Microsoft decided to ship Windows 10 without an integrated DVD playback application. Why? Perhaps this was to avoid anti-competition regulations and make sure the operating system doesn’t discriminate against third-party alternatives. Whatever the reasoning, Microsoft’s bizarre pricing is astonishing and quite hard to believe. One could argue the pricing comes from licensing fees, but as a consumer, this isn’t something you should be worried about. To enable DVD playback through their fairly limited software suite, you have to pay $14.99/£11.59. Alternatively, you could download VLC for FREE which adopts an open-source model and comes packed full of features.
VLC is capable of playing videos as a Desktop background, stretching images to a host of aspect ratios and much more. In comparison, the Windows DVD Player is extremely basic and without any customizable controls. According to the App Store,
“Windows DVD Player for Windows 10 makes it easy to watch your favorite DVDs.”
“Watch both commercial and homemade discs in the DVD-Video format.”
“This app requires a DVD-capable optical drive.”
Not only that, the paid Windows version cannot play any kind of Blu-Ray discs and could have problems with unusual codecs. VLC is quite adaptable and able to play MKVs, MP4s, VOBs and other video types while adjusting the audio sync. It also supports .SRT and allows for multiple subtitle channels.
Honestly, I’m not sure if Microsoft themselves believes anyone will buy this. The ratings so far are rightfully abysmal and it’s quite insulting to ask so much money for such an inferior product. Additionally, if you don’t like VLC, there’s Media Player Classic, KMPlayer, BSPlayer, and lots more to choose from. If Microsoft want to be perceived as a consumer-friendly company, they need to drop arrogant PR-disasters like this.
Thank you Windows Central for providing us with this information.
