Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player Review: Budget-Friendly Verdict
Bursting past expectations for a refurbished model, the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Wi-Fi (Renewed) scores a solid 8.2/10 thanks to its blend of sharp Full HD playback, versatile disc compatibility, and smart streaming capabilities—though lingering reliability concerns mean it’s not for everyone. Multiple owners on Best Buy and Amazon call it “fantastic for Netflix and Blu-ray,” while others warn of “slow boot times” and “spotty Wi-Fi.”
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—best suited for budget-conscious users who want Blu-ray and streaming in one slim device, but not for those needing flawless long-term reliability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent 1080p picture quality | Some units fail to read Blu-ray discs over time |
| Built-in Wi-Fi enables Netflix, Hulu, Amazon | Slow boot and disc load times |
| Supports CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, some 3D titles | Weak 2.4GHz Wi-Fi performance |
| HDMI output for high-quality audio/video | No front power indicator light |
| Easy setup and simple interface | Limited app selection compared to newer devices |
| Affordable refurbished pricing | Occasional freezes or buffering while streaming |
| Compact, sleek design | Remote ergonomics and button design criticized |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung markets this renewed player as delivering Full HD 1080p playback via HDMI with built-in Wi-Fi that opens up “all smart Blu-ray features and apps wirelessly.” The specs promise DVD upscaling to near-HD quality and “syncing content across PCs, smartphones, tablets, and cameras.”
A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “The screen is unbelievably clear, easy to hook up, easy to program. I definitely would recommend this.” That reflects the reality for users who pair it with an HDTV—Blu-ray discs look “fantastic” and upscaled DVDs are “clear and crisp,” especially for families replacing older DVD equipment.
Wi-Fi connectivity, in theory, should be seamless. Many reviewers on Best Buy’s Geek Squad refurbished listing said “internet setup was a breeze” and apps “stream smoothly.” However, Trustpilot reviewers of similar Samsung refurbished models highlight frequent “network drops,” with one stating: “Had to reenter SSID and WEP key every time—other devices had no problem, so it was the player.” This gap between promise and practice is especially relevant for households relying entirely on its streaming functions.
Samsung’s mention of “fast startup” runs into real-world conflict: while the BD-HM59C touts 0.5 second readiness, owners of the BD-C6500 variant report up to “1 min 15 secs from power on to DVD menu.” For impatient streamers or families with young children, that delay could undermine convenience claims.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Picture quality gets the loudest applause. Reddit profiles and Best Buy customers routinely praise “beautiful” and “amazing picture” with Blu-ray discs. One Best Buy reviewer wrote: “Great 3D DVD player for a great price. Easy to use and works well with my Samsung 3D TV.” This makes it attractive for home theater enthusiasts who value high-definition fidelity without paying for 4K.
Ease of setup is another consistent win. From Amazon to Twitter/X, stories abound of “plugged in the HDMI and Ethernet cable, it auto-configured the network, downloaded updates…could not have been easier.” For retirees or technically cautious buyers, this stress-free onboarding matters.
DVD upscaling is a hidden gem for casual viewers with large legacy collections. A verified buyer explained: “Watched my favorite DVD movies with greater detail and clarity—this player made them look almost HD.”
Streaming integration, while not perfect, works well enough for most. Best Buy reviewers mention seamless Netflix and Amazon playback once connected. For cord-cutters, one customer openly celebrated: “After buying this, I got rid of cable. Bought a second one.”
Common Complaints
By far the most concerning recurring theme is blu-ray disc reading failure over time. Several Amazon and Trustpilot owners reported the player “won’t read Blu-rays after months” while still handling DVDs, requiring resets or service. This especially impacts film collectors trusting it as a primary player.
Wi-Fi instability impacts streaming households more than physical media users. The reliance on 2.4GHz and occasional buffering brought frustration: “Amazon Prime said bandwidth is insufficient, but no other device has issues,” one buyer lamented.
Boot and load times draw ire from impatient users. “Slow when first put in compared to others…once it takes off it has excellent picture,” a Best Buy customer conceded. Trustpilot entries echo that updates and navigation are “laggy during movies.”
Design quirks—like no front power light—annoy those who want clear operational cues. One Twitter/X reviewer pointed out: “Only way to know if it’s on is to switch to its input on the TV.”
Divisive Features
The touch-sensitive panel earns both praise for sleekness and criticism for lack of tactile feedback. In dark rooms, the absence of raised buttons frustrated some: “Prefer raised buttons that provide tactile feedback instead of the 'touch' style.”
The refurbished status divides opinion. Budget hunters on Best Buy and Amazon rave about “great bargain” performance; skeptics cite short life spans and poor refurb QC. One Amazon critic said: “Refurbished item that obviously never was refurbished…runs 20 minutes then stops.”
Trust & Reliability
Digging deeper into Trustpilot patterns and multi-platform reviews, a recurring risk emerges: refurbished Samsung Blu-ray players often shine out of the box but can falter within 6–12 months. Trustpilot’s low average scores stem from units freezing mid-movie, refusing Blu-ray playback, or losing Wi-Fi connectivity entirely. A customer wrote: “Stopped working after a few months…Samsung was ‘zero’ help.”
However, counterexamples abound: Twitter/X users report owning refurbished units “for over a year” with “no issues.” It’s plausible longevity varies by individual refurbishment quality—a lottery some are willing to play for the price savings.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned by buyers include Sony BDP-S1700, praised for “quick start and easy setup” with strong DVD upscaling, and Panasonic models like the DVD-S700, valued for “non-Wi-Fi environments” and compact design. For those burned by Samsung’s Wi-Fi drops, Panasonic’s reliability may be worth the trade-off in fewer streaming apps.
Cord cutters might also consider Roku-enabled TVs or streaming sticks paired with a simpler Blu-ray-only player if app load times prove too frustrating.
Price & Value
Current Amazon renewed pricing hovers around $149.99, a 7% discount off list. On eBay, tested working refurbished units often list between $29.99 and $39.99, making aftermarket purchases highly economical—but potentially riskier in warranty support.
Resale value is modest; Blu-ray players without remotes can sink below $20 despite working status. Community buying tips suggest: buy with a return policy, verify optical drive functionality immediately, and secure a remote-compatible model for full feature access.
FAQ
Q: Can it play 3D Blu-rays?
A: Yes, some models support 3D playback when paired with a 3D TV, active shutter glasses, and compatible 3D discs.
Q: Does it support 4K Ultra HD discs?
A: No, this renewed model outputs Full HD 1080p only. For 4K UHD playback, users should seek Samsung’s UBD-K8500 or similar.
Q: Can I stream from my PC?
A: Yes, via Samsung AllShare, allowing wired or wireless network streaming from compatible PCs.
Q: Does it include an HDMI cable?
A: Many renewed packages include a CubeCable HDMI, but listings vary—check seller details.
Q: What if my Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping?
A: Some users switch to wired Ethernet for stability; others report success moving the player closer to the router.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a budget-minded home theater owner who values strong picture quality, has moderate streaming needs, and can accept potential quirks in a refurbished unit. Avoid if you depend heavily on flawless Wi-Fi streaming or require guaranteed long-term Blu-ray reliability.
Pro tip from the community: “Test it hard in the first 90 days—stream, play multiple discs, and check Wi-Fi stability—so any issues are covered by the refurbished warranty.”
