Samsung Blu-ray Renewed Review: Sharp Video, Risky Reliability
The shock comes not from the features list, but from the sheer divide in user experience—while some call the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player (Renewed) “the best buy ever,” others warn it’s “the biggest piece of junk I have ever ordered.” Based on aggregated feedback, this refurbished Blu-ray player scores 6.2/10 for performance versus longevity.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — strong video performance, variable reliability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent HD and Blu-ray picture quality via HDMI | High failure rate after 4–6 months reported |
| Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming apps | DVD/Blu-ray playback issues, unfixable by firmware |
| Easy setup, user-friendly interface | Audio/video sync problems |
| Fast disc loading compared to older models | Poor customer support and costly repairs |
| Affordable refurbished pricing | Device overheating; no internal fan |
| Attractive design and compact footprint | Missing promised accessories in some shipments |
| Smart apps available for Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc. | Apps glitch, freeze, or lose network connection |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung promotes this renewed unit as offering “Full HD 1080p playback via HDMI” and “built-in Wi-Fi to access smart Blu-ray features and apps wirelessly.” While technically true, user reports suggest uneven delivery.
The Full HD playback claim is backed by multiple sources; Reddit user reviews consistently praised picture quality, saying “Blu-ray movies do look sharp and DVDs look better and sharper.” For movie enthusiasts, especially those upgrading from an older DVD player, the upscaling notably benefited viewing on large screens. However, certain users ran into persistent jitter and jaggies on DVD material, particularly on larger displays, undermining the “near-HD” upconversion promise.
Streaming capability is another mixed point. While the Canadian Amazon verified buyer called it "easy to hook up, easy to program, unbelievably clear screen," others across Trustpilot and Reddit complained of ongoing network drops and green screen boot errors. One frustrated buyer noted: "It constantly loses its network connection for no apparent reason which can only be corrected with a full power cycle."
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Picture quality tops the list of strengths. Amazon reviewers spoke of “amazing sharpness” and “spectacular 4K presentation” on higher models, while a Best Buy customer noted the renewed player “compared with my other BD player and it looks nicer.” For casual viewers and secondary-room setups, the renewed models deliver well, as one user recounted happily watching "three Blu-ray movies in a row… everything worked beautifully."
Ease of setup is another consistent win. Users praised that “it was very easy to hook up,” with some skipping menus entirely and going straight to playback. This simplicity fits well for less tech-savvy buyers or those wanting minimal fuss. The ability to use existing Samsung remotes across devices also drew approval, reducing controller clutter.
Built-in Wi-Fi and smart apps—Netflix, Hulu, YouTube—made streaming convenient when functional. For users in small apartments or without external streaming devices, this integrated approach offered an all-in-one entertainment hub.
Common Complaints
Reliability emerged as a major sore spot. Across Trustpilot, Reddit, and Quora, many documented failure around the 4–6 month mark. “Worked great for 5 mo and then quit playing Blu-rays,” lamented one Best Buy buyer; another noted removing discs mid-viewing as the player returned to the menu without warning. Costly repairs—$150 for labor alone—meant many simply discarded the unit.
DVD playback issues were particularly frequent. Reports of units refusing to read discs, skipping, or stalling mid-movie filled Reddit threads. Samsung’s firmware updates rarely solved these defects. A Quora reviewer wrote: “I’ve tried 2 firmware updates… they have not helped.”
Audio sync problems also plagued users. Several said voices lagged behind on-screen movement, making films “very annoying to watch.” Overheating—likely due to the absence of an internal fan—was another hazard; one owner noted it became “very hot after about 30 minutes.”
Smart functionality failed for some—Netflix and apps refusing to load, units stuck at blue screens. “Misrepresented number of apps” was a Trustpilot grievance, with one owner citing “only Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Amazon Prime” instead of the advertised 250+.
Divisive Features
Refurbished value split the audience. Fans liked the lower price for a premium brand: “I like refurbs because it means it has been inspected and tested by a human.” Yet others declared refurbishment superficial—one Amazon buyer claimed “a refurbished item that obviously never was refurbished.”
4K UHD upscaling and 3D playback impressed owners with compatible TVs, providing vivid clarity. But others bought the player for 3D only to discover it required a matching 3D television and glasses—“live and learn,” shrugged one.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot entries reveal recurring repair nightmares. Reviewer Stephen*** described a refurbished Samsung working fine for two weeks before repeating problems, with Samsung refusing warranty support due to the unit’s refurbished status. Gordon*** stated their “high end model failed at exactly 13 months.”
Support quality ranked poorly. Multiple users said Samsung offered no guidance for repairs, no referrals, and displayed disregard for customer satisfaction. The sentiment “Done with Samsung” appeared repeatedly.
Durability concerns were echoed on Reddit: sudden disc read failures, overheating, and stalling. Owners who initially praised the player often returned months later with failure stories—highlighting that short-term performance does not predict longevity here.
Alternatives
Some community members compare this player to Sony Blu-ray models, noting better menu interfaces and longer service life. A BestProductsReviews.com listing highlighted the Sony BDP-S1700’s “quick start and easy setup” for similar pricing, with strong DVD upscaling.
LG units surfaced in Walmart threads as stable long-term performers, albeit sometimes lacking the robust app selection. Panasonic Blu-ray players were also suggested for users prioritizing disc playback over streaming apps, with fewer reported failures.
Price & Value
Amazon lists this renewed player at $149.99 (plus shipping), while eBay resale shows pre-owned units averaging $25–$50 depending on condition and included accessories. Higher 4K capable models fetch $60–$100. Given the high failure reports, buyers often advise considering warranty coverage—several reviewers opted for two-year plans.
Community buying tips focus on sourcing from reputable refurbishers rather than unknown sellers, ensuring all promised cables and remotes are included, and testing every disc format early to detect defects within return windows.
FAQ
Q: Does the Samsung Blu-ray DVD Disc Player support 4K playback?
A: Only certain models in this line offer 4K UHD upscaling. Renewed versions with “4K” in the title can upscale content, but will not play native 4K Ultra HD discs unless specifically stated.
Q: Can I stream Netflix directly on the player?
A: Yes, built-in Wi-Fi supports Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps. However, some users experience connection drops or app freezes requiring full resets.
Q: Is this good for regular DVD playback?
A: While it can upscale DVDs to near-HD, many reports mention DVD read failures after months of use, making its reliability questionable for heavy DVD users.
Q: Does it come with an HDMI cable?
A: Some renewed packages include a HDMI cable, but owner reports show inconsistencies—missing cables have triggered complaints.
Q: How noisy is the unit?
A: Load noise is noticeable on certain discs, but most accept it as tolerable compared to the playback quality.
Final Verdict
Buy if you want an affordable, sharp-looking Blu-ray player for occasional use, especially in secondary rooms, and you’re willing to gamble on refurbished longevity. Avoid if you’re a heavy disc user, require flawless audio/video sync, or expect strong manufacturer support.
Pro tip from the community: Run all your discs—Blu-ray, DVD, and CD—during the return period; network test your streaming apps early. This way, if defects surface, you can swap it while still covered.
