In our home theater setup, a towering spindle of DVDs and a carefully curated shelf of Blu-rays stood gathering dust for years. They were relics of a bygone era, casualties of the streaming revolution. Every so often, we’d find a movie or a TV show box set that wasn’t available on any of our dozen streaming subscriptions. The frustration was palpable. We had the content right there, in physical form, but no simple, reliable way to play it on our modern television. This is a common story; the slow disappearance of disc drives from computers and game consoles has left many of us with a media library we can’t access. The solution isn’t to re-buy our entire collection digitally; it’s to find a bridge between our physical past and our digital present. This is where a dedicated Blu-ray player becomes not a nostalgic accessory, but an essential piece of equipment for any true media enthusiast.
- PlayStation Now : Stream and enjoy PlayStation 3 games instantly
- Full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc playback & DVD upscaling
What to Consider Before Buying a Blu-ray Player
A Blu-ray player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full potential of your physical media collection. In an age dominated by compressed streaming quality, a Blu-ray disc offers uncompromised video and audio, delivering the picture and sound exactly as the director intended. The primary benefit is superior fidelity—crisper images, deeper blacks, and richer, lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio that streaming services often can’t match. It’s about reclaiming ownership of your media, free from the whims of licensing agreements that see titles disappear from online platforms overnight. It’s also a gateway to bonus features, director’s commentaries, and behind-the-scenes content that rarely make it to streaming services.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact problem we had: a significant collection of DVDs and Blu-rays with no convenient way to watch them. This includes film collectors, audiophiles who demand the best sound quality, and families looking for a simple, offline entertainment option for kids’ movies. It’s also perfect for those living in areas with unreliable or slow internet, where streaming in high definition is a constant struggle. On the other hand, this device might not be suitable for those who have completely abandoned physical media and are satisfied with the quality and selection of streaming services. Likewise, if your entire home theater is built around a 4K ecosystem with a high-end OLED TV and Dolby Atmos soundbar, a basic 1080p player might feel like a bottleneck; you should be looking at 4K UHD players instead.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Modern Blu-ray players are remarkably compact, but it’s still vital to measure your entertainment center shelf space. The Sony BDP-S1700, for instance, is exceptionally slim and lightweight, designed to fit into tight spaces without drawing attention. Ensure there is enough clearance around the unit for ventilation, especially at the back where connections are made and some heat can be generated.
- Performance & Resolution: The core performance metric is video output. The BDP-S1700 supports Full HD 1080p, which is perfect for standard high-definition televisions. It also features DVD upscaling, which enhances the quality of your older standard-definition discs for better viewing on an HD screen. For those with 4K TVs, you’ll need to decide if 1080p is sufficient or if you need to invest in a native 4K player for the absolute best picture.
- Connectivity & Smart Features: This model is a “WIRED” player, meaning it connects to the internet via an Ethernet cable, not Wi-Fi. This is a critical distinction. A wired connection is often more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, but requires your player to be physically close to your router or an Ethernet port. Also, check for essential ports like HDMI (for modern TVs) and a USB port, which adds versatility for playing media files from a flash drive.
- The “Renewed” Condition: Buying a renewed product is a trade-off. You get a significant discount, but the item is not brand new. It may arrive in non-retail packaging and have minor cosmetic blemishes. More importantly, there’s a slightly higher risk of encountering operational quirks or a shorter lifespan, making a reliable seller’s return policy and warranty crucial.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player stands out in several areas, particularly for its value proposition. You can explore its detailed specifications and current pricing here.
While the Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs
- Compact Size: Space-saving design allows this Blu Ray DVD player for tv to fit neatly in narrow spaces and on thin racks. Dimensions: Approx. 9 5/8" W x 1...
- See the unrivalled visual clarity of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
First Impressions: A Compact, No-Nonsense Media Player
Our experience with the Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player began with a simple, plain cardboard box—the first and most obvious sign of its “renewed” status. Inside, the player, remote, and power adapter were securely packed. The unit itself is shockingly small and lightweight, a far cry from the bulky VCRs and early-gen DVD players of the past. Its minimalist black chassis is unassuming and blends seamlessly into any media center. We did notice a few faint scuffs on the glossy top surface upon close inspection, confirming our expectation of minor cosmetic imperfections. However, from a normal viewing distance, it looked perfectly fine.
Setup was, as one user noted, “trivial.” We plugged in the power adapter, connected the HDMI cable to our TV, and hooked up an Ethernet cable from our router. The player booted up almost instantly, a testament to its “super quick start” feature. The on-screen setup guide was straightforward, walking us through language and network settings. Within minutes, we were greeted by Sony’s user-friendly interface. It’s a clean, tile-based system that makes accessing disc playback, the USB port, or streaming apps incredibly simple. Our first test was a well-loved Blu-ray, which the machine loaded quickly and played without a single hiccup. The initial impression is one of pure utility: it’s a device built to do a few jobs simply and effectively, without any unnecessary frills.
The Upsides
- Excellent value for money, offering HD playback at a fraction of the cost of new players.
- Extremely compact and lightweight design fits easily into any entertainment setup.
- Fast boot-up and disc loading times enhance the user experience.
- Simple, intuitive user interface for easy navigation of discs, apps, and files.
Potential Drawbacks
- Being a renewed product, it carries a risk of defects, such as the reported overheating power supply.
- Lacks built-in Wi-Fi, requiring a wired Ethernet connection for streaming services.
A Comprehensive Performance Breakdown of the Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player
A budget price tag often comes with compromises. To understand where the Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player shines and where it falls short, we put it through its paces in a series of real-world tests, focusing on the features that matter most to the average user: its core playback quality, its streaming capabilities, and the realities of its renewed condition.
Core Mission: Disc Playback and Visual Fidelity
First and foremost, a Blu-ray player must play discs flawlessly. We tested the Sony BDPS 1700 with a variety of media, from pristine, brand-new Blu-rays to decade-old, slightly scuffed DVDs. In every case, the performance was impressive for its class. Blu-ray discs loaded promptly, and playback was smooth, delivering the crisp, detailed 1080p picture we expect. Colors were vibrant and accurate, and motion was handled without any noticeable judder on our 60Hz television. It faithfully reproduced the high-bitrate video that physical media is known for, providing a clear step up in quality from compressed 1080p streaming.
The DVD upscaling feature was equally competent. While it can’t perform miracles and turn standard definition into true high definition, it did a commendable job of cleaning up the image, reducing blockiness, and sharpening edges for playback on a large HD screen. Our old collection of 480p DVDs looked significantly better than they would on a basic DVD player. The audio performance was also solid, passing through Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio signals to our receiver without issue, allowing for an immersive surround sound experience. We were initially concerned by one user report of a player scratching discs, but we did not encounter this issue across dozens of disc swaps. Our unit handled discs gently and operated with a quiet hum that was inaudible from the couch.
The Streaming & Connectivity Experience: A Wired World
The Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player is more than just a disc spinner; it’s a capable streaming device with access to over 300 apps. The key caveat, and it’s a big one, is the lack of Wi-Fi. You absolutely must have a physical Ethernet cable connection to use these features. For us, this was simple as our router is in the same media console. For others, this could be a deal-breaker if a wired connection isn’t feasible. However, the benefit of a wired connection is unwavering stability. We experienced no buffering or connection drops while streaming from popular services.
The interface for apps is clean and customizable, allowing you to arrange your favorite services on the home screen for quick access. Launching apps was reasonably fast, though not as snappy as a modern dedicated streaming stick. The front-facing USB port is another highlight. We plugged in a flash drive loaded with various media files. It played our MP4 and AVI video files perfectly, displayed a slideshow of JPG photos beautifully, and handled our MP3 music collection with ease. This simple port effectively turns the player into a mini home media hub, making it easy to share vacation photos or watch downloaded videos on the big screen. The combination of disc, streaming, and USB playback makes this player a surprisingly versatile machine. For those who prioritize this functionality, the value offered by this renewed model is hard to beat.
The “Renewed” Reality: Navigating the Risks and Rewards
This is arguably the most critical aspect of this product. The “Renewed” label is what makes the price so attractive, but it also introduces an element of uncertainty. Our unit, apart from minor scuffs, performed flawlessly. However, the user feedback highlights a spectrum of potential issues that must be considered. The most alarming report is of an overheating power supply that warped and caused the unit to shut down. This is a serious safety concern and underscores the biggest risk of buying refurbished electronics. We monitored our power supply closely during a three-hour movie and found it became warm to the touch, but never alarmingly hot. This suggests a potential quality control issue with some refurbished power adapters.
Another user reported a peculiar quirk where the player would not power on when plugged into an extension cord or power strip, but worked perfectly when plugged directly into a wall outlet. Out of curiosity, we tested this and our unit worked fine on a power strip. This inconsistency points to potential variability in the components used in the renewal process. These are the gambles you take. In exchange for a steep discount, you might get a perfectly functioning unit like ours, or you could receive one with a dangerous flaw or a strange operational tic. The key is to buy from a source with a robust and easy return policy, so you can test the device thoroughly upon arrival and send it back if any issues arise.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment among users is a reflection of the renewed product experience: a mix of satisfaction with the value and frustration with the potential for defects. On the positive side, many echo our findings. One user celebrated its flawless operation despite having cosmetic scratches, calling it a “steal” for the price. Another praised its compact size, simple menu navigation, and the fact that it received a software update, indicating ongoing support. These reviews paint a picture of a capable, no-frills device that delivers on its core promises for a very low price.
However, the negative feedback serves as a crucial warning. The most severe complaint involves the power supply getting “dangerously hot” and visibly warping, forcing the unit to shut off. This isn’t just a defect; it’s a potential fire hazard. Other users have reported receiving units that failed to work after a short period or, in one case, allegedly scratched their discs. A particularly insightful piece of feedback came from a user who discovered their player wouldn’t turn on via an extension cord, a strange but important troubleshooting tip. This feedback collectively highlights the “buyer beware” nature of renewed electronics; while you can get a great deal, the risk of receiving a faulty or even dangerous unit is real.
How Does It Compare? The Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player vs. The Competition
While the BDPS 1700 offers incredible value, it exists in a competitive market. How does it stack up against other popular choices? We looked at three key alternatives to see who might be better served by a different player.
1. Sony All Region Blu Ray DVD Player Bundle
- Works on all TVs with HDMI connection
- 100~240V 50 / 60Hz - For use world-wide use
This alternative is essentially a modified version of a Sony player, designed for a very specific audience: the avid film collector with an international library. Its key feature is its region-free capability, allowing it to play Blu-rays (Regions A, B, C) and DVDs (Regions 0-8) from anywhere in the world. For someone who imports discs from the UK, Japan, or Australia, this feature is non-negotiable and something the standard BDPS 1700 cannot do. It comes at a higher price point, but for the right user, that cost is justified by the access it provides to their entire global collection.
2. Panasonic DP-UB154P-K 4K Blu-ray Player
- 4K Ultra HD Blu Ray Player to Enjoy Your Favorite Movies: Enjoy your collection of special-edition Blu Ray, rare DVDs, and all-time favorites in...
- Stunning Color and Detail: Exclusive Panasonic technologies are applied to 4K high-precision chroma processing to give natural textures and depth,...
The Panasonic DP-UB154P-K represents a significant step up in visual fidelity. As an Ultra HD 4K player, it’s designed for users with 4K televisions who want to experience the absolute best picture quality possible from physical media. It supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which offers a wider range of colors and contrast than standard Blu-ray. While it costs more than the renewed Sony, it’s one of the most affordable entry points into the 4K Blu-ray ecosystem. If you have a 4K TV and plan on buying 4K discs, this Panasonic player is a much more future-proof and capable choice.
3. Sony UBP-X700M 4K UHD Blu-ray Player
- Bring Movies to Life in 4K HDR: Get the best seat in the house with this 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player. Advanced surround sound, 4K detail, and vibrant High...
- Get More From Your Movies with 4K Ultra HD: Experience movies with four times the resolution of conventional Blu-ray (Full HD), with new 4K Ultra HD...
For those who want to stay within the Sony ecosystem but need 4K capabilities, the UBP-X700M is the logical upgrade. It offers everything the BDPS 1700 does but adds 4K Ultra HD playback, HDR support (including Dolby Vision), and built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a physical Ethernet cable. It’s a more premium, feature-rich machine aimed at serious home theater enthusiasts who demand higher performance and greater convenience. This player is the best choice for someone who likes the Sony interface but has a 4K setup that would be underserved by the 1080p output of the BDPS 1700.
Our Final Verdict on the Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player
After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. For the right person, it is an absolute bargain. If you have a 1080p television, a large collection of Blu-rays and DVDs, and a convenient Ethernet port, this player offers fantastic performance for an astonishingly low price. It’s compact, fast, easy to use, and capably handles discs, streaming, and USB media.
However, the “renewed” status cannot be ignored. The potential for receiving a unit with cosmetic flaws, operational quirks, or, in the worst-case scenario, a hazardous power supply is a significant drawback. We recommend this player only to budget-conscious buyers who are willing to thoroughly test the unit upon arrival and are prepared to use the return policy if necessary. If reliability and peace of mind are your top priorities, or if you have a 4K TV, investing more in a new, more advanced model is the wiser choice.
If you’ve decided the blend of extreme value and acceptable risk in the Amazon Renewed Sony BDPS 1700 Blu-Ray Player is the right fit for your needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API