Advice On Getting A 4K UHD Blu-ray playable Disc Drive (1 Viewer)

[Tony Bensley]

Good news and bad news.

First the good news; the LG Electronics Ultra Slim Portable Blu-ray/DVD Writer Optical Drive - BP60NB10 is currently back in stock at the very reasonable price of $151.50:

Amazon.ca

Now the bad news; I can't jump on it right now! Unfortunately, I have to wait until near the end of the month, and for some unknown annoying reason, whenever this item does come back into stock, it's *ONLY 1 item at a time, then once it gets snapped up, weeks go by before it's back in stock. Perhaps, the last 3 words are the key, at the present.

CHEERS!

Never mind, I misread the "Quantity 1" as there being only one in stock!

 

[jcroy]

As there appears to be no definitive way to ensure that any one 4K Drive will definitely play commercial 4K UHD Discs with my existing Leawo software, I’ve come to a decision.

Most computer bluray drives manufactured after 2016-17, can in principle read 4Kbluray discs even if they are not "official 4Kbluray" drives. The restriction to LG has to do with the initial batch of 4Kbluray drives.

The gist of the story is that the initial batch of LG 4Kbluray drives only required a valid AACS1 key to "unlock" the drive so that data from 4Kbluay movie discs don't have bus encryption for general reads. Rumor has it that the 4Kbluray drives have "bus encryption" on by default for 4Kbluray movie discs using AACS2, until the drive is authenticated (ie. "unlocked"). (AACS1 is the older drm system used on generic bluray movie discs since 2006. AACS2 is the updated variant used on 4Kbluray movie discs).

Apparently LG updated the firmware later, such that one required a valid AACS2 key to authenticate the 4Kbluray drive. So such updated/new LG drives could no longer use valid AACS1 keys to authenticate the drive for reading 4Kbluray movie discs. (Pioneer manufactured 4Kbluray drives did this from the start, where only valid AACS2 keys could be used for authentication).

So programs which make an LG drive to be "friendly" (such as listed in that previous linked leawo page and others), will "downgrade" the firmware to the older version which only required a valid AACS1 key to authenticate.

More generally, a lot of this information from the late 2010s about LG 4Kbluray drives, has disappeared after the myce forum was discontinued by its new owners. The hardcore dvd/bluray optical drive folks who were regulars on myce, have moved on to a different forum where most of this information still exists. Though it is in Polish.

Forum CDRinfo.pl

CDRinfo.pl - strona poświęcona archwizacji danych.

forum.cdrinfo.pl

 

[DaveF]

You don’t want an LG drive to read

Good news and bad news.

First the good news; the LG Electronics Ultra Slim Portable Blu-ray/DVD Writer Optical Drive - BP60NB10 is currently back in stock at the very reasonable price of $151.50:

Amazon.ca

Now the bad news; I can't jump on it right now! Unfortunately, I have to wait until near the end of the month, and for some unknown annoying reason, whenever this item does come back into stock, it's *ONLY 1 item at a time, then once it gets snapped up, weeks go by before it's back in stock. Perhaps, the last 3 words are the key, at the present.

CHEERS!

Never mind, I misread the "Quantity 1" as there being only one in stock!

Last I checked, you don’t want an LG drive if you want to play new 4K discs. If you only care about DVD and Blu-ray (HD, 1080p) then it should be fine.

 

[Tony Bensley]

You don’t want an LG drive to read


Last I checked, you don’t want an LG drive if you want to play new 4K discs. If you only care about DVD and Blu-ray (HD, 1080p) then it should be fine.

Why wouldn't a certified LG UHD Drive play new 4K discs? The one I want to order is UHD certified. I should already be covered on the software end, as I'm well aware of that potential playback pitfall, which also exists for Blu-rays. I will be putting the LG UHD Drive and software to the test by picking up a title that includes 4K+Blu-ray, in any case.

The LG UHD Drive in question:

Amazon.ca

CHEERS!

 

[DaveF]

I expect you’re having to use player software that circumvents the disc DRM to work. My understanding and experience is these drives can’t read discs using the latest flavor of copy protection. And they cannot if they’re using the newer firmware.

I had to replace my LG drive, which worked with every disc for about eight years, when I bought Oppenheimer. I got a Pioneer from a third party who also downgrades the firmware.

I’m guessing a new LG will have the same issues with the newer discs like Oppenheimer, and will fail during playback with the greyware software you have to use.

I might be wrong. I’m versed with popular software for ripping discs but not those the act as a player per se.

My general thought is this is a $100 gamble and to take it and if it doesn’t work as well as desired, that’s the gamble. But you have strict purchasing goals and don’t want to take $100 gambles.

So I recommend checking the relevant forums for your software player of choice and confirm it is rock solid with *all* movies on that specific drive.

 

[Tony Bensley]

I expect you’re having to use player software that circumvents the disc DRM to work. My understanding and experience is these drives can’t read discs using the latest flavor of copy protection. And they cannot if they’re using the newer firmware.

I had to replace my LG drive, which worked with every disc for about eight years, when I bought Oppenheimer. I got a Pioneer from a third party who also downgrades the firmware.

I’m guessing a new LG will have the same issues with the newer discs like Oppenheimer, and will fail during playback with the greyware software you have to use.

I might be wrong. I’m versed with popular software for ripping discs but not those the act as a player per se.

My general thought is this is a $100 gamble and to take it and if it doesn’t work as well as desired, that’s the gamble. But you have strict purchasing goals and don’t want to take $100 gambles.

So I recommend checking the relevant forums for your software player of choice and confirm it is rock solid with *all* movies on that specific drive.

So was it the Oppenheimer 4K UHD disc itself that wouldn't play on your LG Drive, or just that you couldn't rip that disc onto your plex setup? When I was struggling to find software that would play back my Blu-rays about 9-10 years ago, Leawo was the only one that would play them back consistently (Albeit with the DRM issues, regarding disc menu access!), and it also allows me to do screenshots. The current version of Leawo I use is also billed as playing the 4K format. Unfortunately, I've found the general availability of UHD Drives to be rather dicey, at best. Among those, the LG UHD Drive looks about the most robust to my eyes, so if there really is an issue regarding their capability to play newer 4K UHD titles, what a shame! The one list I did look at only added to my confusion. Thus, I have concluded there is nothing quite like actual first hand experience. In the worst case scenario, Amazon does have a 30 day return guarantee.

Additionally, I like that the LG UHD Drive has a smooth playback feature, which I haven't really seen on other Disc Drives. There is also the 3D supported playback on the off chance I ever get a 3D TV/Monitor.

Anyway Dave, I do greatly appreciate your input! I'll keep everyone posted on what happens!

CHEERS!

 

[DaveF]

LG drive couldn’t read and rip the Oppenheimer disc (and some other newer releases) due to the new copy protection. To use MakeMKV and such software, Pioneer with specific firmware is needed. I had to buy a new drive; got it from here.

Billycar11 Selling Flashed Pioneer UHD Drives USA only, Remote Flashing,Tested & Makemkv Discount Code - www.makemkv.com

I don’t know for sure but I expect that you will have the same problems using an LG drive with Leawo trying to play discs with the problematic protection.

But maybe not? I know nothing about Leawo and maybe it has some workaround for these limitations.

This is why I recommend confirming this with forums specializing in Leawo software before spending your money.

 

[Tony Bensley]

LG drive couldn’t read and rip the Oppenheimer disc (and some other newer releases) due to the new copy protection. To use MakeMKV and such software, Pioneer with specific firmware is needed. I had to buy a new drive; got it from here.

Billycar11 Selling Flashed Pioneer UHD Drives USA only, Remote Flashing,Tested & Makemkv Discount Code - www.makemkv.com

I don’t know for sure but I expect that you will have the same problems using an LG drive with Leawo trying to play discs with the problematic protection.

But maybe not? I know nothing about Leawo and maybe it has some workaround for these limitations.

This is why I recommend confirming this with forums specializing in Leawo software before spending your money.

The problem is, it says he's selling in the USA only, which eliminates me and my Canadian address, unless I can get the exact same specific setup elsewhere.

Failing that, it appears I'll just have to take my chances on the Leawo software working as it has for my Blu-ray titles. As I previously stated, there is Amazon's 30 day guaranteed return policy to fall back on if all else fails.

 

[jcroy]

Additionally, I like that the LG UHD Drive has a smooth playback feature, which I haven't really seen on other Disc Drives. There is also the 3D supported playback on the off chance I ever get a 3D TV/Monitor.

This "smooth playback feature" is complete balderdash jargon. It is actually extremely sinister.

What LG branded computer drives do in regard to movie disc playing, is that it just "bulldozes" over disc sectors which are unreadable due to manufacturing defects, rot, etc ... In other words, unreadable sectors due to disc rot / defects will not trigger a warning and just return back sectors filled with zeros. It is an absolute nightmare when it comes to data integrity.


So when a movie disc is being played, you will see semi-random pixelation for a few seconds when the "smooth playback feature" is activated.

In contrast for non-LG branded drives which do not have this "smooth playback feature", the movie will freeze at the spot where the drive encounters unreadable sectors due to rot / defects.

 

[Tony Bensley]

OK, I just searched Amazon Canada for Pioneer UHD Blu-ray Drives, and this was the ONLY external UHD Drive option that came up. My question is would this definitely be a better option for me than the LG UHD Drive, especially as it is considerably more expensive (Which also means I'll have to wait a bit longer to get it!) than the LG UHD Drive?

Amazon.ca

CHEERS!

 

[jcroy]

OK, I just searched Amazon Canada for Pioneer UHD Blu-ray Drives, and this was the ONLY external UHD Drive option that came up. My question is would this definitely be a better option for me than the LG UHD Drive, especially as it is considerably more expensive (Which also means I'll have to wait a bit longer to get it!) than the LG UHD Drive?

Whoever this dealer is (EXYE), it appears he/she is shipping from Japan.

Does Canada (or america) impose significant import duties on stuff sent from Japan ?

 

[Tony Bensley]

Whoever this dealer is (EXYE), it appears he/she is shipping from Japan.

Does Canada (or america) impose significant import duties on stuff sent from Japan ?

I have no idea, but that might explain the high price point for the Pioneer UHD Drive. It sadly highlights my point that options for UHD Disc Drives are rather limited, yet for multiple reasons, that is what I want. My sense of urgency is fueled by companies increasingly phasing out UHD Drives in general. I suppose I should look for a UHD title newer than Oppenheimer to put the LG UHD Drive to a proper test, assuming I go with that option?

Thank you for your kind input!

CHEERS!

 

[Tony Bensley]

I'm not saying this AI generated Google search result is definitive, but here it is for whatever it may be worth:

After giving it some thought, I've decided not to go with the Pioneer UHD Drive option, as it is too expensive, and coming from overseas, getting a refund would be a nightmare in the event I wind up with a dud. The LG UHD Blu-ray Drive, on the other hand, ships directly from Amazon, so a return there would be much less hassle.

In any event, I need to wait a day or two before I can place my order. Hopefully, the LG UHD Drive doesn't sell out before then.

Huge thanks to everyone for your kind input! It is greatly appreciated!!

CHEERS!

 

[DaveF]

Good luck! My LG drive from 2016 worked for eight years on hundreds of DVDs and Blu-rays and about 50 UHD discs. It’s specifically with newer discs that use newest flavors of copy protection that it fails. If that’s what you experience at worst, then you’ll trouble-free save for the occasional Oppenheimer that causes difficulties.

 

[Tony Bensley]

Good luck! My LG drive from 2016 worked for eight years on hundreds of DVDs and Blu-rays and about 50 UHD discs. It’s specifically with newer discs that use newest flavors of copy protection that it fails. If that’s what you experience at worst, then you’ll trouble-free save for the occasional Oppenheimer that causes difficulties.

Thank you, Dave! That's basically how I'm looking at it. Much appreciated!!

CHEERS!

 

[Tony Bensley]

My New LG UHD Blu-ray WRITER – Pros & Cons:

Cons:
First off, lets address the huge elephant in the room, right off the bat! Due to my PC lacking SGX support, which due to security issues, was removed from Gen 11 Intel processors (Which mine is!) and up, plus the subsequent elimination of support for 4K playback in Windows 11, even for PCs loaded with SGX (Thanks a bunch, Microsoft! ), I’m currently unable to play my 4K PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1943) UHD Blu-ray disc! Supposedly, there are some non official software options that bypass the need for SGX in playing 4K Discs on systems that otherwise meet the necessary specs for commercial 4K Disc playback. Leawo sadly will only play non commercial 4K UHD Discs, at present!

My understanding is MakeMKV will allow for ripping 4K UHD video files for subsequent playback, even on systems that lack SGX, although they cannot play the UHD Discs, themselves.

Other Cons:
The eject feature is rather abrupt and noisy, as is often the initial disc loading! The former can be somewhat mitigated by not pulling my thumb away too quickly when ejecting the disc!

OK, now time for some Pros!

Pros:
Despite there being no mention within it’s Amazon Product description (It is however noted on the back of the box's liner notes!), Cyberlink PowerDVD Version 18 was included with my UHD Blu-ray Writer. Unlike my earlier PowerDVD Edition, this version DOES play my more recent Laurel & Hardy Blu-ray sets, so no more menu related playback nightmare issues, especially with my L&H YEAR ONE Blu-ray set, HUZZAH!!!! My Little Rascals ClassicFlix and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1943) Blus also play on PowerDVD 18! PC based playback for most of my Blu-rays were limited to Leawo prior to this.

My Laurel & Hardy SONS OF THE DESERT (1933) Blu-ray, which freezes at around the 2 minute mark on both of my other Blu-ray capable external drives, plays right through flawlessly on my new LG UHD Blu-ray WRITER!

3D Blu-ray support is also included on the UHD Blu-ray WRITER, unlikely as I am to ever be able to take advantage of this feature!

Hopefully, I can figure out a workaround for playing commercial 4K Discs on my UHD Disc Drive, at some point!

CHEERS!

 

[Tony Bensley]

As I am at a standstill for 4K Blu-ray playback on my new LG UHD Drive (Which I'll be keeping for other reasons!), I am eyeing some 4K UHD Blu-ray players, which will be connected to a 4K TV that I will be ordering in the next few days.

Which of these brands are generally best for upscaling and general playback? LG, Panasonic, or Sony? The TV I'm getting is a 43 Inch Hisense (Which itself has AI Upscaling) with a flat/matte finish, which will also be replacing my current Toshiba 32 inch 720p LCD Flatscreen (Which my Acer Laptop is connected to, via HDMI), which also has a flat/matte finish.

Any and all input is greatly appreciated!

CHEERS!

 

[jcroy]

LG discontinued their standalone 4Kbluray players. All the listenings on their official web site says discontinued.

LG search | LG USA

Life's Good with LG. Shop Online at LG.com US to Find the Latest Home Entertainment and Appliances. Add Smart Technology and Modern Design to Your Home Today.

www.lg.com

 

[Tony Bensley]

LG discontinued their standalone 4Kbluray players. All the listenings on their official web site says discontinued.

LG search | LG USA

Life's Good with LG. Shop Online at LG.com US to Find the Latest Home Entertainment and Appliances. Add Smart Technology and Modern Design to Your Home Today.

www.lg.com

Right! At this stage, it's just whatever LG Players haven't yet sold out. It may come down to between Sony and Panasonic for 4K Standalones. Also have to be very careful regarding the wording in the product name and description. One player I had on my Amazon wish list turned out to be a 4K Upscaling Player that does NOT support 4K UHD Blu-ray discs!

CHEERS!

P.S. My Wishlist for anyone who might like to take a look for helpful comparisons. General playback and upscaling capability are what matters to me most, though the All Region LG definitely has some appeal, if a bit pricey:

Check out my list on Amazon

www.amazon.ca

 

[Tony Bensley]

I'm really liking the Sony X700-2K/4K UHD - 2D/3D - Wi-Fi - SA-CD - Multi System Region Free Blu Ray Disc DVD Player!

Sony X700-2K/4K UHD - 2D/3D - Wi-Fi - SA-CD - Multi System Region Free Blu Ray Disc DVD Player - PAL/NTSC - USB - 100-240V 50/60Hz Cames with 6 Feet Multi-System : Amazon.ca: Electronics

Sony X700-2K/4K UHD - 2D/3D - Wi-Fi - SA-CD - Multi System Region Free Blu Ray Disc DVD Player - PAL/NTSC - USB - 100-240V 50/60Hz Cames with 6 Feet Multi-System : Amazon.ca: Electronics

www.amazon.ca

I'm very much about getting bang for my buck, and this Sony UHD Player ticks pretty much all of my boxes, including the very reasonable $420 CDN pretax price point!!

CHEERS!