Windows 8 will not be able to play video DVDs, unless you pay extra for Media Center package, or install a separate software player, able to provide this functionality.

Not that Windows 8 is offered without Media Center component, delivered free of charge for Windows 7, but lacks any support needed to play DVD video and receiving TV broadcasts, with a TV tuner.

In an article posted on his blog Building Windows 8, Microsoft justified its decision citing declining popularity enjoyed this content, explaining that maintaining support for optical discs involves substantial costs necessary technology licensing.

Anyway, Windows 8 will be an operating system focused on online media, offering home comforts required for media playback compression based on H.264, VC-1, MP4, AAC, WMA, MP3, PCM and Dolby Digital Plus, saved in a variety of file formats (except those with an. VOB, used on DVD).

Windows 8 who wish to benefit from support for playing movies on DVD, can acquire the necessary components by clicking the “Add Features to Windows 8″, available in Control Panel.