SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Player Review: Mixed Verdict at 5.9/10
A single thread kept popping up in consumer reviews — “worked great… until it didn’t.” The SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player (Renewed) sits in a curious middle ground between high praise for its image quality and deep frustration over sudden failures. Weighing all sources, this model lands at 5.9/10 — conditional value for casual users willing to take the gamble on refurbished hardware.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp Full HD 1080p and 3D playback quality praised | Sudden failures after months of use |
| Easy setup and user-friendly menus | Audio sync issues reported |
| Fast disc loading in many units | Overheating due to lack of internal fan |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming apps | Trouble maintaining network connection |
| Affordable refurbished pricing | Limited warranty coverage on labor |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises focus on “Full HD Blu-ray playback,” “DVD upscaling,” and “built‑in Wi‑Fi for streaming apps.” On paper, that covers most modern viewing needs. In practice, user reports show a different story.
Samsung’s claim of high-quality upscaling drew favorable remarks initially. A Reddit user described that “picture quality was excellent with blu rays and standard DVDs”, and that DVDs looked sharper even if “not HD though.” But long-term owners often discovered that this clarity was short-lived — multiple buyers saw the unit stop reading DVDs entirely within months. A verified Best Buy customer warned: “It stopped playing DVDs… firmware updates didn’t help… spend the extra money.”
The built-in Wi-Fi, marketed for convenience, got mixed attention. A Walmart reviewer enjoyed using Netflix and Pandora but noted the player “constantly loses its network connection… only corrected with a full power cycle.” This undermines the promise of streaming without hassle and hits hardest for users relying on smart features over physical discs.
Samsung’s push for “easy setup” seems to hold up at least at first. Several Amazon buyers called it “easy to hook up, easy to program” and praised quick installation without deep menu diving. Yet, operational quirks like green screen errors or sluggish app performance cast shadows over this claim.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Image quality remains the standout strength. On Blu-ray playback, clarity impressed most reviewers — whether on 720p HDTVs in the bedroom or large plasma screens. One Walmart buyer marveled at “the quality of the 3-D movies” when paired with a matching Samsung 3D TV and active shutter glasses. The BD‑J5900 model in a CNET review matched Oppo’s reference player in DVD upscaling tests, showing Samsung’s video processing is technically sound.
Ease of setup is another consistent win. Users across Amazon, Best Buy, and Trustpilot recounted how they were watching movies within minutes of unpacking, with minimal configuration. That makes this player appealing for less tech-savvy buyers or for secondary setups.
Speed also garnered compliments. A Reddit user compared it with another BD player, noting it was “a very fast loading player” and that they could start watching right away. In certain CNET benchmarks, load times trailed the high‑end H6500 by just a second.
Common Complaints
Reliability plagues nearly every platform’s feedback. Failures often occur after four to eight months: units quit reading Blu-rays, DVDs start skipping, or every disc fails to load. Trustpilot summed up the experience: “Please do not buy… stopped working and you cannot return to Amazon… now you are out money.” Amazon buyers echoed this frustration — one said disks only played “by pure luck” and even then would stall after 20 minutes.
Audio sync issues appeared repeatedly. At Best Buy, multiple reviewers cited voices out of sync, making movies unwatchable. One user admitted they spent “more time paying attention to the voices than the movie.”
Heat buildup worried some. A reviewer noted the player “got very hot after 30 minutes” due to “no internal fan.” This may exacerbate longevity problems and inconveniences users watching long concerts or extended film marathons.
Networking woes affect streaming-focused buyers. Walmart customers reported dropped network connections requiring unplugging the unit, while Opera TV apps in CNET’s test were deemed “not very compelling.”
Divisive Features
Smart apps split opinion. Some enjoyed preloaded Netflix and Amazon Prime, calling binge‑watching “easy.” Others found them slow or redundant if they already owned a smart TV, saying it’s “a bit redundant… if you have a smart HDTV.”
3D capability earns praise from owners with complete setups, but casual buyers felt misled. An Amazon owner remarked: “I have 3D movies… but now I have to buy a 3D TV.” For non-3D households, this feature is irrelevant.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data highlights a systemic frustration with return policies. Buyers trying to resolve failures found themselves routed to third-party refurbishers who “never pick up the phone.” Several describe being “out money” with no path to replacement.
Long-term reliability in Reddit threads showed stark contrast — some units ran “three to four years” before dying, but many dropped out in under six months. Heat issues, optical drive failures, and firmware glitches account for most early deaths. As one blunt Best Buy reviewer wrote: “Samsung Blu‑ray players are junk, don’t buy!”
Alternatives
CNET’s experts pointed to the Sony BDP‑S5500 as a stronger alternative at the same price. It offered “better usability and a more complete user experience” including game streaming. Panasonic non‑Wi‑Fi models appeal to those wanting plain disc playback without network headaches.
For budget buyers, competing region‑free DVD players with HDMI output often outlasted the refurbished Samsung, though they lack Blu-ray capability.
Price & Value
Refurbished units range from $69.99–$159.00 depending on feature set. eBay listings hover around $30–$90 for functioning models without remotes, underscoring limited resale value. Community advice favors pairing purchase with extended protection plans — one Walmart buyer took a “two-year replacement plan… very reasonable” to hedge against failure.
FAQ
Q: Does the Samsung Blu-ray DVD Disc Player support 4K discs?
A: No. While some models upscale to 4K for TVs, they cannot natively play Ultra HD Blu-ray discs. Users buying for true 4K playback will need a dedicated UHD player.
Q: Can I stream Netflix directly from the player?
A: Yes, if the unit has built-in Wi-Fi and smart apps enabled. However, some users experienced slow performance or dropped connections.
Q: Will 3D movies work without a 3D TV?
A: No. You must have a compatible 3D TV and active shutter glasses for 3D playback.
Q: Is the refurbished warranty full coverage?
A: Parts are generally covered for one year, but labor coverage may last only 90 days according to multiple user experiences.
Q: How fast does it load Blu-ray discs?
A: Many users found load times quick compared to similar models, with CNET tests showing under 7 seconds in benchmark scenes.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want sharp Blu-ray playback and can accept the risks tied to refurbished electronic longevity. Avoid if you demand reliable streaming or plan to use it daily for multiple hours — reports of early failure and overheating suggest caution. Pro tip from the community: budget for an extended warranty and keep your receipts to smooth any return process.
