Samsung Renewed Blu-ray Player Review: Mixed Verdict
A refurbished Blu-ray player that stops reading discs after just a few months isn't rare, according to dozens of reports. The SAMSUNG Blu-ray DVD Disc Player (Renewed) sits in an awkward middle ground—offering sharp visuals and enticing smart features, but with persistent reliability concerns that drag its average score to a conditional 5.9/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp 1080p Blu-ray playback | Frequent disc read failures reported |
| DVD upscaling to near-HD quality | Audio-video sync issues for some |
| Built-in streaming apps on select models | Short refurbished warranty periods |
| Easy setup and fast loading speeds | Overheating due to no internal fan |
| Affordable compared to new models | Network connectivity drops for some |
| Includes HDMI cable | Poor customer support experiences |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung’s marketing leans heavily on Full HD 1080p playback and HD upconversion for DVDs. On paper, that means older discs should look cleaner and sharper. Reddit user feedback confirms this: “Picture quality is very good and Blu-ray movies do look sharp,” one buyer wrote. However, another customer countered that older DVDs still looked “snowy and grainy… maybe watching on a 50” plasma has something to do with that.”
The promise of built-in streaming apps is another selling point, especially for models with Wi-Fi. One Walmart reviewer praised Netflix and Pandora performance when connected via Ethernet: “Netflix works great with no buffering issues whatsoever.” Yet Trustpilot users exposed a gap—apps sometimes froze or failed to connect, even after firmware updates, with one saying, “It constantly loses its network connection for no apparent reason… only fixed with a full power cycle.”
Durability is where marketing claims diverge sharply from lived experiences. Samsung promises “professionally inspected and tested” renewed units under an Amazon Renewed guarantee. Multiple Best Buy customers reported units failing after 4–6 months, often just past the labor warranty. “It worked great for 5 mo[nths] and then quit playing Blu-rays… warranty is only 90 days on labor,” one wrote.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The standout praise across Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy is for Blu-ray picture sharpness. For home cinema owners, this is the primary draw. A Reddit commenter noted that setup was “really easy,” allowing them to run a firmware upgrade and start watching movies within minutes. Others appreciated fast disc load times, comparing it favorably to older players. Buyers who used Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi often reported stable streaming, making it a solid secondary player in multi-room setups.
DVD upconversion earned good remarks from users seeing mild clarity improvements on HD TVs. An Amazon reviewer celebrated that even older discs looked “better and sharper,” which particularly benefits users with large DVD collections looking to refresh their viewing experience.
Common Complaints
The most persistent complaint is disc reading failure—specifically, units refusing to play DVDs or Blu-rays despite updates. Trustpilot’s Stephen described his refurbished player: “First 2 weeks it worked great… today I was watching my favorite movie, it stopped in the middle and went back to the beginning.” Others reported green screen errors on startup or players getting “very hot after 30 minutes” due to lacking internal fans.
Audio lag is another disruptive flaw. “The audio was not in sync with the video… very annoying,” several Best Buy reviewers said. These sync issues affected movie enjoyment and were often compounded by overheating.
Network instability plagued smart models, especially on Wi-Fi. Walmart reviewers noted connections dropping without warning, hampering Netflix or Pandora use.
Divisive Features
The refurbished nature divides buyers: some love the low cost and “inspected by a human” reassurance, others see it as a gamble. Reddit user praises included “what a deal!” after trouble-free use, while others swore off Samsung after repeated failures. Streaming support for niche apps often went unused, viewed as redundant for owners of smart TVs.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs data reveals a large cohort of frustrated customers citing poor Samsung support and warranty limitations. Justin wrote: “Samsung basically said good luck… they didn’t have anyone to refer me to repair.” Complaints of false advertising about the number of built-in apps also surface, with T.V. stating that the “250+ apps” claim was “a gross understatement,” fueling distrust.
Long-term users found refurbished models prone to failure much sooner than expected. One Best Buy buyer had their unit die at the 4-month mark despite light use, and another saw their player stall mid-movie repeatedly over several years. The lack of repair support on refurbs leaves owners facing high costs or scrapping the device entirely.
Alternatives
In the same category, Sony’s BDP-S1700 was praised for “quick start and easy setup” and reliable playback, making it an appealing alternative for buyers prioritizing longevity. Panasonic’s compact Blu-ray players were noted for consistent performance even without Wi-Fi, suiting users who prefer simple disc playback. These options lack some of Samsung’s smart features but appear to avoid its mechanical and network issues.
Price & Value
Prices for the Samsung renewed Blu-ray range from about $149.99 to $189 new-equivalent, with used listings on eBay dropping under $40 for certain models. While the inclusion of an HDMI cable and streaming apps add appeal, community advice leans toward caution unless the buyer accepts potential short lifespan. Resale values plummet quickly, reflecting wear issues and market skepticism of Samsung’s refurbished home theater gear.
Buying tips from experienced users: opt for models with Ethernet if streaming is important, and keep usage moderate to limit overheating. Consider extended third-party warranties to offset the short refurb coverage.
FAQ
Q: Does this player support 4K UHD Blu-ray discs?
A: No, models reviewed here max out at 1080p. Some can upscale to 4K when paired with a 4K TV, but they cannot play native 4K UHD discs.
Q: How effective is the DVD upconversion?
A: Users saw modest improvements—sharper edges and reduced blur—on HD TVs, but older DVDs with low source quality may still appear grainy.
Q: Are streaming apps reliable?
A: Mixed results. Ethernet connections are generally stable, but Wi-Fi models have frequent dropouts.
Q: Can I use generic Wi-Fi USB adapters?
A: No. Certain models require official Samsung adapters; third-party USB Wi-Fi will not work.
Q: Is overheating a concern?
A: Yes, several buyers report the player getting hot after about 30 minutes, as it lacks internal cooling fans.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a budget-conscious viewer with a stable Ethernet setup, limited Blu-ray use, and willingness to gamble on refurb longevity. Avoid if you rely on heavy daily use, need perfect playback reliability, or want robust app stability over Wi-Fi. Pro tip from the community: “Spend the extra money” on a proven model from Sony or Panasonic if you expect years of service.
