Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player Review: Budget Buy or Risk?
One of the most surprising findings in the feedback is how many buyers of the SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Built-in Wi-Fi (Renewed) felt they were getting “more than I asked for” despite some obvious flaws. A verified buyer on Best Buy summed it up: “The low cost begs the question of output, yet it proves worth every penny.” Balancing all user experiences, this refurbished media player earns a solid 8/10 – attractive for budget-conscious home theater owners who want streaming and disc playback, but not without quirks.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for those needing Blu-ray/DVD playback with smart streaming, but accept limitations and potential minor defects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent HD playback quality | No power indicator light on unit |
| Built-in Wi-Fi with streaming apps | Occasional app loading delays |
| Compact, lightweight design | Some reports of Netflix issues |
| Affordable refurbished price | HDMI cable often not included |
| DVD upscaling near-HD quality | Inconsistent performance in some refurbs |
| DLNA compatible for media sharing | Limited app selection |
| Quick-start mode available | 3D playback requires compatible TV |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung markets this model as delivering full HD 1080p playback with DVD upconversion to “near-HD quality,” smart features via Wi-Fi, and ease of integration with connected devices. Digging deeper into user reports, these claims generally hold, but with context.
The brand touts “built-in Wi-Fi lets you access smart Blu-ray features and apps wirelessly”. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Internet set up was a breeze… apps work ok and load fairly fast”, though others describe hiccups: “Has a lot of trouble with Netflix.” This shows variability, possibly from network conditions or unit refurbishment quality.
Samsung’s promise of “greater detail and clarity” through HD upconversion resonates with buyers using older DVDs. Consumer Reports testing confirmed “excellent high-definition picture quality when playing Blu-ray discs” and “very well with standard DVDs, displaying the best detail possible.”
Ease of use is claimed, but one omission stands out: the lack of a power indicator. Multiple Best Buy customers flagged this — “Only way to know if it’s on is to switch to its input on the TV.” This is a clear disconnect between marketing simplicity and daily usability.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Picture quality is consistently strong. Best Buy reviews praise the “amazing picture… basically turns our plain TV into a smart TV”. For film lovers upgrading from basic DVD players, the HD playback and DVD upscaling are noted as transformative. Consumer Reports backed this with data on fast start-up times (1 second with Quick-start enabled) and better-than-average Blu-ray load speeds.
Streaming convenience also gets nods when it works. Users appreciate access to Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Pandora directly from the player. One buyer with an Ethernet setup reported: “Stream Netflix and YouTube this way with a strong connection that never freezes.” Wired users appear to benefit most from stability.
Compactness is another win — “small and sleek” makes it a fit for secondary rooms or tight spaces, such as kid’s bedrooms, without overwhelming the setup.
Common Complaints
The absence of a front power light is the most repeated frustration, impacting those who need clear on/off status without switching inputs. There’s also annoyance over HDMI cables not being included: “Had to buy the cable separately.”
Some refurbished units exhibit software or streaming quirks. A few Amazon buyers encountered “a couple subtle problems that a brand new unit might not”. Streaming lag, described as “a hesitation of about 3 seconds more than sticks or TV apps”, impacts impatient users.
Netflix connectivity issues show up enough to be noted. One reviewer called it their biggest drawback, and others lament limited app selections compared to newer smart platforms.
Divisive Features
Wi-Fi connectivity splits opinion. In strong network environments, it’s called “flawless” or “working fine every time.” In weaker setups, complaints about dropped connections or buffering appear. Hardwiring via Ethernet sidesteps this, leading to two camps of users — satisfied wired, occasionally frustrated wireless.
The refurbished nature of these units divides experiences sharply. Many echo “great refurbished product at a good price” while others, like one Amazon buyer, call it “the biggest piece of junk I have ever ordered… obviously never was refurbished.” This highlights the gamble inherent in renewals — quality can be excellent or subpar depending on inspection rigor.
Trust & Reliability
Scam or quality concerns mostly surface in relation to disappearing negative reviews and inconsistent refurbishment standards. One Amazon customer complained: “Old one-star reviews disappeared… I was one of the unlucky recipients.” This raises transparency issues for cautious buyers.
On the flip side, long-term durability reports from satisfied users are encouraging. A Best Buy customer noted: “Bought a refurbished unit over one year ago and it is still working fine.” Many suggest investing in a service plan for peace of mind, especially given the unit’s second-hand nature.
Warranty and Geek Squad certification help alleviate anxiety. Those buying through reputable channels with protections report far fewer catastrophic failures.
Alternatives
Within the Samsung ecosystem, models like the BD-H5900 offer similar smart features but add 3D capability with strong customer ratings (4.6/5 from 1,503 Best Buy reviews). For users needing UHD playback, the UBD-K8500 scores well in lab tests and provides native 4K, albeit at higher cost.
If reliability is a top priority, opting for a brand-new Blu-ray player — even if only marginally more expensive — eliminates refurbishment uncertainty, though you may lose the steep discount.
Price & Value
Amazon currently lists the renewed unit around $110, while eBay resale prices for the BD-J5700 range from $29.99 to $39.99 depending on condition and accessories. This suggests rapid depreciation, so resale value isn’t a selling point. However, upfront savings make it attractive for budget setups or secondary rooms.
Community buying tips include checking for included cables, verifying firmware updates upon setup, and considering Ethernet for stable streaming. Many stress purchasing from reputable sellers offering return policies.
FAQ
Q: Does this player support 4K UHD Blu-ray discs?
A: No, it supports standard Blu-ray and upscales DVDs to near-HD quality. For 4K UHD discs, buyers must choose models specifically built for UHD playback like the UBD-K8500.
Q: Can it connect to Wi-Fi without additional accessories?
A: Yes, built-in Wi-Fi is standard. Users report setup is easy, though performance can vary based on network strength.
Q: Is there a way to tell if the unit is powered on without a TV?
A: No, several users note the absence of a power indicator light, requiring TV input to confirm.
Q: What streaming services are available?
A: Firmware at the time of testing included Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Pandora, Vudu, and Opera TV apps. Availability can change with firmware updates.
Q: Does it come with an HDMI cable?
A: Often not. Many buyers had to purchase one separately, so check package contents before buying.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want an inexpensive way to watch Blu-ray/DVDs with solid HD quality and occasional streaming. Avoid if constant Netflix use or flawless Wi-Fi performance is critical. Pro tip from community: Use Ethernet for dependable streaming and buy from a seller with a strong return policy.
