Windows 8 won't come with Media Center. The new Microsoft's operating system won't even support DVD playback, unless you purchase Media Center from Microsoft or use third-party DVD software. While Windows Media Player will still come pre-installed, it won't be able to play DVDs from the get-go thanks to the removal of the MPEG-2 codec from Windows. It will only support content downloaded or streamed over the Internet.
Microsoft cite codec licensing costs, plus the declining sales of DVDs globally. On top of that, more and more Americans are turning to streaming media for their entertainment needs. All those factors combined means the company arrived at a decision to remove MPEG-2 from Windows 8: the majority of consumers won’t miss it, and it would save money.
Microsoft will offer two ways to acquire Windows Media Center:
Source: Windows 8 blog
