray-capable LG drive it works - Weird!

At least that's two workarounds. Along the way I also found that it was happy to "see" as its first disc a blue-ray inserted into an external Samsung slimline USB blue-ray drive.

1.18.1 installed from ppa:heyarje/makemkv-beta

Code: Select all

$ inxi -Fdxxxxz
System:
  Kernel: 6.8.0-63-generic arch: x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 13.3.0
    clocksource: tsc
  Desktop: Cinnamon v: 6.4.8 tk: GTK v: 3.24.41 wm: Muffin v: 6.4.1 vt: 7
    dm: LightDM v: 1.30.0 Distro: Linux Mint 22.1 Xia base: Ubuntu 24.04 noble
<snip>
  Optical-1: /dev/sr0 vendor: HL-DT-ST model: BD-RE BH10LS38 rev: 1.00
    dev-links: cdrom
  Features: speed: 40 multisession: yes audio: yes dvd: yes
    rw: cd-r,cd-rw,dvd-r,dvd-ram state: running
  Optical-2: /dev/sr1 vendor: ATAPI model: iHAS124 F rev: CL9P
    dev-links: N/A
  Features: speed: 48 multisession: yes audio: yes dvd: yes
    rw: cd-r,cd-rw,dvd-r state: running
  Optical-3: /dev/sr2 vendor: TSSTcorp model: BDDVDW SE-506CB rev: TS02
    dev-links: N/A