Microsoft clarify the status of Windows Media Center in Windows 8

May 3, 2012
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Windows Media Center Upgrade Path Windows Media Center Upgrade Path[/caption] Basically if you’re running the base Windows 8 edition, you’ll need to upgrade the OS and install the Media Center Pack. Here’s the twist:

Windows Media Player will continue to be available in all editions, but without DVD playback support. For optical discs playback on new Windows 8 devices, we are going to rely on the many quality solutions on the market, which provide great experiences for both DVD and Blu-ray.
Yeah, you read that right – DVD playback options will not be included with the new Windows Media Player. Decoders for H.264, VC-1 (WMV), and MP4 video will be included, as are audio codecs for MP3, WMA, AAC, PCM (Wave), and DD+. You can read the full post here.]]>

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Mike Johnson is a writer for The Redmond Cloud - the most comprehensive source of news and information about Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft Cloud. He enjoys writing about Azure Security, IOT and the Blockchain.

All Comments

  • Yea, I knew that since the developer preview. I couldn’t play any DVDs on my Windows Developer Preview PC with Windows Media Player. I had to install VLC. The same is true with the Consumer Preview.
    I just don’t understand why all the tech reviewers and sites just didn’t catch it. I got doubtful looks when I mentioned Windows 8 doesn’t play DVD videos. I got responses like “oh, I am doubtful of this claim; have to check it out myself.” Oh well, at least now it’s official.

    NazmusLabs May 3, 2012 9:27 pm Reply
  • it sucks, I can’t believe that!!!

    Rammazzoti2001 May 4, 2012 12:35 am Reply
  • did i really read this correctly? with windows 8 there won’t be any software from microsoft originally installed for playing dvds and bluerays??!

    123321 May 4, 2012 2:53 am Reply
  • what about zune?

    123321 May 4, 2012 3:26 am Reply
  • Makes sense, it cuts costs if they don’t have to pay to include a licence to decode DVD’s
    XP didn’t originally come with codecs to play DVD’s for the same reason. 

    Rossco May 4, 2012 5:30 am Reply
  • I use Media Center heavily via the extender on my XBOX… Glad it will still be a part of windows 8.

    Brian May 4, 2012 6:03 am Reply

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