[ INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT // OPTICAL DRIVES ]
LG BH12LS38
Internal SATA writer with 12× BD-R single-layer rating, dual-layer BD-R recording and LightScribe. Specifications are model-specific; maximum ratings depend on media, firmware and recording mode.
IDENTIFICATION: LG BH12LS38 · match the full model suffix and OEM label to the cited documentation before assigning capabilities.
Documented specifications
| Catalog subcategory | Blu-ray drives |
|---|---|
| Exact model | LG BH12LS38 |
| Drive type | Internal 12× LightScribe Blu-ray Disc rewriter |
| Supported media and read/write formats | Reads BD-ROM, BD-R/RE, DVD-ROM and CD-ROM; writes BD-R SL/DL up to 12×/8×, BD-RE up to 2×, DVD±R up to 16×, DVD±R DL up to 8×, DVD+RW up to 8×, DVD-RW up to 6×, DVD-RAM up to 12×, CD-R up to 48× and CD-RW up to 24×. |
| Rated maximum speeds | BD-R SL/DL 12×/8×; BD-RE 2×; DVD±R 16×; DVD±R DL 8×; DVD+RW 8× / DVD-RW 6×; DVD-RAM 12×; CD-R 48× / CD-RW 24×. |
| Interface and mechanical fit | Internal Serial ATA (SATA), 5.25-inch half-height desktop mechanism. Confirm connector, front bezel, mounting screw positions, clearance and supply before installation; do not treat this summary as a dimensional drawing. |
| Host compatibility | Internal 5.25-inch half-height SATA PC drive. Requires SATA data/power, compatible host controller/BIOS and OS optical-device support. Blu-ray playback/authoring depends on host software, codecs/protection and media. LightScribe requires compatible labeling media/software. |
| Model-specific qualification | BH12LS38 is distinct from BH12LS30 and BH12NS30; verify the suffix because LightScribe and rated speed/media matrices differ. No BDXL/UHD support is asserted. |
Host setup and preservation notes
- Verify the exact drive label, firmware, SATA data/power connection and optical-device enumeration before testing media. Old vendor OS lists describe tested software at release, not a modern support guarantee.
- Read support is not write support. Use media bearing a format the exact drive/firmware supports; distinguish BD-ROM, BD-R and BD-RE, and do not infer BDXL/UHD capability from the Blu-ray logo alone.
- For preservation reads or recordings, log drive model/firmware, host controller, OS/software, media type, checksums and read/verification errors. Keep original discs unmodified and store them in protective cases in a clean, cool, dry location.
Manufacturer, standards and preservation sources
- LG — BH12LS38.AVAR12B supportManufacturer support/documentation record for the exact BH12LS38 SKU.
- LG BH12LS38 owner manualModel manual for installation, media matrix and product cautions.
- Blu-ray Disc Association — format specificationsDisc-format reference; it does not certify any individual drive.
- NIST — care and handling of optical discsPreservation and handling guidance; retain verified copies and logs.
Vendor speed ratings are maxima under specified media and modes, not guaranteed sustained rates or a warranty that aged media remains readable.