New Asus BW-16D1HT Able to be Flashed?

[PandaMaster]

Hi all, first time post here. I'm brand-new to this whole scene and have been doing some research, I want to get into burning discs but need a drive first. The Asus BW-16D1HT was recommended, but an older video said that newer versions cannot be flashed and it was more reliable to buy one pre-flashed from someone from these forums. However, I then found the person that YouTuber recommended seemed to devolve into scamming people out of money sooooo does not seem reliable anymore. Basically, am I able to buy a new Asus BW-16D1HT and flash it to run LibreDrive, or is there a better option out there? At the end of the day I want to be able to rip UHD and backup my library in this "rent not own" world that's crashing around us. Appreciate any help available!!

[MartyMcNuts]

Hi all, first time post here. I'm brand-new to this whole scene and have been doing some research, I want to get into burning discs but need a drive first. The Asus BW-16D1HT was recommended, but an older video said that newer versions cannot be flashed and it was more reliable to buy one pre-flashed from someone from these forums. However, I then found the person that YouTuber recommended seemed to devolve into scamming people out of money sooooo does not seem reliable anymore. Basically, am I able to buy a new Asus BW-16D1HT and flash it to run LibreDrive, or is there a better option out there? At the end of the day I want to be able to rip UHD and backup my library in this "rent not own" world that's crashing around us. Appreciate any help available!!

That model was discontinued. Read the first post of the Ultimate UHD Drive Guide 2026 thread as it contains a list of compatible drives, although most models are now discontinued as LG and Pioneer no longer manufacture optical drives. Really, your best bet is either to buy yourself a Buffalo or Verbatim or purchase a drive from a seller on this forum. There are a few sellers on this forum now that are known to be reliable.