Shuffled the optical drives on my desktops. My Win7 machine had a pair of LG BluRay burners - WH12LS39 and BH12LS38 - from 2012-2013. For a few years now both have been in a peculiar failed state - reading/writing CD/BD fine, but only recognizing 1/5 or less DVD discs - burnt or pressed - doesn't matter. My Win10 desktop has a WH14NS40, which works fine, but has developed an "angry tray" syndrome - the tray closes immediately upon opening, unless held with force. It's annoying.

So I ordered one of these BH12LS35 from China. No idea if it's a fake, or some legacy production line, but according to the label it was manufactured in 2021, and together with some old LiteOn picked up from recycling, I seem to have three functional drives again. At least they read all types of discs, haven't tried burning yet. I've put the LiteOn in the Win10 desktop and both LGs in the Win7 system.

The LG WH14NS40 tray now sometimes stays open. Usually after 2nd or 3rd attempt. Not sure if it's a worn belt, a dirty/faulty sensor or what not. I may try to grease it or mess with it somehow if it gets too annoying. With all the semi-dead optical drives I have enough spare mechanical parts, but transplanting them isn't always easy. Last time I needed a working optical for my parents' computer I ended up getting a good belt from a drive with a dead laser and putting it in a good drive with a stuck tray.

The WH14NS40 is the only drive in my possession that supposedly reads and writes BD-XL (100GB) discs. Supposedly, because the only two discs I've ever burnt end up with CRC errors trying to read them back on the same drive. These were Verbatim discs ordered from Japan, so not rock-bottom garbage. I don't have another drive to try them on. Reading online it seems that any modern BD burner you buy tends to malfunction within a relatively short period of time. The age of optical media for backup/archival purposes might be drawing to a close, even for retro-enthusiasts.

appiah4 wrote on 2026-02-16, 06:16:

Because they are people of discipline who worked their asses off at the age you are trying to engage in hobbies instead, therefore they made enough money to afford paying however much they want for whatever they want, so they can sell it at whatever they want and tell you to fuck right off if you try to bullshit them.

Don't fuck with GenX. You are the problem. You are NOT entitled to someone else's Presario. Act like you are, and they will tell you where to put it.

I wanted to reply exactly this but couldn't be bothered. Well said appiah4 👍

I'm on the train to Stroud (UK) this morning, to visit The Cave, which regular Retro Collective (a.k.a. RMC Retro) viewers will know well. 🙂

I was in London for a conference this week, so I figured I'd take the opportunity to check it out this weekend, while I'm visiting the Island.

Tickets were selling out fast when I booked earlier this week! Pretty stoked to be checking it out, and perhaps I'll get to meet Neil in person as well, if he's there today.

I do have to say that train tickets in the UK are quite expensive! But I'm heaving a pleasant journey so far.