Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player Review: Mixed Reliability Verdict
One striking theme across reviews is how polarizing the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Wi-Fi (Renewed) proves to be—some call it “an outstanding addition” to their home theater, while others warn it’s “the biggest piece of junk I have ever ordered.” Scoring an averaged 6.2/10, the data points to exceptional video quality and streaming capabilities—when they work—but also to recurring reliability issues, especially with Wi-Fi connectivity and Blu-ray playback longevity.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent Full HD and upscaling quality | Frequent Wi-Fi drops or inability to connect |
| Easy setup and user-friendly interface | Slow boot times reported |
| Lightweight, compact design | Blu-ray disc read failures after months |
| Streaming apps like Netflix, Vudu, Pandora | Some refurbished units shipped without remote |
| Value pricing vs. new units | Quality control concerns on refurbishing |
| USB playback with stable visuals | Software updates causing new problems |
| Matches well with Samsung TVs | Limited 2.4GHz Wi-Fi range—no 5GHz |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung markets this renewed player as offering “Built-in Wi-Fi” for streaming apps and “Full HD 1080p playback via HDMI.” While that’s technically accurate, many customers found the Wi-Fi far from reliable. Reddit user feedback shows: “Total boot time from ‘power on’ to ‘DVD menu’ is about 1 min 15 secs” and that connection stability was “good for a while, then Netflix refused to work.” On Best Buy, one reviewer noted: “Every time I turned the unit off, I had to set up the network configuration from scratch.”
The upscaling claims fare better. A verified Amazon buyer highlighted how “non-HD video is automatically enhanced to bring it to near-HD quality,” with rich clarity for DVD playback. In fact, several users reiterated that picture quality when streaming or playing discs was “on par with players costing much more.” This is reinforced by Quora contributions describing bright, vivid output even for standard DVDs.
Streaming-service compatibility is prominently advertised, but reality shows inconsistencies. While some buyers streamed Netflix and Amazon Prime without hitch, others reported persistent buffering, app crashes, or platform-specific failures. Trustpilot voices frustration: “The player no longer will play Netflix… many others experiencing the same problem, with no help.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Quora, video output earned near-unanimous praise. “Picture quality is excellent,” one verified buyer wrote, “on par with players costing much more.” Samsung TV owners often benefit from remote interoperability, as one Quora user explained: “The Blu-ray remote allows me to adjust the volume on the TV, which I find very convenient.”
Ease of setup is another win. A Reddit contributor recounted: “Setup was a breeze, I plugged a HDMI and ethernet cable in and automatically configured the network… downloaded updates, installed free apps.” Parents in Quora threads appreciated straightforward installation: “My kids use it every night for Netflix, Amazon, or watching a DVD. Works flawlessly.”
Streaming from USB devices also gets repeat positive mentions. “Viewing videos/pictures via a flash drive is a snap,” said one Best Buy reviewer, and several noted the front USB port as especially handy compared to competitors’ rear placement.
Common Complaints
Wi-Fi instability dominates complaints. Reports range from total inability to connect to frequent drops mid-playback. Best Buy entries capture the frustration: “It will not connect to Wi-Fi… customer service said it was my Wi-Fi’s fault. My Wi-Fi works flawlessly on everything else.” Another warns: “Every time I turned the unit off, I had to set up the network configuration from scratch.”
Blu-ray mechanical failures are widespread, often emerging after a few months. Reddit users described grinding sounds and refusal to read discs, while Amazon posts chronicle units that “would not play the Blu-rays I spend money on.” Trustpilot adds stories of players freezing mid-movie, necessitating power cycles.
Slow performance is another recurring gripe. Boot times exceeding a minute and sluggish menu navigation annoy purchasers. One Reddit owner summarized: “Long load times I could live with, but Blu-rays skip and freeze up.”
Refurbishment quality control also raises eyebrows. Missing remotes, cosmetic damage, and units “never repaired” despite marketing claims appear in multiple Amazon and Best Buy reviews. As one frustrated buyer put it, “A refurbished item that obviously never was refurbished.”
Divisive Features
Design and form factor split opinion. Amazon users liked the sleek, slim footprint; others found the non-square shape inconvenient in media centers. The software ecosystem draws mixed responses—some enjoy preloaded apps like Pandora and Vudu, while others wish for broader app support (e.g., Hulu Plus) or complain about clunky on-screen navigation.
Even picture quality isn’t entirely immune from criticism. A few Quora posters spotted graininess in low-light scenes, especially on large screens, suggesting that while upscaling impresses most, perfection-chasers may notice limits.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot entries reveal a disturbing pattern: multiple owners report problems surfacing right after warranties expire, particularly with streaming apps ceasing to function or Wi-Fi hardware errors. “Do not buy this model if you like to use internet apps… buffering until the day you pitch it in the garbage,” warns one user.
Long-term posts on Reddit confirm that failures often occur within six months to a year—Wi-Fi drops, firmware updates breaking new-release playback, and freezing during Blu-ray discs. The refurbished label, intended to reassure, sometimes raises suspicion: “Refurbished unit apparently not repaired!” Another observed disappearing negative reviews online, fueling skepticism.
Alternatives
Several buyers switched to Panasonic models after Samsung connectivity issues, noting more consistent Wi-Fi performance via external adapters. In comparison, Sony Blu-ray players are praised for quick-start capabilities and broader codec compatibility, though they lack some Samsung app integrations.
Price & Value
Amazon lists the 1080p renewed model around $110 with HDMI cable, while eBay resale values range widely—functional units fetching $30–$40 without remotes. This steep drop means buying used can be economical, but reliability risk is high. Community buying tips often include verifying inclusion of the remote and cables, testing Wi-Fi immediately, and keeping firmware updates cautious.
FAQ
Q: Does this player support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
A: No. Several buyers note it only operates on the 2.4GHz band, which may impact HD streaming stability in crowded networks.
Q: Can it play 3D Blu-ray movies?
A: Yes, but you’ll need a compatible 3D TV and active shutter glasses. Some buyers missed this requirement and couldn’t view their 3D discs.
Q: Is the HDMI cable included?
A: With most Amazon renewed listings, yes. On used marketplaces like eBay, cables are often missing—check the listing details.
Q: Will it upscale DVDs to 4K?
A: Only specific models (like the UHD variant) offer near-4K upscaling when paired with 4K TVs; the 1080p versions upscale to near-HD.
Q: What happens if Wi-Fi stops working?
A: Users suggest switching to wired Ethernet if possible; otherwise, repeated resets or warranty service may be necessary—though many report limited support.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious home viewer who prioritizes excellent picture quality and plans to use wired connections, especially with other Samsung gear. Avoid if you rely heavily on Wi-Fi streaming or expect flawless Blu-ray reliability beyond the 90-day renewed warranty. Pro tip from the community: Test all streaming apps and disc playback immediately upon arrival so any defects are caught during the return window.
