Samsung BD-J5700 Blu-ray Player Review & Buyer Verdict
In a market flooded with streaming devices, the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Built-in Wi-Fi (Renewed) manages to retain a loyal following among users who still value physical media — scoring a solid 8.4/10 in aggregated user sentiment. Buyers consistently praise its sharp Full HD 1080p playback and multi-format compatibility, but some caution that certain design quirks and app limitations may frustrate the more tech-dependent crowd.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp 1080p Blu-ray playback with excellent upscaling for DVDs | No 4K UHD playback |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube | Some refurbished units arrive with cosmetic flaws or defects |
| Compact, lightweight design fits easily in tight AV setups | No front power indicator light on multiple models |
| Easy setup and intuitive onscreen menu | Limited and sometimes outdated app selection |
| Compatible with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for rich sound | Touch-style buttons criticized for lack of tactile feedback |
| Works well with Samsung TVs via AnyNet+ one-touch control | Slow disc loading times compared to higher-end competitors |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung markets this player as offering “Full HD 1080p playback via HDMI,” and users find this claim to be true in practice. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “The screen is unbelievably clear, easy to hook up, easy to program.” Even older DVDs benefit from the advertised “DVD upscaling to near HD quality,” with several Best Buy customers impressed by the improved detail in their classic collections.
Another core marketing push is the “built-in Wi-Fi” for accessing smart features and apps. While this is accurate, reality comes with caveats. A Trustpilot reviewer complained: “I bought this to stream Netflix… but the activation code had expired. Netflix confirmed it’s a universal issue with this unit.” Consumer Reports also confirmed the range of supported services — Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, and more — but noted these may vary with firmware updates.
The final major promise is broad format compatibility including Blu-ray, DVD, and CD playback, augmented by Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Here, feedback aligns with the claim: Best Buy users consistently called out “fantastic picture and sound quality” and compatibility with various disc types. One refurbished buyer said: “It’s truly an all-in-one media device… plays MP3, AVI, and more from USB.” However, some found that not every app or file type was smooth to set up, especially on renewed units.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Picture quality is the most celebrated attribute. Consumer Reports gave the BD-J5700 “excellent high-definition picture quality” for Blu-rays, and a Best Buy customer wrote: “Our first experience with HDTV & Blu-ray DVDs… wow! What an amazing difference.” For cinephiles and physical media collectors, this means older DVDs look surprisingly sharp thanks to HD upconversion, allowing them to enjoy their library without upgrading every title.
Ease of setup emerges as another standout. Many refurbished buyers appreciated that installation was “plug and play.” Best Buy users repeatedly gave examples, such as: “Installed easily to HDTV using HDMI cable. Worked immediately and connected easily to their Wi-Fi.” This is particularly relevant for casual users or those outfitting secondary rooms where speed and simplicity matter.
Sound quality also wins plaudits when paired with capable audio systems. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio provide depth in home theater environments. In one home setup, a Best Buy reviewer noted: “It pairs perfectly with our TV, connects to Wi-Fi every time, and streams with no problems.” Audiophiles with surround sound setups especially benefit here.
Common Complaints
Disc loading speed and interface restrictions frustrate some owners. While the quick-start mode reduces power-on time, actual Blu-ray disc reading can feel sluggish. One Best Buy user remarked: “Just wish it read the Blu-rays a bit faster… seems slow when first put in compared to others.” In multi-viewing households, this can break immersion during movie marathons.
The absence of a visible power indicator on certain models is surprisingly irritating. Multiple refurbished buyers pointed out that “there is nothing on the front of the unit to indicate it’s on or off.” Without this cue, users must switch the TV input to check status — an inconvenience especially in dark rooms.
Streaming limitations surface periodically, particularly with older firmware. Some Trustpilot reviews detail failed Netflix loads despite updates, and app libraries that feel outdated. This disproportionately affects users buying for modern smart streaming rather than disc playback.
Divisive Features
Touch-sensitive buttons divide opinion. Some appreciate the sleek, modern look, while others lament the loss of tactile feedback. A Best Buy buyer explained: “I prefer raised buttons that provide tactile feedback… but it seems to be the current trend.” This minor ergonomic issue matters most to those who switch inputs or eject discs manually.
Refurbished condition variability also polarizes buyers. While Amazon customers occasionally receive units that “still had the protective coating on,” others encountered immediate malfunctions. One frustrated review stated: “This is the biggest piece of junk I have ever ordered… never was refurbished.” This reflects the risk inherent to renewed products when quality control is inconsistent.
Trust & Reliability
Digging deeper into long-term accounts, durability appears solid for most units. One Best Buy reviewer said: “I bought a refurbished unit over one year ago and it is still working fine.” Another added that refurbished electronics from Samsung and Best Buy had “never been an issue” over several years, indicating satisfactory longevity.
However, Trustpilot data introduces skepticism. Multiple reviewers questioned whether “refurbished” devices had been checked at all, citing returns of non-functional units. Combined with missing Netflix compatibility in certain cases, some buyers remain wary of reneweds for primary setups.
For owners willing to perform occasional firmware updates and accept minor cosmetic imperfections, reliability can be comparable to new units — but those expecting flawless smart streaming may need to vet firmware status pre-purchase.
Alternatives
Only models mentioned in user discussions can be compared here. The Samsung BD-H5900 offers similar Full HD playback plus 3D support, earning high praise for its intuitive interface and smart tools. For users with a 3D TV, Best Buy feedback called it “a great 3D DVD player for a great price.”
On the higher end, the Samsung UBD-K8500 supports 4K UHD and HDR, with users describing “amazing picture and sound” even on HD TVs. It’s recommended for UHD disc collectors but criticized for lacking firmware updates over time.
For those seeking premium build and extra connectivity, the UBD-M9500 adds dual HDMI outputs and broader app selection, though it lacks front panel controls beyond eject.
Price & Value
At $149.99 new from Amazon Renewed, plus shipping, the BD-J5700 undercuts many modern 4K players while retaining smart app access. eBay resale trends show functioning units often listed between $29-$40, making them attractive for secondary setups.
Community tips lean toward confirming refurbisher reputation and firmware status before purchase. Amazon buyers have occasionally found “new condition” units at renewed pricing, a major value win. Conversely, Trustpilot experiences show that poor refurb quality can erase savings through return hassles.
FAQ
Q: Does this Blu-ray player support 4K UHD discs?
A: No. It plays standard Blu-ray, DVD, and CD formats with upscaling to 1080p, but cannot read UHD Blu-ray discs.
Q: Can I stream Netflix and YouTube directly?
A: Yes, if the firmware supports it. Some renewed units require updates, and in rare cases, apps may fail to activate.
Q: Does it include an HDMI cable?
A: Most renewed listings include a high-speed HDMI cable, but some buyers report needing to purchase it separately.
Q: How fast does it load discs?
A: Startup is near-instant with quick-start mode, but Blu-ray load averages around 13-15 seconds according to Consumer Reports.
Q: Is it compatible with non-Samsung TVs?
A: Yes. HDMI connectivity ensures compatibility with any HDTV, though Samsung AnyNet+ offers enhanced control only with Samsung devices.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a physical media enthusiast who values sharp Full HD playback, compact design, and occasional smart streaming. Avoid if you need flawless modern app performance or 4K UHD. Pro tip from the community: Confirm firmware version immediately after purchase to ensure app compatibility and keep the player updated for best performance.
