How do I play DVDs on my PC?

With the latest release from Microsoft, Windows 8, has a few things different from its predecessor Windows 7.  Windows 8 Media Player can’t play DVDs. This seems like a u-turn considering the Windows 7 Media Player could play DVDs. You may be asking yourself “How do I play DVDs on my PC?” That’s where Win8DVD comes in. We allow you to play all your favorite DVDs and Blu-Rays without having to install any codecs, all for free.

Although Windows Media Player doesn’t play DVDs , Windows 8 can with any of these solutions:

 

Upgrade to Windows 8 Media Center Pack or the Windows 8 Pro Pack

The upgrade versions on Windows 8 offer a lot more than the basic versions. Those packages add Windows Media Center to your PC, which allows you to watch DVDs as well as record live TV. The only downside to these packages is that you have to pay extra.

 

Download a third-party DVD player

There are a lot of different third-party software available to users. Some have been around for a long time and have become a heavy-weight in media players. Some are designed for all platforms while some are designed for only Windows 8. Click here for examples of third-party media players.

 

Win8DVD has been designed to work fully with Windows 8 to give Windows 8 users the easiest and best experience possible when wanting to watch your favorite DVDs. Want to download Win8DVD? Download here.

Playing DVDs in Windows Media Player

Windows has been a favorite operating system for most people for numerous years and will still be there for even longer. That being said, the latest version, Windows 8, has raised a few eyebrows with some of the decisions that have been made. One decision being removing DVD playback.

 

The Reasoning…

One possible reason behind this decision can be the fact that Windows 8 was designed for both tablets and desktops, and a tablet does not come with any form of DVD/disc input. However, Windows is being used at a much larger scale for desktops and notebooks as compared to tablets, and those do come with CD/DVD disc drives. And because of that, a user may want to play a DVD, especially if they’re a movie junkie that likes to keep a collection of all the favorite titles.

Taken from the Windows site, they state “If you’re running Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro you can search for a DVD player app in the Windows Store” meaning that Windows 8  can support DVD playback but from a  third-party company, unless they upgrade to a pricier version of Windows 8, meaning that users have to spend more to get, what used to be, a basic feature of all Windows OS.

 

Have No Fear!

But here on Win8DVD we want to help users with their DVD needs by giving our software out for FREE! It’s available from here to download. Not only supporting DVD, Win8DVD supports all video file types.

 

 

 

 

No DVD Playback on Windows 8

 

Before people buy a Windows 8 PC, they may not know that unless you get the top-end version of Windows 8 you won’t be able to play any of your DVD collection. The cause: there isn’t DVD playback compatibility on Windows 8. So let’s fix that problem. Below are some options that will allow you to play all your favourite DVDs on Windows 8.

 

Win8DVD

Of course we are going to include ourselves in this list as we believe we are the better option for Widows 8 DVD players. Win8DVD is compatible with all file types as well as DVD and Blu-Ray, so no video or audio file is a problem. With our simple interface we make it easy to watch your video files without interruption. Designed from open-source software Win8DVD can be created by anyone and is free to everyone.

Download Win8DVD from here!

 

Some others that exist are:

 

VLC Media Player

One of the better known free media players, VLC is a free, open source  multimedia player  that plays most multimedia files including DVD, Audio CD, VCD, and various streaming protocols. It runs on most operating systems including Windows, Mac and Linux. Funded by its large user base, VLC has become a heavy-weight in free media players.

Download VLC from http://bit.ly/8PtDvf

 

XMBC

XMBC Media Player is similar to Win8DVD as it is created from open-source software. Compatible with nearly all devices, it makes XMBC a powerful contender for best, free media player. It allows users to play and view most videos, music, podcasts, and other digital media files from local and network storage media and the internet.

Download XMBC from http://bit.ly/1K512k

 

To Conclude…

Because Windows 8 doesn’t come with a dvd or blu-ray player as standard, users are looking towards third-party software to play their DVDs and Blu-rays. Luckily it is a large market meaning there are many free media players out there available to you.

 

Alternative to Windows 8 Media Center

With the rise of Windows 8 becoming a standard for new PCs and laptops, users still have trouble with DVD and Blu-Ray playback. The reasoning behind is that Windows 8 doesn’t support DVD and Blu-Ray playback unless you pay a little extra for the Media Center edition. But who wants to pay more when you can get your hands on a free alternative? So below we have included a quick comparison between both Win8DVD and Media Center.

Windows Media Center

Windows 8 introduces Windows Media Center to allow its users to watch, listen and view media from their own PC or laptop as well as having the ability to share it to other Media Center users. With a new sleek design compared to Windows Media Player it is designed to really take over the screen and immerse the user with their own media. It doesn’t stop there though, if the users PC is capable of supporting TV tuners, Media Center can be used to watch live TV. It’s a really good idea from Microsoft but only allowing Media Player to be available on the top-end version of Windows 8 and not supporting DVD or Blu-ray playback otherwise, seems an odd decision.

Win8DVD

Unlike Windows Media Center Win8DVD is a free media player designed for Windows 8 from Media Player Classic Home Cinema. Created from open source software, we wanted to make it available to everyone. Win8DVD supports all file types including DVD and Blu-ray, giving the user the best experience possible with a simple interface that doesn’t detract from your favourite film. Available to all versions of Windows 8 as well as previous versions of Windows (XP, Vista & 7) meaning that there is no need for an upgrade.

To Conclude… 

Depending on if you want to use a third-party software to play your DVDs and Blu-Rays or you want a Windows products, that’s for you to decide but if you can get something for free that does the same job, why pay? It’s a great alternative to Windows 8 Media Center.

Want to download Win8DVD? Download here!

How to play Blu-Rays on Windows 8

Win8DVD is one of few Blu-Ray players for Windows 8. And with Windows 8 not supporting Blu-Ray playback, a few things have changed. Here is a 3-step  “How To” guide  on how to play Blu-rays on Windows 8 through our software – Win8DVD.

Step 1 – Open Win8DVD

First of all open Win8DVD.

Step 2 -Insert DVD

Insert your Blu-ray into the disc tray or USB Blu-Ray player. Once the disc tray has been closed, the Blu-ray will begin to load. On your screen there will be a command box. Choose “Play with Win8DVD”.

Step 3 – Play your DVD

Once you have chosen to play your Blu-Ray with Win8DVD, the Blu-Ray will begin to play. Sit back and enjoy your DVD.

 

Win8DVD is a great alternative to Window’s Media Centre as it plays a whole host of file types as well as your Blu-Rays for free!

How To Play DVDs on Windows 8

Win8DVD is one of few DVD players for Windows 8. And with Windows 8 being a new operating system, a few things have changed. Here is a 3-step  “How To” guide  on how to play DVDs on Windows 8 through our software – Win8DVD.

Step 1 – Open Win8DVD

First of all open Win8DVD.

Step 2 -Insert DVD

Insert your DVD into the disc tray or USB DVD player. Once the disc tray has been closed, the DVD will begin to load. On your screen there will be a command box. Choose “Play with Win8DVD”.

Step 3 – Play your DVD

Once you have chosen to play your DVD with Win8DVD, the DVD will begin to play. Sit back and enjoy your DVD.

Win8DVD is a great alternative to Window’s Media Centre as it plays a whole host of file types as well as your DVDs for free!

How To: Install Win8DVD

Windows 8 is a new operating system without DVD playback. That’s where Win8DVD comes in. Our free software is compatible with Windows 8 and DVD playback. It will allow you to play all your favourite DVDs as well as other video files.

Below is a “How To” guide on installing Win8DVD.

How To Install Win8DVD

Step 1 – Go to ‘www.win8dvd.com’. Once on the homepage ‘click’ the download button.

 

Step 2 – Once you’ve clicked the ‘Download’ button,  it will open a new webpage. The installer will be downloaded immediately.

(Example: Chrome)

 

Step 3 – Click the installer to begin the installation.

 

Step 4 – Beginning the Installation, Click Next.

 

Step 5 – Agree to the License Agreement

 

Step 6 – Installing

 

Step 7 – Installation Complete

Windows 8 Video Codecs – No need for codecs

There aren’t many Windows 8 DVD players available out there and when you eventually find one, you want it to work straight away. But, the file type you wanted to play isn’t supported and you are told to download and install a codec. Doing all of this is a hassle to watch a video on Windows 8. That’s why with Win8DVD there isn’t a need for codec packs. Our software already comes ready for anything you can throw at it.

Our large amount of compatible file types allows you to play a whole host of file types as well as DVDs on Windows 8 without having to install lots of windows 8 video codecs. Below are a few examples of file types we support:

  • 3GP
  • AVI
  • BDMV
  • DivX
  • EVO
  • FLAC
  • MKV
  • Xvid

For a full list of compatible file types click here.

With Windows 8 becoming a standard for most PCs you will need an easy to use DVD player at some point. Win8DVD is that DVD player. Don’t have Windows 8 yet? No problem, Win8DVD is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Looking to download? Go to our DOWNLOAD page and get Win8DVD for Free!

Compatible File Types

Win8DVD can play a lot of different file types. Music files range from MP3 to FLAC. Video files include MP4 to MKV. We host many different types.

Below is the full list of compatible file types with Win8DVD:

 

1 – 10

3G2 – A file with the 3G2 file extension is a 3GPP2 Multimedia file. 

3GP – A file with the 3GP file extension is a 3GPP Multimedia file. 

3GP2 – A file with the 3GP2 file extension is a 3GPP2 Multimedia file. 

3GPP – A file with the 3GPP file extension is a 3GPP Multimedia file.

 

A

AA – An Audio Book file.

AAC – An MPEG-2 Advanced Audio Coding file.

AC3 – An Audio File Format file.

AIF – An Audio Interchange File Format file.

AIFC – An AIFC file extension is a Compressed Audio Interchange File Format file.

AIFF – An Audio Interchange File Format file.

ALAC – An audio codec developed by Apple for lossless data compression of digital music.

AMR – A patented audio compression scheme optimized for speech coding.

AMV – A proprietary video file format, produced for MP4 players.

APE – An algorithm and file format for lossless audio data compression.

ASF – A Microsoft proprietary digital audio/digital videocontainer format, especially meant for streaming media.

ASX – Designed to store a playlist of Windows Media files.

AVI – a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft for Video for Windows technology.

 

B

BDMV – A file with the BDMV file extension is a Blu-ray Information file

BIK – Bink is a video file format developed by RAD Game Tools for video in video games.

 

C

CDA – A virtual file generated by Microsoft Windows for each audio track.

 

D

D2V –  It is used to decode MPEG1 or MPEG2 streams from such sources as DVDs and VOB files.

DAT – A file with the DAT file extension is a Data file.

DIVX – An MPEG-4 format.

DSM – Digital Sound Module.

DSS – Digital Speech Standard File

DTS – Multi-channel audio file encoded in the Digital Theater Systems (DTS) format.

DVD – A disk image file.

 

E

EVO – HD DVD Video File.

 

F

F4V – Flash MP4 Video File.

FLA – Adobe Flash Animation.

FLAC – A file with the FLAC file extension is a Free Lossless Audio Codec file.

FLC – Animation file but supports larger movies and other additional features.

FLV – Flash Video File.

 

H

H264 – A popular format for high definition video.

HDMOV – Movie file used by QuickTime, an audio and video playback program.

 

I

IFO – DVD-Video Disc Information File.

IVF – Indeo Video Format File.

 

M

M1A – Audio file encoded using MPEG-1 Layer II compression.

M1V – MPEG-1 Video File.

M2A – Audio file that has been compressed with MPEG-1 Layer II audio compression.

M2P – Video container format that supports MPEG-2 audio and video compression.

M2T – High-definition video recording format used by many HD camcorders.

M2TS – Video file saved in the high-definition Blu-ray BDAV format.

M2V – Video only encoded using MPEG-2 compression.

M3U – Short for “MP3 URL”.

M4A – Audio file created in the MPEG-4 format.

M4B – Audiobook file based on the MPEG-4 container format.

M4R – Custom iPhone ringtone created with iTunes.

M4V – MPEG-4 file extension used for videos downloaded from the Apple iTunes store.

MID – Standard MIDI file used by music authoring and mixing programs as well as MIDI hardware devices.

MKA – Audio container format that supports several types of audio compression and related to the .MKV video format, but only contains audio data.

MKV – Video container format similar to the .AVI and .MOV formats. Supports several types of audio and video codecs.

MOV – Common multimedia format often used for saving movies and other video files.

MP2 – Audio format that uses MPEG-1 Layer II compression to reduce the file size.

MP2V – Video file encoded with the MPEG-2 compression.

MP4 – Movie or video clip that uses MPEG-4 compression. Commonly used for sharing video files on the Internet.

MP4V – Video file format. Can contain still images, video objects, and audio objects; also supports text, graphics, and synthetic sounds.

MPA – Audio file compressed with MPEG Layer II compression.

MPC – Audio file compressed with Musepack audio compression.

MPCPL – Playlist of media files created with Media Player Classic.

MPE – Video encoded in MPEG format.

MPEG – Popular video format.

MPEG4 – Video file saved in the MPEG-4 container format.

MPG – Common digital video format.

MPLS – File stored on Blu-ray discs that contains a playlist for the movie.

MPV2 – Video clip encoded with MPEG-2 audio and video compression.

MTS – High-definition MPEG Transport Stream video format.

 

O

OFR –  Audio file compressed with OptimFROG.

OGA – Audio container format.

OGG – Compressed audio file that uses free, unpatented Ogg Vorbis audio compression.

OGM – Compressed video file that uses an altered form of Xiph.Org’s Ogg file container format.

OGV – Video file that uses the Xiph.Org’s open source Ogg container format.

 

P

PLS – Playlist containing a list of audio files that can be played back by a variety of music players.

PVA – Video format.

 

Q

QT – QuickTime multimedia format developed by Apple.

 

R

RA – Audio file used by RealPlayer, an audio and video streaming program.

RAM – Link file used by RealPlayer.

RATDVD – Compressed DVD disk image stored in the ratDVD container format.

REC – Video file.

RM – Media file used by RealPlayer.

RMI – MIDI file stored in the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF).

RMVB – Real Media video file compressed using a variable bit rate.

 

S

SMK – Video, animation, or sound file compressed using RAD Game Tool’s Smacker compressor.

SND – Generic sound format used by a variety of programs.

SWF – Generic sound format used by a variety of programs.

 

X

XVID – Video clip or movie encoded using Xvid.

 

 

 

 

Version 0.3 Released

version 0.3 has been released and is based on Media Player Classic – Home Cinema. It doesn’t require you to install any codecs, it just works! Simple.

You can play major audio and video formats including MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 easily and is light on your system. These file formats are supported: WAV, WMA, MP3, OGG, SND, AU, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, MIDI, MPEG, MPG, MP2, VOB, AC3, DTS, ASX, M3U, PLS, WAX, ASF, WM, WMA, WMV, AVI, CDA, JPEG, JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP, D2V, MP4, SWF, MOV, QT, FLV.