Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player Review: Strong HD, Wi-Fi Issues
For budget-conscious home theater fans, the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Wi-Fi (Renewed) manages a respectable 7.6/10, with strong feedback on picture quality and ease of setup—but users flag nagging connectivity issues, inconsistent app performance, and durability worries over time.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy if you value strong HD playback and basic streaming. Avoid if your primary goal is flawless smart app use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear and vivid Full HD 1080p playback via HDMI | Wi-Fi connectivity drops reported across models |
| Easy setup with Samsung TVs, auto-detection | Remote ergonomics and lack of tactile feedback on unit buttons |
| DVD upscaling enhances older media to near-HD quality | Slow disc loading compared to competitors |
| Supports Blu-ray, DVD, and CD playback seamlessly | Limited app library and discontinued app support |
| Compact design fits easily into entertainment setups | Durability concerns: disc read failures within months |
| Strong 3D Blu-ray playback when paired with compatible TVs | Misleading "Wi-Fi ready" labeling on older models (requires adapter) |
| Affordable when purchased refurbished | Refurb quality control issues |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung promotes this renewed player as offering Full HD 1080p playback with "built-in Wi-Fi for streaming apps wirelessly." On paper, that means smooth Netflix, Amazon, and Pandora streams. In reality, while HD playback earns glowing reviews—Reddit user feedback consistently labels it “fantastic player… great picture and sound quality”—the streaming experience varies.
A verified Best Buy buyer noted: “It pairs perfectly with our TV, connects to Wi-Fi every time and streams with no problems,” but Trustpilot users report cases where “Wi-Fi was simple to set up… but connection would drop often” and even outright refusal to connect after updates. This suggests that while the core disc playback is consistent, streaming reliability depends heavily on network stability and possibly firmware age.
Samsung also claims DVD upscaling to near-HD quality, which users confirm is a practical upgrade for old collections. One Amazon buyer wrote: “The old DVDs look great, I've been playing discs in it for days & haven't tried one that didn't work.” However, “seams to do a very good job… just wish it read the Blu-rays a bit faster,” says another reviewer, pointing to load times lagging behind peers.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Amazon, and Best Buy, clear HD and Blu-ray visuals are the standout win. Families upgrading from DVD noted an immediate leap: “Our first experience with HDTV & Blu-ray… wow! what an amazing difference.” For casual movie nights, the picture quality holds up even on larger screens—one Best Buy review highlights it “hooked up to a 47" Vizio… all my Blu-rays look fantastic.”
Ease of setup earns near-universal approval, especially for Samsung TV owners. Several users say the player “auto reads the player when powered on” and installation with HDMI takes minutes. The compact design is another plus for apartment dwellers or secondary room setups: “Nice, compact unit… picture is clear and crisp.”
3D Blu-ray support is singled out by niche users with 3D TVs. “Great product… works well with my Samsung 3D TV,” confirms one Best Buy buyer, showing that this feature—though less mainstream now—performs as promised.
Common Complaints
Connectivity issues dominate the negative columns. On multiple platforms, owners mention requiring restarts, dropped connections, and slow app response. “Sometimes it deletes the connection altogether… have to unplug & plug back in,” says an Amazon reviewer. Trustpilot feedback about the BD-C6500 version’s Wi-Fi reads bluntly: “Will not connect to internet via Wi-Fi or wired… hours troubleshooting, nothing worked.”
Durability is another recurring theme. While refurbished pricing appeals, users on Amazon and Best Buy describe short lifespans: “Stopped recognizing discs after six months,” “refurbished unit apparently not repaired.” For heavy streamers or disc collectors, this raises long-term reliability flags.
The “built-in Wi-Fi” marketing language has caused confusion. Several Best Buy buyers discovered that “Wi-Fi ready” models needed a separate LAN adapter, with one calling it “false advertising… am returning it regardless.”
Divisive Features
The remote and physical controls split opinion. Some praise responsiveness, while others dislike top-right touch controls and remotes without backlight: “Home screen a little goofy, but OK to use.” Those accustomed to raised buttons are especially critical.
Streaming app selection is also mixed. One buyer valued Netflix and Amazon access for family streaming, while another lamented “Samsung delivers… only thing… addition of some apps would make it nicer.” The shrinking availability of certain smart apps over time adds to the inconsistency.
Trust & Reliability
Browsing Trustpilot patterns reveals a cautionary tale about Samsung’s refurbished Blu-ray units: while some arrive in pristine working order, several fail within months, often with poor customer service resolution. A BD-D5700 owner bluntly advised, “Don’t buy this! Shortly after warranty expired, Netflix quit working… buffering until the day you pitch it in the garbage.”
Long-term Reddit and Best Buy stories paint two outcomes—some units “worked flawlessly since we fired it up Xmas Eve,” while others show progressive decline, particularly with disc reading. This unpredictability underscores the gamble in buying refurbished without robust warranty coverage.
Alternatives
Users comparing within brand often mention Panasonic and Sony models. A Panasonic Blu-ray player earned praise for “no Wi-Fi but simple, reliable disc playback,” suggesting it may suit those uninterested in apps. Sony’s BDP-S1700 wins for “quick start and easy setup,” appealing to those frustrated with Samsung’s slower load times.
Reddit reports indicate that non-Wi-Fi models avoid many streaming glitches but sacrifice smart features. For heavy streaming, external devices like Roku or Fire TV Stick alongside a reliable basic Blu-ray deck may offer more stability.
Price & Value
Amazon lists units like this renewed Samsung around $110, with eBay resale prices ranging from $27 for basic models to over $200 for higher-end 4K versions. The refurbished label dramatically drops entry cost compared to new—Best Buy outlet buyers call it “a no brainer” for casual use.
Community tips stress: inspect arrival condition immediately, confirm firmware is current, and test both disc and streaming functions before warranty expiration. Some buyers deliberately target models without “Wi-Fi ready” confusion.
FAQ
Q: Does the refurbished Samsung Blu-ray player include a remote?
A: Most listings include a remote, but multiple buyers have reported receiving units without one. Always confirm in product description before purchase.
Q: Can it stream Netflix reliably over Wi-Fi?
A: When functioning, yes—but many users encounter dropped connections or buffering. Ethernet tends to be more stable.
Q: Will it upscale DVDs to HD?
A: Yes. Many users praise the near-HD quality of upscaled DVDs, making older collections more watchable on modern TVs.
Q: Is 3D playback supported?
A: Yes, with compatible 3D TVs and glasses. Users confirm smooth performance for 3D Blu-rays.
Q: How long does a refurbished unit last?
A: Lifespans vary—some report years of use, others experience failures within months. Testing during warranty is advised.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want an affordable HD Blu-ray player for an existing Samsung TV, occasionally stream, and can tolerate potential Wi-Fi quirks. Avoid if streaming apps are your primary focus, or if durability past one year is critical. Pro tip: hardwire via Ethernet and keep a backup streaming device for best experience.
