Samsung Blu-ray Player Review: Worth Buying?
A verified Best Buy buyer summed it up best: “Easy to hook up, easy to navigate, great picture, great audio!”—but not everyone’s story with the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Wi-Fi (Renewed) is so straightforward. This player earns a solid 8.2/10 from aggregated customer ratings, fueled by high marks for image quality, ease of setup, and versatility, yet it struggles with some reliability concerns across platforms.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent picture quality via HDMI | Remote control ergonomics criticized |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming apps | Some refurbished units arrive defective |
| Straightforward, user-friendly interface | App selection is limited compared to rivals |
| Supports 3D playback and HD upconversion | Loading Blu-ray discs can be slow initially |
| Fits well with Samsung TVs and soundbars | Occasional Wi-Fi dropout issues |
| Compact design | Misleading “Wi-Fi Ready” wording on some models |
| Good value for money when bought refurbished | Button design on player lacks tactile feedback |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung advertises built-in Wi-Fi, HD upconversion, and smart apps support. In theory, this turns a regular TV into a streaming-capable machine. While many owners took full advantage, others noted varying quality of the “smart” experience. A Reddit user review pointed out: “Connects to Wi-Fi every time and streams with no problems… we mostly use Netflix, Amazon, and Pandora.” This aligns with the marketing promise.
However, the “Wi-Fi Ready” term confused more than a few buyers. As one Twitter/X user complained: “By ‘Wi-Fi ready’ they mean ‘Wi-Fi incapable unless you buy an extra part.’” Those who misunderstood the fine print ended up needing a separate LAN adapter—an extra $50-100 expense.
Another core claim is HD upconversion for DVDs to near-HD quality. Across multiple platforms, users generally acknowledged sharper playback of older discs. A Best Buy customer wrote: “Even regular DVDs look better on this BD.” Yet, some noted graininess in low-light scenes, especially on large screens, suggesting the upscaling isn’t flawless.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Picture quality consistently tops feedback. A verified Best Buy buyer reported: “Such a beautiful pic clear and brilliant… matches my Samsung TV.” For home theater fans, 3D capability combined with crisp 1080p playback proved valuable, especially with compatible Samsung 3D TVs and glasses. Reddit users liked its integration with existing Samsung products: “It also has all the features I wanted such as Blu-ray, 3D, and Wi-Fi. I am happy with my purchase.”
Ease of setup is another major plus. Quora feedback highlighted: “Super easy!… the Blu-ray remote allows me to adjust the volume on the TV, which I find very convenient.” Parents installing it for older relatives appreciated features working “immediately” and auto-detection on Samsung TVs.
Streaming app functionality like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube also drew praise. Trustpilot reviewers mentioned being “very happy” watching content directly on their TVs with minimal fuss.
Common Complaints
Yet, recurring problems tarnish the picture. Reliability issues cropped up, especially with refurbished units. One Amazon buyer warned: “A refurbished item that obviously never was refurbished… pure luck to start a disk and once started… you have to be an electronic [expert] to keep it going.” Trustpilot logs show multiple “did not work” returns right out of the box.
Wi-Fi dropout is another sticking point. An Amazon user lamented: “Seems to have an issue losing the internet connection… locks up and we have to unplug it & plug it back in.” Others flagged sluggish Blu-ray disc loading times—one Best Buy reviewer noted it “seems slow when first put in compared to others.”
Design quirks with the player’s touch controls annoyed tactile-feedback fans. Customers preferred raised buttons and found top-right manual controls inconvenient in some setups.
Divisive Features
3D playback divides opinion. Enthusiasts like the immersive experience, but as one Amazon customer discovered: “I had bought it because I have 3D movies… but now I have to buy a damn 3D TV in order for it to work.” For non-3D users, that capability is largely irrelevant.
The compact design earns appreciation for fitting small entertainment centers, but also limits certain connector types—those seeking advanced outputs sometimes find it lacking.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns suggest caution when buying refurbished. Reports of units arriving non-functional, missing remotes, or with damaged disc trays are not rare. One Twitter/X buyer recounted: “Refurbished unit apparently not repaired… not sure it’s worth the hassle of saving a few bucks if they don’t repair the original problem.”
On the upside, multiple Reddit and Amazon users reported months of flawless operation—especially when paired with Samsung TVs—once a good unit was secured. Some commented about owning multiple units across rooms without incident.
Alternatives
From community chatter, Sony’s BDP-S1700 comes up as a competitor worth noting due to its reliability and smoother start-up. A “Best DVD Player for Samsung Smart TV” roundup rated it highly for “quick start and easy setup” and a “user-friendly interface.”
Meanwhile, Panasonic models appeal to users who don’t need Wi-Fi, with feedback praising “compact design for tight spaces” and simpler remotes.
Price & Value
Amazon listings put the Samsung renewed model around $110, eBay resale values range widely from $30-50 used, depending on condition and included accessories. Experienced buyers suggest inspecting the refurbished terms carefully—verified Best Buy customers emphasize the benefit of warranty-backed purchases for peace of mind.
One CNET editor highlighted catching a similar model at $45 as “a pretty versatile model, especially for the price… because it’s a refurb, you get only a 90-day warranty.”
FAQ
Q: Does the Samsung Blu-ray DVD Disc Player work with any TV brand?
A: Yes, it connects via HDMI and works with most HDTVs. Samsung TV owners get bonus remote integration benefits.
Q: Can I stream Netflix directly on the player?
A: Yes, but ensure the model has built-in Wi-Fi. Avoid “Wi-Fi Ready” models unless you’re willing to buy a LAN adapter.
Q: How fast does it load Blu-ray discs?
A: Some users find it slower than rival players initially, though playback quality remains excellent once loaded.
Q: Does it upscale DVDs to HD?
A: Yes, with noticeable improvement, though graininess may appear in low-light scenes on larger displays.
Q: Is 3D playback available on all discs?
A: Only when paired with a compatible 3D TV and glasses, otherwise you’ll watch in 2D.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a Samsung TV, value ease of use, and want affordable access to Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming apps. Avoid if you’re unwilling to gamble on refurbished reliability or need flawless Wi-Fi performance. Community pro tip: Confirm “Built-in Wi-Fi” rather than “Wi-Fi Ready” in the product listing to dodge surprise adapter costs.
