Bu40n 1.00 Firmware Upd -

The LG BU40N 1.00 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

firmware is the "gold standard" for enthusiasts looking to back up 4K UHD Blu-ray discs. It is highly sought after because it re-enables LibreDrive support, allowing software like MakeMKV to bypass encrypted disc protections and read UHD data at unrestricted speeds. 💿 Why BU40N 1.00 is Recommended

This specific version is favored over newer official firmware (like 1.01 or 1.04) or even the BP60NB10 variant:

Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with MakeMKV, DVDFab, and other decryption tools. Speed

: Removes manufacturer "rip locks" that slow down drive read speeds.

Cross-Flashing: It is the preferred target firmware for users "cross-flashing" other drives, such as the LG WP50NB40 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , to give them UHD capabilities. 🛠️ Common Flashing Steps

If you are looking to flash your drive to this version, the community typically follows these steps:

Preparation: Ensure you have MakeMKV installed and the latest MK Firmware Pack.

Tools: Most users use the SDFTool Flasher or the command-line flashing instructions found on the MakeMKV Forum. Process: bu40n 1.00 firmware

Flash to an "unlocked" version (like 1.03-MK) first if the drive has newer factory protection. Cross-flash to BU40N 1.00 to finalize the UHD setup. ⚠️ Critical Warnings

Power Stability: Portable LG drives are notorious for power issues; use a powered USB hub or the included "double" USB-A cable during the flash to avoid bricking the drive.

SVC Codes: Check the label on the bottom of your drive. Certain service codes (like NB72) may have hardware locks that prevent successful UHD reading even after flashing.

Bricking Risk: Using the wrong tool or flashing in the wrong order can render the drive unresponsive.

💡 Pro Tip: If you aren't comfortable flashing yourself, you can find pre-flashed drives on sites like UHD Enabled Drives or from reputable sellers on eBay.

The LG BU40N 1.00 firmware is highly sought after by home media enthusiasts because it is a "UHD-friendly" firmware that enables LibreDrive functionality in MakeMKV .

If you are looking for information on this firmware, here is a helpful guide on what it is and why people use it. What is BU40N 1.00 Firmware?

Standard factory firmware on modern 4K Blu-ray drives often contains "AACS2" protection, which prevents third-party software from reading the raw data on a 4K UHD disc . Flashing the BU40N 1.00 firmware (specifically the "MK" or LibreDrive version) "downgrades" or modifies the drive to bypass these restrictions . Key Benefits The LG BU40N 1

4K UHD Ripping: Allows you to create 1:1 backups of 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays for use in media servers like Plex or Jellyfin .

LibreDrive Support: Enables direct access to the optical disc data without interference from the drive's internal firmware restrictions .

Cross-Flashing: This firmware is often used to "cross-flash" other drives, such as the LG WP50NB40, to give them 4K reading capabilities . How to Use It

To apply this firmware, users typically use a utility called SDFtool Flasher, which can be found on the MakeMKV Forum . Important Note:

Power Supply: Slim portable drives (like the BU40N or WP50) often require a powered USB hub or a "Y-cable" to provide enough power during the flashing process and while reading 4K discs .

Risk: Flashing firmware carries a risk of "bricking" the drive if interrupted or if the wrong version is used . Always verify your drive's SVC code (e.g., NB50 or NB52) before proceeding .

3. Direct UHD Reading without "Friendly" Drive workarounds

Unlike desktop drives (e.g., ASUS BW-16D1HT) that require specific "friendly" firmware versions (like 3.02 or 3.10), the BU40N on 1.00 works seamlessly with any UHD disc up to BD-100 (triple layer).

The Short Answer: Is BU40N 1.00 Good?

Yes, it is excellent. Firmware version 1.00 is the original factory firmware for many LG BU40N drives. It is widely considered the most "friendly" and easiest to work with for ripping 4K UHD discs using tools like MakeMKV. Rip Speed: Average 4

1. It Bypasses LibreDrive Host Revocation

MakeMKV, the most popular tool for backing up Blu-rays, features a technology called "LibreDrive." LibreDrive allows the software to take direct control of the optical drive, bypassing the traditional host authentication and region locking. However, newer firmwares (1.03, 1.04, and later) include host revocation lists that block MakeMKV’s ability to enable LibreDrive. BU40N 1.00 is the last firmware version released before these lockdowns were fully implemented. It offers full, unrestricted LibreDrive support out of the box.

3. Technical Notes

| Property | Value | |----------|-------| | Drive platform | MT1959 (Supports LibreDrive) | | Bus encryption | Present but removable via firmware | | Sleep bug | No (introduced in later firmware) | | UHD out-of-box | Yes (if manufactured before mid-2018) |

Performance in Practice

Once running 1.00, the BU40N behaves remarkably well for a slim drive:

Prerequisites

  1. Windows PC (Windows 10 or 11 recommended).
  2. MakeMKV (Latest version installed).
  3. The "Modified" Flasher Tool – specifically, the LG Slim Drive Patcher / Flasher (often called "lgflash" or "SDFtool Flasher").
  4. The BU40N 1.00 firmware binary (HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.00.bin).
  5. SATA connection (If possible). Flashing via USB adapters is risky; use a direct SATA cable to your motherboard for stability.

What is the LG BU40N?

The LG BU40N is a slim, slot-loading 9.5mm internal Blu-ray drive. It is commonly found in high-end laptops (like certain Dell XPS and Alienware models) and external enclosures (notably the LG BP60NB10). Its hardware is capable of reading the triple-layer discs (66GB and 100GB) used for 4K UHD.

However, modern firmware revisions (1.01, 1.02, 1.03, and later) contain strict AACS 2.0 (Advanced Access Content System) handshakes that prevent the drive from being used with ripping software like MakeMKV.

4. The "Flasher" Community and Modded Firmware

The BU40N holds a specific place in the enthusiast community (notably on forums like MyCE or VideoHelp) because of its potential for customization. The 1.00 firmware is often the target for modification.

Enthusiasts often seek "unlocked" or "modded" firmware based on version 1.00 for two primary reasons:

  1. RPC-1 (Region Free): Modders alter the 1.00 firmware to bypass the hardware region lock, allowing the drive to play DVDs and Blu-rays from any country without consuming region change counters.
  2. Speed Removal: Custom firmware can remove the "rip lock," allowing the drive to read commercial discs at the maximum physical speed of the hardware, significantly reducing the time it takes to archive a movie collection.