Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player Review: Solid but Flawed
A verified Best Buy buyer summed it up simply: "This little thing delivers everything just the way I hoped it would." The SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Built-in Wi-Fi (Renewed) earns a solid 8.3/10, striking a balance between physical media excellence and smart streaming convenience—though quirks like no power indicator light and occasional Wi-Fi hiccups keep it from perfection.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp 1080p Blu-ray playback with HD upconversion for DVDs | No front-panel power indicator light |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming apps like Netflix & YouTube | Occasional Wi-Fi freezing requiring manual restart |
| Compact, lightweight design | Remote lag and touchy buttons reported |
| Easy setup & integration with Samsung TVs | Limited 4K/UHD support—only upscaling, no native playback |
| Plays Blu-rays, DVDs, CDs, and media via USB | App load speeds slower than modern streaming devices |
| Affordable refurbished pricing | Some units arrive with outdated firmware |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung markets this renewed player as offering “full HD 1080p playback” and “built-in Wi-Fi to access smart Blu-ray features and apps wirelessly.” In practice, picture quality is consistently praised. A verified Best Buy buyer raved: "Very crisp and clear picture and sound quality. The built in apps and functions are extremely easy to use." Even standard DVDs benefit from upconversion, with multiple users noting greater clarity than expected.
Where marketing meets friction is in the Wi-Fi promise. While “streaming services from built-in content partners” sounds seamless, Reddit and Best Buy testimonies reveal performance hiccups. One Best Buy reviewer admitted: "It freezes somewhat often... I have to physically unplug it from the wall and start it back up again." Another Amazon buyer of a similar refurbished Samsung player noted, "Netflix app freezes up every time we use it lately and the only way to get it to work again is to unplug the unit."
Samsung’s streamlined, compact design fits in any media setup, but its lack of a front-panel indicator light is a surprising omission. Despite the clean look, users often misjudge whether it’s powered on. "It was a little disappointing there is no indicator light... I have left it on for days without knowing," one Best Buy customer reported.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Picture quality gets widespread applause. The HD upconversion feature delights casual movie watchers and physical media enthusiasts alike—DVD collections look sharper, Blu-rays beam at crisp 1080p. A reviewer on Best Buy shared: "I watch one (movie) from time to time... It works as intended, good quality, no issues." For those with Samsung TVs, integration via HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) offers further convenience: turning on the player automatically switches TV input.
Ease of setup and operation is another plus. Even tech-averse users appreciate quick installation. Trustpilot feedback confirms "internet set up was a breeze," and many enjoy streaming YouTube and Netflix directly. Parents and grandparents find it approachable—one Best Buy buyer noted their mother-in-law "needed a new player... very easy to set up and more importantly, easy for her to use."
Its light weight and slim profile also prove popular. For smaller spaces or secondary rooms, the minimal footprint is valued. One Twitter/X comment enthused: "Slim design makes it easy to place out of view and easy enough for our grandkids to use."
Common Complaints
The absent power light is a top grievance. Across Best Buy, Trustpilot, and Amazon reviews, users repeatedly wish for visual confirmation of on/off status. This design choice leads to accidental all-day operation and mild frustration.
Wi-Fi reliability presents another sore spot. While built-in wireless is a major draw, inconsistent performance mars the experience for streamers. Some mention slow app load times; others encounter mid-stream freezes—especially with Netflix—forcing hard resets. Best Buy feedback includes: "Takes a little while to respond to stream downloads... other than that it’s great."
Firmware updates lag on some renewed units. One Best Buy reviewer shared contacting Samsung about a Wi-Fi issue only to receive an older firmware flash drive as a temporary fix. This raises compatibility concerns for newer streaming apps.
Remote responsiveness also disappoints certain buyers. Delays in pairing or lag when switching inputs prompt battery reseating or re-syncing. Button sensitivity on the eject and close tray controls can cause discs to load unexpectedly.
Divisive Features
The streaming suite divides opinion. Non-tech users find apps like Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, and Hulu sufficient. Others see the platform as dated compared to modern streaming sticks with faster processors and broader app libraries. A Trustpilot reviewer wanted more: "Would like to see the Movies Anywhere app be added."
Upconversion is viewed positively by DVD collectors, but 4K TV owners lament the absence of native UHD playback. While some units like Samsung’s 3D Blu-ray with UHD upscaling can mimic sharper visuals, purists prefer devices capable of true 4K Ultra HD.
Trust & Reliability
Refurbished status raises eyebrows, but much feedback across Best Buy, Trustpilot, and Twitter/X confirms reliable performance for at least a year post-purchase. Trustpilot’s reassurances include: "No problems with refurbs... I will continue to do so." That said, some unlucky recipients encounter near-immediate failures, especially in streaming functions—these seem tied to firmware or Wi-Fi module issues rather than disc playback.
Durability appears solid when used primarily for physical media. Owners running mainly Blu-rays/DVDs report long service life without mechanical faults. The main maintenance required is occasional dusting and ensuring vent clearance to avoid overheating during extended streaming sessions.
Alternatives
For buyers seeking native 4K UHD and faster streaming interfaces, Samsung’s UBD-K8500 emerges in discussions. Consumer Reports confirms its excellent UHD and HD picture quality, quicker load times, and comprehensive streaming services—but at a higher used price (~$80–$90 on eBay) versus ~$30–$40 for the BD-J5700.
Sony Blu-ray players get occasional mentions from disillusioned Samsung owners, though complaints note poorer build and less stable app performance.
Price & Value
At Amazon’s current $110 listing for renewed units, this player sits above the ~$30–$40 eBay market price for similar models, reflecting Prime shipping and warranty coverage. Community members advise buying renewed from trusted sellers to secure Amazon or Geek Squad refurbishment standards. Twitter/X comments like "Great product for the price, no issues even though it is a refurbished unit" underscore the value proposition.
Resale stays modest—used working units fetch $25–$40 depending on condition and accessories. That makes keeping it long-term for DVD/Blu-ray collections more logical than flipping.
FAQ
Q: Does it support 4K UHD discs?
A: No. It plays standard Blu-ray and DVDs, with upscaling for improved quality, but lacks native 4K UHD playback capabilities.
Q: Can I stream Netflix without another device?
A: Yes, built-in Wi-Fi supports Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, and other apps, though load times may be slower than modern streaming devices.
Q: Is there an indicator light for on/off status?
A: No. Multiple users report this omission, meaning you must check via TV input or the remote.
Q: Will it work with non-Samsung TVs?
A: Yes, it’s HDMI-compatible with most TVs, but integration features like Anynet+ auto input switching are specific to Samsung displays.
Q: Can it play media from a USB drive?
A: Yes. It supports movies, music, and photos from USB memory drives or external hard drives.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want an affordable, compact Blu-ray/DVD player with bonus streaming capabilities and can tolerate minor Wi-Fi issues or the lack of a power light. Avoid if you prioritize flawless streaming performance or native 4K UHD playback. Pro tip: For highest reliability, stream via Ethernet when possible—users notice fewer freezes than on wireless.
