131 replies to this topic 5 votes

[Rickkins]

Microsoft ejects DVD playback from Windows 8

Digital media playback in Windows 8 has fallen casualty to the savage economics of the PC industry and changing tastes in consumer viewing.
We knew Windows Media Center would be sold at extra cost in Windows 8, but Microsoft now says you won’t be able to play DVDs on Windows Media Player in Windows 8.

If you do want DVD playback, then it’ll be a case of shopping judiciously and picking a PC whose manufacturer has licensed the codecs from a third party.
The twist? Windows 8 customers will end up paying more than others, as PC makers will likely be compelled to license the required codecs themselves to enable DVD playback.

from http://www.theregist..._playback_dead/

[+TCLN Ryster]

I'd say cue the trolls, but what exactly is the past tense version of the word cue?

Let's just look at this though shall we.... your beloved XP didn't include DVD playback either. It was introduced in Windows Vista, an OS which you no doubt hated. It wasn't free, you paid for it in the cost of the OS as there was a license fee Microsoft had to pay.

Giving people back the choice of which DVD playback app they want to use, and lowering the cost of the OS as a byproduct is a good thing. (assuming of course it does result in a price reduction for the OS. If it doesn't, then BOOO to Microsoft )

[Detection]

Codecs.com > K-Lite Mega Codec Pack > MPC > Job Done


Don't use MC or WMP anyway

[nohone]

Every PC I have ever bought was bundled with 3rd party DVD playback software. So why would I pay more when I was getting it for "free" in the past?

[+TCLN Ryster]

nohone, on 04 May 2012 - 21:30, said:

Every PC I have ever bought was bundled with 3rd party DVD playback software. So why would I pay more when I was getting it for "free" in the past?

Where has anybody said you'd have to pay for it? Perhaps you're unaware that there is a myriad of media players out there that DO still include DVD playback codecs, including the excellent (icon aside) VLC.

[HawkMan]

TCLN Ryster, on 04 May 2012 - 21:30, said:

Where has anybody said you'd have to pay for it? Perhaps you're unaware that there is a myriad of media players out there that DO still include DVD playback codecs, including the excellent (icon aside) VLC.

In the op troll news.

[KillTheIrishman]

VLC is always a good option .

[+TCLN Ryster]

HawkMan, on 04 May 2012 - 21:34, said:

In the op troll news.

Good point, should have expected fud like that from El Reg. Shame on the OP for spreading the said fud.

[nohone]

TCLN Ryster, on 04 May 2012 - 21:30, said:

Where has anybody said you'd have to pay for it? Perhaps you're unaware that there is a myriad of media players out there that DO still include DVD playback codecs, including the excellent (icon aside) VLC.

I didn't say that anyone would need to pay for it. What I did say is that when you buy a PC, it always has DVD playback software bundled. If you want to use a free alternative from the web or the one that is bundled, go ahead. But to make it sound like the end of the world because people will be forced to pay more, like the linked article, is foolish.

[+Vice]

In my opinion they should be adding a Bluray codec not removing a DVD codec. But whatever.

[+remixedcat]

CCCP+MPC+VLC+J-River Media Center=Hell yeah!

[HawkMan]

Vice, on 04 May 2012 - 21:40, said:

In my opinion they should be adding a Bluray codec not removing a DVD codec. But whatever.

Yes, let's increase the cost of windows for something less than 1% uses, that makes perfect sense... You know instead of making it an optional addon for those few that want it.

[+remixedcat]

Nope... TONS of people use it for media center stuff. why do you think the HTPC market is pretty huge and is growing right now?

[GP007]

They'll never add a blu-ray codec for the simple reason they're taking it out of Windows (unless you want it via the media center pack and you pay for it or use one of the other players out there), OEMs don't want the cost anymore. It's not just MS, OEMs don't want to pay extra when they install Windows on a device that can't play back DVD/BD anyways (like a tablet or a netbook without a optical drive).

Besides, for those who want to use WMP still, after you install the DVD codec wouldn't it then support DVD playback again? Or have they actually locked it out of WMP in some form? In any case, when you buy a new PC with a dvd/bd drive you get the software you need, or even when you buy the drive yourself to make your own system it comes with the software as well. No real issue, and if the OS price goes down then I'm all for it.

[giantpotato]

remixedcat, on 04 May 2012 - 21:56, said:

Nope... TONS of people use it for media center stuff. why do you think the HTPC market is pretty huge and is growing right now?

According to Microsoft only 6% of users use Windows Media Center. I would hardly say that's 'TONS'.

As for me, I literally use WMC every day to record tv so it'll be the first thing I purchase, and I can honestly say I don't care that I have to buy it separately. If software is worth purchasing I'll buy it, I have literally not found any software that can compare to WMC for ease of use in timeshifting tv.