External BP50NB40 Won't Flash

[abe_frohman]

Hello, I recently acquired an external LG BP50NB40 drive (SVC code = NB50). It will typically read DVDs fine but stalls on any Blu-ray. MakeMKV shows it as a BD-RE BU40N with firmware 1.00.

I've attempted to flash the firmware to the BP50NB40 1.03 version using Marty's excellent SDFtool. It's says it was successfully flashed but the version never changes and it continues to have problems.

Any ideas on how I can successfully flash this thing to its proper firmware?

Thanks!

[Billycar11]

try letting the os see the bluray first then open makemkv
never have makemkv opened for when you put your first disc in causes issues

if that dont work try a higher power usb port or usb hub
and cleaning the lasers

[abe_frohman]

Thanks for the reply, Billy. Turns out it's probably a firmware issue. The person who gave it to me says that thy updated the firmware prior to giving it to me. They hadn't tested it after updating but said it was working fine.

Any idea on why I can't flash the firmware now?

[Sayaka]

if that dont work try a higher power usb port or usb hub
and cleaning the lasers

This. My BP55EB40s have 2 USB-A plugs, and unless I use both or I use a USB-A to USB-C adapter on the main plug, they can give me issues.

It will typically read DVDs fine but stalls on any Blu-ray. MakeMKV shows it as a BD-RE BU40N with firmware 1.00.

BU40N firmware version 1.00 is actually one of the best possible firmwares for your drive, and it allows you to play UHD discs and have DVDFab compatibility as well.

If you really want to try another firmware, I would recommend DE_LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK.bin from Marty's All You Need Firmware Pack. It does have less trouble with some hard-to-read discs, and it will allow you to keep UHD compatibility as well. It will cause you to lose DVDFab compatibility, however.

If you truly wish to proceed with the flashing : No matter whether you choose HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-NM00800-212005070917.bin (which will cause you to lose UHD compatibility, I believe) or DE_LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK.bin, at this point I don't think you can just write the firmware directly.

First, remove the disc that's inside the drive (if there is one). Then start SDFtool flasher, select your drive in the upper drop-down menu, and select RECOVER Drive.

You will be asked to select a file. Select DE_LG_BU40N_1.00.bin inside Marty's pack.

Do *not* click on START yet. Next, click on the lower drop-down menu, and select DE_LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK.bin from Marty's All You Need Firmware pack OR HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP50NB40-NB50-1.03-NM00800-212005070917.bin (the firmware you wanted to flash even though I don't recommend it) from the MK firmware pack.

Click on START. Wait until the operation finishes (wait until SDFtool flasher says "Ready" again, then you can click on "EXIT").

Power cycle the drive afterwards (this can be done by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds or so and re-plugging it).