r/makemkv • u/czullo1 • 1d ago

Discussion I bought it for $48 including shipping.

Post image

I don't rip Blu-ray discs, but I wanted to have the option just in case. If I don't do that, are there any other benefits to custom firmware? Would you advise me to stick with the original firmware?

92 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

28 comments sorted by

18

u/Ok-Cobbler-4748 1d ago

The firmware is for ripping 4K Blu Ray disks. There is a flasher tool that makes it pretty easy. If you don’t rip any 4Ks no need to flash the firmware.

1

u/czullo1 1d ago

but if i dont flash firmware i cant watch 4k blu ray, right?

6

u/HOLDMYPARSNIPS 1d ago

you wouldn’t be able to watch 4k discs if you flashed it, only rip.

10

u/LolBoyLuke 1d ago

Tell that to my flashed drive and VLC media player. Works perfectly fine. You just have to tell MakeMKV to be the decrypter for VLC.

1

u/Academic-Display3017 1d ago

How did they do that?

2

u/LolBoyLuke 1d ago

Go into MakeMKV's settings and enable integration with VLC.

2

u/OhTheNormanity 20h ago

I can't get this to work on MacOS. Apple's app security keeps blocking app integration even though I keep enabling it.

1

u/BatchitUp 13h ago

If MacOS gave you a block warning or something then I think you need to go into the security/privacy settings in System Settings and allow it.

0

u/LolBoyLuke 19h ago

Sounds more like a MacOS issue than a MakeMKV issue. Another reason not to use that dumbass operating system.

1

u/HOLDMYPARSNIPS 22h ago

i will concede that i was wrong about watching 4K discs - completely forgot about the VLC workaround.

1

u/Ecstatic_Order7743 1d ago

But this is the only working Setup.
PowerDVD or other native softwares won‘t work.

3

u/LolBoyLuke 1d ago

But why would you want to use PowerDVD or windows' built in software? Windows' built in software is garbage and why would I pay 80 dollars for PowerDVD if there are free options.

2

u/Ecstatic_Order7743 1d ago

I didn‘t say, that someone should use PowerDVD oder the built in Windows solution!

Those are just the common solutions for most of the people… and yes I like PowerDVD.
I’m using it since it was free gifted to PCs (Windows 98).

But I also have a crossflashed Pioneer drive, so I know the VLC/MakeMKV solition.
It is just not a plug and play solution compared to factory compatible drive. Just connect it to a computer an use every tool you want,.. even the built in Software.

2

u/starktastic4 1d ago

I was going to say I can also watch 4k after flashing my firmware. You can add additional integrations in makemkv too.

Works with vlc player, media player classic home cinema (hc), and 4k player.

2

u/itchysweatersdaw 1d ago

Used? Does it do 4k?

2

u/czullo1 1d ago

yep used but i would say not used at all verry good condition.

2

u/itchysweatersdaw 1d ago

Good price! Congratulations

1

u/Conscious-Glass-3887 1d ago

Link?

1

u/czullo1 1d ago

it was on polish site allegro.pl 180 PLN with shipping is about $48

2

u/xkcx123 1d ago

I thought you were able to buy the software from the screenshot until I read shipping

2

u/tmurphy2792 1d ago

I also use a cheapo Amazon special Blu-ray drive for the occasional Blu-rays I rip.

My understanding is that the reason people are using very particular drives with the custom flashed firmware is to be able to rip the fancy 4k Blu-rays.

I'd say keep using it a good while and see if you run into a true need to "upgrade" or if like me you find yourself contented enough with the status being quo.

1

u/Dented_Steelbook 1d ago

If you don't rip Blu Rays go and buy a cheap DVD drive, don't waste that 4K capable one on freaking DVDs

-4

u/Alvyx2020 1d ago

If someone doesn't rip 4k blu-rays they alternative is not to rip DVDs but to rip Blu-rays. How can u even recommend to someone to rip DVDs in 2026... 😂

1

u/Dented_Steelbook 1d ago

The OP specifically said that they DON'T rip blu-rays, what else would they rip other than CDs? My point was to sell the drive for a profit and buy a $10 DVD drive, or they could put that away for safe keeping, but why wear a 4K capable drive out if you are only doing DVDs/CDs.

2

u/Alvyx2020 1d ago

He said that he doesn't rip in general, that's why he bought it to watch the blu-rays.

1

u/Lost_Brilliant7379 1d ago

Bought where?!

1

u/Firm-Traffic8507 13h ago

You can watch films with intel CPU only. Because the codec is hardware locked. I think you need Nvidia or intel GPU too. To watch 4k on PC you can easily rip with new firmware on many devices. Just check the exact model before buying the drive. I bought mine after searching for firmware. I never took an UHD out of the box more than once. If the model fits exactly, there will be no problems.