Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player Review: Compact but Flawed
“Small, sleek, and packed with streaming features, the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Built-in Wi-Fi (Renewed) earns a conditional 7.3/10 from real-world users — praised for its compact design and crisp playback, but dogged by Wi-Fi dropouts, app limitations, and longevity concerns.”
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — ideal for budget-minded users prioritizing disc playback and basic streaming, but risky for heavy app use or long-term reliability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp Blu-ray and upscaled DVD picture quality | Frequent Wi-Fi connectivity issues |
| Compact, lightweight build | No power indicator light |
| Built-in streaming apps for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime | Limited app selection and dated interface |
| Affordable refurbished pricing | Short lifespan reported by many owners |
| Easy Ethernet setup for stable streaming | Refurbs sometimes arrive damaged or DOA |
| Integrates well with Samsung TVs | No optical audio output (only coaxial) |
| Fast disc load times compared to peers | Warranty often just 90 days |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung’s marketing highlights Full HD 1080p playback, built-in Wi-Fi with access to smart apps, and DVD upscaling to near-HD quality. The promise: a device that turns any TV into a smart hub, while being compact and stylish.
On picture quality, users widely agree Samsung delivers. A verified Amazon buyer noted: “The picture quality is superb, and it’s easy to use.” Many reported that DVDs look noticeably sharper through its upscaling, with Reddit and Best Buy buyers praising clear, vibrant output on both 2D and 3D content.
However, the Wi-Fi claim is where expectations meet a wall. While officially marketed as “built-in” and “fast,” dozens of owners describe unstable performance. One Amazon reviewer complained: “Using it for Netflix or other streaming service can be a bit of a pain… after powering off, it usually won’t reconnect to the router.” Others resorted to Ethernet cables despite buying a Wi-Fi model, undermining the selling point.
Samsung also touts “smart features and apps,” yet the reality is a dated, sometimes clunky interface with limited app availability compared to modern streaming sticks. Best Buy users noted lag in YouTube and lack of newer services, while Trustpilot complaints centered on streaming apps breaking after firmware updates.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Twitter/X reactions, disc playback quality is the strongest point. Whether Blu-ray or upscaled DVD, colors and contrast impressed. A Twitter user summed it up: “Plays all videos, including Blu-ray very well… the picture is great.” For movie collectors, the device’s support for CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs from one unit is a convenience win.
Compact size also wins points with those in smaller spaces. One Amazon buyer described it as “only about as wide as 2 DVD boxes” making it ideal for secondary rooms or minimalist setups. Users with Samsung TVs found tight integration valuable — input switching often powers the player automatically, and remotes can control basic functions without extra pairing.
Basic setup is simple. Multiple sources praise intuitive navigation and fast boot times — especially compared to less responsive older players. As a Quora review put it: “Easy to hook up, easy to navigate through, great picture great audio.”
Common Complaints
Wi-Fi reliability dominates the negatives. Verified Trustpilot feedback is blunt: “The built in Wi-Fi is nonexistent… every time I turned it on, it wanted to do updates that took forever.” Amazon reviewers reinforce this pattern, especially for routers beyond 20–30 feet range. Streaming apps like Netflix often fail to connect or buffer endlessly.
Longevity is another pain point. Numerous buyers reported failures within 4–6 months — from the unit no longer recognizing discs to broken internet functions after firmware updates. One frustrated Amazon customer said: “This Samsung takes the cake on having the shortest life of all… I give it six months to a year.” Given the frequent 90-day refurb warranties, out-of-warranty repairs become costly.
Physical design quirks also spark consistent gripes: no front-panel power indicator, no optical audio out (only coaxial), and lightweight construction that can slide when plugging cables. As one Amazon buyer described, “Someone has to hold from the front so the cables can be plugged in the back.”
Divisive Features
Streaming capability splits opinions. Ethernet-connected users often enjoy stable Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime performance. But Wi-Fi users experience dropouts and outdated app catalogs. For households with strong wired connections, the player’s all-in-one media abilities shine. For wireless-only users, frustration is common.
Refurbished condition frames another split — some receive units “looking new” and “working perfectly,” per Twitter praise; others report DOA units, visible scuffs, or mechanical issues right out of the box, as a Best Buy reviewer lamented about a “broken disc door” on arrival.
Trust & Reliability
Digging deeper into Trustpilot and long-term anecdotes, the player’s reliability is shaky. Once past the warranty window, failures often mean scrapping the unit due to repair shipping costs. One Trustpilot reviewer recounted: “Shortly after the warranty expired the internet capability… quit working. It buffered a lot before it broke down.”
Long-term Samsung fans express disappointment at declining durability compared to earlier models. Reddit comments emphasize older units lasting years, while newer ones falter within months. Firmware updates can even remove or break streaming services, with one user finding Netflix unusable after a July update.
Refurbished models vary — some survive multiple years without issue, others fail fast. Buyers stressed choosing sellers with solid return policies to hedge against early malfunctions.
Alternatives
Within Samsung’s ecosystem, the BD-H5900 and UBD-M9500 surfaced in community discussions as higher-tier options, offering more app support, 3D capability, or 4K upscaling. The UBD-M9500, noted in Consumer Reports, maintains excellent disc quality and broader streaming support, but at a steeper price and larger footprint.
Outside Samsung, some users switch to compact streaming sticks for online apps paired with a basic Blu-ray player for discs — sidestepping app instability while keeping robust playback features.
Price & Value
Amazon lists units around $110 renewed, with eBay resale prices dipping to $30–$40 for tested working models without remotes. Value depends heavily on intended use: disc collectors seeking clean playback can justify the price, but streaming-focused households may find better reliability in a dedicated streaming device.
Community buying tips emphasize wired Ethernet to avoid Wi-Fi pitfalls, checking refurb warranties carefully, and testing all functions immediately upon arrival to ensure prompt returns if needed.
FAQ
Q: Does the player support 5GHz Wi-Fi networks?
A: No, the internal radio only operates on 2.4GHz, as multiple Amazon reviewers pointed out. This can limit streaming speed and stability compared to modern dual-band devices.
Q: Can I connect it directly to a surround sound system?
A: Yes, via HDMI for full audio or coaxial for digital audio. There is no optical output, so ensure your system supports coaxial if not using HDMI.
Q: Are streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu still available?
A: They’re included at sale, but firmware updates and service changes can remove or break certain apps. Some Trustpilot users lost Netflix functionality after updates.
Q: Is there a disc load speed difference compared to other players?
A: Users report faster-than-average start-up and disc load times, especially for Blu-ray compared to older models. Amazon and Best Buy reviews praise “quick boot” and “fast loading.”
Q: Does it come with an HDMI cable?
A: Not always. Many buyers note purchasing HDMI cables separately, so check your seller’s listing.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious viewer prioritizing disc playback with occasional wired streaming; avoid if you need flawless Wi-Fi performance or plan heavy app use. Pro tip from the community: purchase from a seller offering at least a 90-day warranty and connect via Ethernet for best streaming results.
