- The only way to watch DVDs on Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 8, will be through purchasing Media Center or other third-party software.
- The absence of any native DVD player was announced on Microsoft’s official Building Windows 8 blog, which said the bizarre decision was due to a “sharp decline” in the number of people who use their computer to watch DVDs.
- Instead the focus of Windows 8 will be on H.264, VC-1, MP4, AAC, WMA, MP3, PCM and Dolby Digital Plus codecs.
- If you are what Microsoft deems the minority and you do use your computer to watch DVDs, there are other options.
- One is to purchase the Media Center via one of the add-on packs such as Windows 8 Media Center Pack or the Windows 8 Pro Pack.
- Alternatively - and a more attractive proposition (at least in terms of price) - download a third-party app such as VLC.