Samsung Blu-ray Wi-Fi Player Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
One surprise stands out in the data: despite being a SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Wi-Fi (Renewed) and often sold at steep discounts, many owners claim it “turns a plain TV into a smart TV” without the headaches they expected from refurbished gear. With mixed scores across platforms — from 4.6/5 on Best Buy’s BD-H5900 model to a paltry 1.1/5 for certain BD-D5700 units on Trustpilot — the verdict is conditional. Overall: 7.5/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Great for budget-minded streamers and casual disc users, but risky for those relying heavily on Netflix or expecting flawless longevity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp HD and 3D playback quality | Inconsistent app performance, esp. Netflix |
| Easy setup, auto Wi-Fi pairing | No power indicator light on many models |
| Affordable refurbished pricing | Short lifespan reported on some units |
| Compact design fits secondary rooms | Limited 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (no 5GHz support) |
| Streams YouTube, Hulu, Pandora | Remote ergonomics and player buttons criticized |
| Multi-format playback (Blu-ray, DVD, CD, USB) | Some refurbished units arrive defective |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung’s marketing often highlights full HD 1080p playback, built-in Wi-Fi for streaming apps, and DVD upscaling to near-HD quality. On paper, that’s a trifecta for home entertainment.
On resolution claims, the hardware delivers: Reddit user feedback praised “very crisp and clear picture and sound quality” while an Amazon buyer wrote, “the screen is unbelievably clear, easy to hook up, easy to program.” For movie lovers upgrading from older DVD players, this brings an immediate quality boost.
Wi-Fi streaming claims are trickier. While Samsung touts “access all your smart Blu-ray features and apps wirelessly,” Trustpilot review patterns show frustration: “The built-in Wi-Fi is non-existent… when I try to connect to Netflix, I get a message to connect the network card. It’s internal.” This gap emerges most for Netflix streaming — even Best Buy customers noted outdated app codes or buffering.
The “quick start” claim fares better. Samsung’s promise of boot readiness in 0.5 seconds is echoed by comments like “easy to hook up, easy to navigate through” and “auto reads the player when powered on.” However, some users still noted a “hesitation of about 3 seconds more than sticks or TV apps,” reminding that speed is relative.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit and Amazon, ease of installation is a major win. Best Buy customers pointed to “easy to connect… worked immediately and connected easily to their Wi-Fi” as a relief, particularly for older family members or in secondary rooms. For casual viewers, this usability offsets any limitations.
Picture quality consistently earns applause. “All my Blu-rays look fantastic,” said one Reddit user, and another noted, “The picture quality is amazing… worth it.” For 3D content owners, the BD-H5900’s compatibility with active shutter glasses is a straightforward path to immersive viewing without needing new software.
Multi-format support also shines. Twitter/X feedback celebrated that the player “contains a nearly endless assortment of media playback features: DVD, Blu-ray, MP3, MP4, AVI… from CD-R or thumb drives.” This versatility makes it appealing for those with mixed physical/digital libraries.
Common Complaints
Three criticisms recur: app unreliability, physical design quirks, and poor longevity. Netflix tops the complaint list. One Best Buy customer shared, “The Netflix app will always be re-buffering until the day you pitch it in the garbage.” Amazon buyers reported entire features becoming unusable after firmware updates.
Physical interface choices frustrate tactile control fans: “I prefer raised buttons… instead of the ‘touch’ style on this device,” said a Best Buy review. The absence of a power light is particularly irksome — multiple buyers from Twitter/X and Amazon noted no way to tell if it’s on unless switching TV input.
Longevity is where renewed stock shows its risk. A verified buyer on Amazon recounted, “Stopped recognizing discs after only 6 months,” while Trustpilot reviewers saw failure “shortly after the warranty expired.”
Divisive Features
Some love the compact, curved design, calling it “sleek” and perfect for tight spaces. Others see it as awkward: “The shape is more of a bother since the rest of the world makes their items square.” Likewise, refurbished condition draws praise for looking “brand new” but also harsh rejection when units arrive broken or untested.
Trust & Reliability
The Trustpilot 1.1/5 rating on certain Samsung refurbished models reveals patterns: buffering issues on streaming apps, units ceasing to connect to Wi-Fi, and firmware updates breaking playback for new releases. One reviewer summed it up: “This was my third Samsung Blu-ray player in three years because they all kept dying.”
Reddit offers a softer contrast, with some long-term owners stating “I bought a refurbished unit over one year ago and it is still working fine.” Yet durability often hinges on light usage in secondary rooms, suggesting that heavy daily streaming increases risk of early failure.
Alternatives
In community comparisons, Sony’s BDP-S1700 earns mention for “super quick start mode” and stronger reliability, though without built-in Wi-Fi streaming. Panasonic’s DMP-BD84 is praised for easy use in non-Wi-Fi setups. Both lack Samsung’s app breadth but avoid many of its streaming woes.
Price & Value
Amazon pricing for the BD-J5700 hovers around $149.99 new (renewed), dropping as low as $29–$40 on eBay for tested but remote-less units. eBay resale trends suggest values hold moderately if the player remains functional, but defective or app-broken units have little resale demand. Buyers often advise purchasing with an extended warranty; as one Best Buy reviewer put it, “Bought the service plan… hopefully it will not be needed.”
FAQ
Q: Does the Samsung Blu-ray DVD Disc Player support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
A: No. Multiple Amazon buyers confirm it only supports 2.4GHz, which can be limiting for HD streaming stability.
Q: Can I watch 3D movies without a 3D TV?
A: No. As an Amazon buyer noted, “I have 3D movies… but now I have to buy a damn 3D TV in order for it to work properly with 3D.”
Q: Does it come with an HDMI cable?
A: Not always. Several reviews warn that HDMI cables must be purchased separately unless specified in a bundle.
Q: Is Netflix still supported?
A: Support is inconsistent; some units suffer from expired activation codes or buffering, while others stream fine after app updates.
Q: How can I tell if the player is powered on?
A: Many models lack a front power indicator; you may need to check TV input to see if it’s active.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-minded user who values disc playback and occasional streaming in a secondary room. Avoid if Netflix is your primary use or you expect multi-year durability without service plans. Pro tip from the community: opt for hardwired Ethernet over Wi-Fi for smoother streaming performance.
