Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player Review: Mixed Streaming Verdict
When digging into real-world reports, the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Wi-Fi (Renewed) presents a mixed but revealing story. Many buyers praised its “clear, crisp picture” and smart features, yet recurring complaints about Netflix, disc recognition issues, and misleading “Wi‑Fi ready” marketing temper the enthusiasm. Across hundreds of reviews from Amazon, Best Buy, and refurb outlets, the score balances at about 6.8/10—a capable machine for consistent disc playback, but far from a flawless streaming hub.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp 1080p HD and upscaled DVD quality via HDMI | Streaming apps like Netflix often malfunction or drop connection |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for smart features (without extra cables) | “Wi-Fi ready” on some models still requires purchasing a LAN adapter |
| Affordable refurbished price | Short lifespan and abrupt failures reported after months of use |
| Easy setup and intuitive menu | Old firmware limits new disc compatibility |
| Plays Blu-ray, DVD, and CD formats smoothly | Inferior app store selection compared to modern streaming sticks |
| Compact design fits small entertainment spaces | Touch-style controls on unit frustrate some users |
| Fast startup compared to older players | Build quality and refurb inspection inconsistencies |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung markets this renewed player with Full HD 1080p playback, built‑in Wi‑Fi, and smart app access, promising a compact all‑in‑one entertainment hub. A verified Amazon buyer noted: “The screen is unbelievably clear… easy to hook up, easy to program. Definitely would recommend this refurbished product to anyone.” This backs the visual quality claim—on disc content, most agree it delivers clean, sharp images.
The “built‑in Wi‑Fi” claim is more contentious. Several Twitter/X reviewers found that “Wi‑Fi ready really means you have to purchase a LAN adapter to be able to connect to the Wi-Fi,” with prices for that adapter running $50–$100. For anyone expecting instant wireless streaming out of the box, this felt deceptive.
Samsung also emphasizes “Smart Blu‑ray features and apps.” While owners enjoy Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, and Amazon access, success rates vary. Trustpilot users described apps “always re-buffering” before breaking entirely, while Quora contributors found streaming stable but slow on certain titles—particularly 3D content or high-bitrate 1080p streams.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Quora, and eBay buyer notes, disc playback quality earns consistent praise. Reddit user feedback describes upconversion making “DVD movies look better than ever,” an advantage for users with large legacy collections. Home theater enthusiasts especially appreciate Dolby TrueHD and DTS surround decoding—Quora reviewers calling it “fantastic player… great picture and sound quality.”
Ease of setup appeals to non-technical buyers. “I set it up in minutes… got it mainly to view Netflix, but it provides so much more,” said a Best Buy reviewer. Parents buying for children’s rooms found HDMI output and simple menus perfect for low-maintenance operation.
The compact footprint is another win. A verified Amazon buyer valued it because “the shape fits right into our small entertainment shelf,” making it viable for apartments, RVs, or auxiliary TVs.
Common Complaints
Streaming reliability issues dominate negative sentiment. A Trustpilot customer lamented, “Don’t buy this model if you like to use internet apps… Netflix app will always be re-buffering until the day you pitch it in the garbage.” Similar frustration echoed from Twitter/X users encountering endless buffering despite decent broadband speeds.
Hardware durability is also questioned. On Amazon, one owner saw it “stop recognizing discs after only 6 months.” Best Buy reviewers recounted receiving multiple non-functional replacements—suggesting refurb inspection lapses. The short warranty (often just 90 days) compounded dissatisfaction when failures occurred after coverage ended.
The “Wi-Fi ready” labeling confusion impacts expectation setting. Buyers assuming instant wireless use, like one Twitter/X reviewer who said, “Since that’s the only reason I purchased it… I am going to return,” felt misled—and ended up souring on Samsung entirely.
Divisive Features
The player’s smart app library splits opinion. Some appreciate even limited offerings—Amazon, YouTube, Hulu—without needing a separate streaming stick. Others compare it unfavorably to Roku or Fire TV hardware, noting outdated app interfaces or missing services like Hulu Plus.
Touch-panel controls also divide buyers. Several Quora reviewers preferred raised tactile buttons, finding the touch design “less intuitive” and prone to accidental activation, while minimalists liked the clean front face.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns reveal a recurring post‑warranty collapse. One user said, “Shortly after the warranty expired the internet capability… quit working. It buffered a lot before it broke down.”
Long-term Reddit accounts echo this, especially after firmware updates that inexplicably prevent certain Blu-ray titles from playing. That risk is highest for owners who rely exclusively on this device for streaming services, with no fallback hardware.
On the flip side, some refurbished units perform flawlessly for years. A Twitter/X owner felt “rewarded because it performs flawlessly since we fired it up Xmas Eve,” hinting that quality control may simply be inconsistent between refurb batches.
Alternatives
Several buyers compare this Samsung to Sony’s BDP-S1700. Lists from holiday sales sites rank Sony’s model higher for quick start and stability, albeit with fewer streaming features. Panasonic’s compact Blu-ray players appeal to users needing minimal smart functions but dependable disc playback in space‑constrained setups.
For users prioritizing 4K UHD, references to Samsung’s UBD-K8500 find better upscaling and HDR output, though refurb buyers still encounter build quirks.
Price & Value
Amazon lists the renewed 1080p model around $149.99, with eBay auction deals dipping under $30 for older variants without remotes. Twitter/X users lauded refurb bargains—"$89 w free shipping… unless you need wireless connection, it’s a no-brainer." The resale market reflects steep depreciation; compact Wi-Fi capable models average $25–$50 used.
Buying tips from the community stress checking whether the specific unit truly has built-in Wi-Fi (no adapter needed), confirming firmware update compatibility, and budgeting for a quality HDMI cable (on some listings it’s included, on others not).
FAQ
Q: Does the Samsung renewed Blu-ray player support 4K UHD discs?
A: No, most renewed models play standard Blu-ray and DVDs at 1080p, though some can upscale to near-4K quality when connected to a 4K TV.
Q: Will Netflix work reliably on this player?
A: Mixed results—some users stream fine, others report constant buffering or total app failure after firmware changes.
Q: Is Wi-Fi really built-in?
A: Certain listings do have built-in Wi-Fi, but “Wi-Fi ready” units require a separate LAN adapter purchase.
Q: How fast does it load discs?
A: Owners describe it slower than newer models for Blu-ray, but competitive on DVD. Once playback starts, quality is excellent.
Q: Can I use my Samsung TV remote with it?
A: Yes—if your TV supports Anynet+ (HDMI‑CEC), you can control basic functions without the Blu-ray remote.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a disc‑heavy viewer seeking HD playback with occasional smart app use, and you’re comfortable managing potential refurb inconsistencies. Avoid if your priority is flawless streaming or you expect modern app support. Pro tip from the community: confirm your unit’s wireless capabilities before purchasing to avoid the costly LAN adapter surprise.
