Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player Review: Strong Discs, Weak Wi-Fi
The most surprising revelation? Despite being a refurbished unit, the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Built-in Wi-Fi 1080p & Full HD Upconversion holds an impressive 8.1/10 rating in aggregated user sentiment — but that score hides a sharp divide between streaming frustrations and disc playback praise.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp 1080p Blu-ray playback | Wi-Fi drops or fails for some units |
| DVD upscaling adds clarity | No power indicator light |
| Compact, space-saving design | App loading can be slow |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming | Inconsistent refurb quality |
| Easy setup, auto HDMI switching | Limited customer support for software issues |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “Full HD 1080p playback” and “built-in Wi-Fi for streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.” On paper, it turns any TV into a smart TV with Samsung AllShare content sharing. Amazon’s listing promises “greater detail and clarity” for DVDs thanks to HD upconversion.
Digging deeper into user reports, disc performance generally matches the promise. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Blu-ray & DVD player works well…worked well especially considering it was refurbished.” Reddit adds weight to this with a post from a Best Buy customer: “Shows crystal clear picture…no problems streaming YouTube videos and Netflix movies.”
Wi-Fi, however, is a sticking point. While Samsung touts “built-in Wi-Fi” as seamless, feedback shows it’s not universal. Quora’s review data includes: “The DVD player is excellent with the exception of the Wi-Fi connection problem…awaiting correct update.” Trustpilot’s record bluntly states: “The built-in Wi-Fi is non-existent…can’t connect to Netflix.” This repeated theme challenges the “smart streaming” claim.
Another marketing angle — “easy setup” — mostly holds true. Users describe quick HDMI connections and network integration, with Reddit user feedback like, “Player was quick to connect and easy to setup. No problems so far.” Yet repeated mentions of sluggish app loading (“slow when streaming,” “hesitation of about 3 seconds”) dilute the immediacy implied by the spec sheet.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Disc playback quality is the product’s clear strength. Across Amazon, Reddit, and Best Buy, customers consistently describe “crystal clear” visuals and reliable Blu-ray/DVD performance. For physical media collectors, that’s the main win. Reddit user feedback often frames this as the cheapest way to upgrade older TVs: “Cheapest way to turn a regular TV into a smart TV plus watch Blu-ray DVDs.”
DVD upscaling is especially appreciated by owners with large DVD libraries. A reviewer on Amazon shared: “The old DVDs look great, I’ve been playing discs in it for days & haven’t tried one that didn’t work.” This plays well for budget-conscious households who don’t want to reinvest in Blu-ray versions.
Ease of installation also earns praise. BestViewsReviews notes an “8.8 easy to install” score, backed by comments like: “I paid less than $40…exceeds my expectations…easy hookup, good picture.” Even those wary of refurbished electronics often found the package ready-to-go.
Common Complaints
The lack of a power indicator light is perhaps the most widely grumbled about issue. Across Quora, Twitter/X, and Amazon, users say they “can’t tell if it’s on or off” without switching TV inputs. It’s a minor omission, but annoys daily users.
Wi-Fi reliability is a bigger pain point. Trustpilot and Best Buy refurb pages overflow with reports of Netflix buffering, dropped connections, and outright inability to connect. One Trustpilot reviewer warned: “Don’t buy this model if you like to use internet apps…the Netflix app will always be re-buffering until you pitch it in the garbage.”
Sluggishness in streaming performance also frustrates users expecting snappy app launches. Reddit posts say it’s “a bit slow when streaming” and even advocates still admit, “Apps work ok and load fairly fast” — meaning not instantly. This affects casual streamers who imagined replacing dedicated devices like Roku or Fire Stick.
Divisive Features
The refurbished status polarizes buyers. Many laud the value proposition, with Twitter/X reactions such as: “Go ahead and buy it, you will get your money’s worth.” Others encountered defective units out of the box: Amazon asterisked reviews like “A refurbished item that obviously never was refurbished…luck to start a disc.”
Streaming capability itself gets mixed verdicts. Those with strong home networks sometimes report smooth Netflix and YouTube playback; others battle app errors and slow load times despite decent Wi-Fi elsewhere in the home. The dividing line seems to be not just network quality, but batch-to-batch refurb QA.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot paints a harsh picture of long-term streaming reliability, with multiple owners reporting internet features failing weeks after warranty expiry. Firmware updates sometimes introduce new problems — one user documented Netflix becoming unusable after a Samsung update. The phrase “this was my third Samsung Blu-ray player in three years” signals a serious durability concern for habitual streamers.
On the other hand, Reddit contains bright spots in longevity. One student wrote: “It still works to this day after being moved several times.” Another family user shared: “We’ve been using this player for over two years now…from Netflix to YouTube.” This contrast suggests disc playback hardware ages better than network-dependent functions.
Alternatives
Several reviewers compared this Samsung to Sony models, highlighting longer-life performance but at higher prices. One Amazon reviewer replaced a short-lived Sony with this unit, saying: “Sony could learn a thing or two from these people…this one has lasted longer than a month.” Panasonic Blu-ray units also appear in competing lists, often praised for compactness and better non-Wi-Fi setups — ideal for those who prioritize disc playback over streaming.
Price & Value
Amazon lists the unit at $149.99 renewed, with occasional dips below $40 for certain refurb conditions. eBay’s market range shows tested units without remote going for $29–$40, with complete packages slightly higher. Community consensus favors buying at the lower price point if the primary need is Blu-ray/DVD playback.
Buying tips revolve around confirming included accessories — some Best Buy refurb packages lacked a remote, leading to immediate extra costs. Reddit users advise pairing with a quality HDMI cable and not relying solely on Wi-Fi; using Ethernet improves app stability.
FAQ
Q: Does the Samsung Blu-ray DVD Disc Player come with a remote?
A: Often yes, but not always with refurbished units. Several Best Buy customers found remotes missing and had to purchase replacements separately.
Q: Can it upscale DVDs to HD?
A: Yes, owners confirm “old DVDs look great” via HD upconversion, enhancing detail without replacing your collection.
Q: How reliable is the Wi-Fi streaming feature?
A: Mixed — some enjoy smooth Netflix/YouTube performance; others experience buffering and disconnects despite strong home networks.
Q: Does it have a power indicator light?
A: No, and this is a common complaint across all platforms. Users often switch TV inputs to confirm it’s on.
Q: Is buying refurbished safe?
A: Many report near-new condition on arrival, but defect rates vary. Buying from vendors with clear return policies is strongly advised.
Final Verdict: Buy if your main goal is crisp disc playback on a budget and you can tolerate imperfect streaming. Avoid if you want a reliable smart hub — a dedicated streamer may serve you better. Pro tip from community: hardwire with Ethernet for best app stability and lifespan.
