Top 7 DVD Players Compatible with Samsung Smart TVs in 2023
While streaming services have largely taken over, many of us still cherish our old DVD collections. If you own a Samsung smart TV, you‘ll be happy to know there are still plenty of great DVD player options that will work seamlessly with your television. Owning a dedicated DVD player allows you to enjoy your favorite classic films and home videos in the best possible quality.
As an A/V technology expert and DVD aficionado myself, I‘ve thoroughly tested the top DVD players on the market to find the very best ones for Samsung smart TV owners. Whether you‘re looking for premium 4K upscaling, a budget-friendly option, or a multipurpose device that can also play your Blu-rays and stream content, there‘s a perfect DVD player for your Samsung TV on this list.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? In this in-depth buying guide, I‘ll walk you through the key features to look for, provide my top picks in every category, and share some tips for connecting and using a DVD player with your Samsung television. I‘ll also address some frequently asked questions so you can buy with confidence. Let‘s dive in!
Key Features to Look for in a DVD Player for Your Samsung Smart TV
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Disc Formats – In addition to standard DVDs, consider a player that supports your other disc formats like Blu-rays, CDs, and more. This will provide flexibility to play all your physical media through one device.
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Video Quality – For the best picture, look for a DVD player with built-in high-quality upscaling to convert the standard definition video on DVDs to HD or even 4K resolution to match your Samsung smart TV. Premium players may also support HDR formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision for even better contrast and color.
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Connectivity – An HDMI port is essential for connecting to your Samsung TV. Other useful connections include USB ports for playing digital files, coaxial digital audio output to connect to a sound system, and Ethernet or Wi-Fi for streaming content.
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Smart Features – App support, built-in Wi-Fi, and voice controls are handy smart features to look for that can turn your DVD player into an all-in-one media hub. However, with a Samsung smart TV, you may already have access to plenty of apps and not need these extras.
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Brand and Compatibility – Stick with reliable, well-known electronics brands for the best compatibility and long-term support. While you don‘t necessarily need a Samsung-branded DVD player for your Samsung TV, it can provide the most seamless experience.
My Top Picks
Best Overall: Panasonic DP-UB420-K
With support for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, regular Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, the Panasonic DP-UB420-K is an outstanding all-around performer for Samsung smart TVs. It uses advanced HCX video processing to optimize picture quality and supports premium HDR formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
For CD playback, it has a dedicated 192-kHz/32-bit 4 DAC for excellent sound quality. The DP-UB420-K is also very easy to use, with a simple setup process and intuitive remote. It supports voice controls through Google Assistant and Alexa for added convenience. While not the cheapest option, the Panasonic DP-UB420-K hits the sweet spot in terms of features, performance, and price for serious DVD collectors.
Best 4K Upscaling: Sony UBP-X700
If you want your old DVDs to look as sharp and detailed as possible on your 4K Samsung TV, the Sony UBP-X700 is your best bet. Sony‘s proprietary DSEE HX upscaling technology does a fantastic job converting standard definition DVDs to near-4K quality with enhanced textures and reduced noise/artifacts.
The UBP-X700 also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for vivid colors and contrast with compatible content. It‘s a great choice for those with large DVD collections they want to breathe new life into. On the downside, this model lacks some of the more advanced features and connectivity options of higher-end players.
Best Budget: LG DP132
You don‘t have to spend a lot to get a reliable DVD player for your Samsung television. The LG DP132 offers all the essential functions you need at a very wallet-friendly price. It plays DVDs, CDs, and digital files via USB with solid picture and sound quality.
With a compact design and simple setup, the DP132 is perfect for a bedroom or office TV setup. The only real drawback is there‘s no Blu-ray playback, 4K upscaling or smart features. But if you just need an affordable, no-frills way to play your old DVDs, the LG DP132 gets the job done well.
Best Smart Features: Sony BDP-S6700
For the most robust and useful smart features to complement your DVD playback, check out the Sony BDP-S6700. This versatile player packs in Wi-Fi connectivity, a wide selection of pre-loaded apps (including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and more), screen mirroring from your phone, and an intuitive interface.
You can easily switch between playing a DVD and streaming your favorite shows with the press of a button. The BDP-S6700 also offers 4K upscaling and 3D Blu-ray support, making it a strong all-around media player. The main thing it lacks compared to the top Panasonic model is Dolby Vision support.
Best Samsung Branded: Samsung BD-J5100
If you want to stick with the Samsung ecosystem for maximum compatibility and a matching aesthetic, the BD-J5100 is your best option. This Blu-ray player is designed to integrate perfectly with Samsung TVs and soundbars for easy setup and control through a single remote.
It supports both DVDs and Blu-rays in 2D and 3D plus USB file playback. You also get built-in Wi-Fi and access to a handful of apps. Upscaling is limited to 1080p HD rather than 4K. And it‘s a bit pricier than comparable players from other brands. But for Samsung loyalists, this is the ideal DVD player to pair with your smart TV.
How to Set Up and Use a DVD Player with a Samsung Smart TV
Connecting a DVD player to your Samsung TV is usually a straightforward process. Here‘s a quick step-by-step:
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Unbox your DVD player and locate the included HDMI cable (or use your own high-speed HDMI cable).
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Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the back of the DVD player and the other end into an empty HDMI port on your Samsung TV.
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If your DVD player has smart features you want to use, connect it to your home Wi-Fi network or use an Ethernet cable for the most reliable connection.
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Power on your Samsung TV and use the Source or Input button on the remote to switch to the HDMI input your DVD player is connected to.
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Insert a DVD into the player and it should automatically begin playback. Use the DVD player‘s remote to navigate menus, control playback, adjust settings, and access special features.
Some DVD players may require you to complete a first-time setup process to select your language, network connection, and other preferences. Higher-end models provide advanced video/audio settings you can fine-tune to dial in the best performance based on your specific Samsung TV, sound system and room conditions.
In my experience, using a DVD player with a Samsung smart TV provides a smooth, high-quality experience, especially with a well-matched player like the Panasonic DP-UB420-K or Samsung BD-J5100. The exceptional upscaling capabilities of these players do an impressive job making even old, lower-resolution discs look crisp and clean on a big 4K Samsung screen.
The main downsides compared to streaming are that you‘re limited to the resolution of the DVD (typically 480p SD), you have to physically handle discs which can get scratched or damaged over time, and of course the players themselves take up space in your media console.
But for many film buffs, myself included, the ritual of perusing a curated movie collection and popping in a disc is part of the fun and provides a more focused viewing experience compared to sifting through streaming menus. With the right DVD player and a great Samsung TV, you really can get the best of both physical media and digital streaming in one high-performance setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a special DVD player to work with my Samsung smart TV?
A: No, any standard DVD player with an HDMI output should work fine. But sticking with a well-known brand like Panasonic, Sony, LG or Samsung‘s own players will provide the best experience.
Q: Can I play Blu-rays in addition to DVDs?
A: Only if you buy a player that specifically supports Blu-ray discs. Standard DVD players cannot play Blu-rays. All Blu-ray players can play DVDs.
Q: Will a 4K DVD player make my regular DVDs look better?
A: Yes, a good 4K upscaling DVD player can make a big difference, especially on a larger screen Samsung TV. It won‘t be true 4K quality but will look sharper and more detailed than from a standard DVD player.
Q: Are there any Samsung DVD player models designed for Samsung TVs?
A: Yes, Samsung offers a few Blu-ray/DVD players like the BD-J5100 that are optimized for use with Samsung smart TVs and include some Samsung-exclusive features. But you don‘t necessarily need a Samsung branded player.
Q: Do I need to get a Samsung soundbar to use with my DVD player and Samsung TV?
A: No, you can use your DVD player‘s audio outputs to connect it to any sound system or use your TV‘s built-in speakers. A Samsung sound bar is not required but will provide easy integration with your TV.
The Bottom Line
While streaming may be the main way most of us watch movies and shows these days, DVD players still absolutely have a place in the modern media room. With the ability to play physical discs you already own, provide a focused viewing experience, and enjoy your content independently of your internet connection, DVD players offer some unique advantages.
And with the great options available today from brands like Panasonic, Sony, LG and Samsung‘s own line, you can find a high-performance DVD player that will integrate seamlessly with your Samsung smart TV at any budget. Whether you want the very best 4K picture quality, a model loaded with smart features, or just an affordable way to watch your old discs, there‘s an excellent choice on this list.
By looking for key features like universal disc support, high-quality video processing, a wide range of connectivity options, and strong compatibility with Samsung products, you can select a DVD player that you‘ll enjoy using for years to come, even in the golden age of streaming. Consider your priorities and pick the model that best fits your needs, budget and Samsung TV setup. You can‘t go wrong with any of these top contenders I‘ve recommended.
