Windows 7 Media player will not play back BluRay disc's

It is well within Microsoft's capabilities to add native BluRay support to Windows Media Player. Why havent they? Cost. BluRay data disks are supported by Windows, because the technology needed to read a BluRay data disk doesn't have any licensing issues associated with it. The technology to play a BluRay movies on the other hand require a "license". Every company that makes a standalone BluRay player bought the rights to use the technology, as did every (legitimate) company that makes a BluRay movie playing software. The costs for these license is recovered by the company when they sell you the player/software. Microsoft could, of course, also by the rights to include native BluRay movie support, but they would then have to pass on the cost to you. In your case, this would probably be fine, but think about all the people that don't watch BluRay movies on their PCs... BluRay drives are still rare to find in computers, and even those who have BluRay hardware, don't always want to watch movies on their computer. Why should they pay $20 for Windows for a "feature" they never use? Unfortunately you are in the minority at present. As soon as that changes (meaning that a significant portion of Windows purchasers have the hardware ability and desire to play BluRay movies), you can bet support will come with Windows.

The rep is suggesting that as a way to do what you want, you should look into third party software. He is however also cautioning that since it is third party, any problems you have will need to be resolved by contacting the third party.

Roxio Has released a new BD player stand-alone application. Works with : Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. This BD player does not integrate with Media Center, nor the Windows Media Player 12.

Roxio CinePlayer BD under $50 :

http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/cineplayer/bd/overview.html

As for the Windows Media Player 12, the program is useless anyway, does not play simple single mpeg video files. The WMP 12 stops responding and freezes forcing you to close the wmp program. This also happens to wmv, avi video files, even will not play retail DVD movies. I had to pay hundreds dollars more to get a video player that will play these video files....If there was a way to uninstall the WMP 12, I would.

I to was very suprised to and quite dissapointed . I just built a new core i7 rig soley for the purpose of running windows7. I installed a high end graphics card, 8 gig of ram, on a very powerful motherboard and yes I included blu-ray. I wanted to use this system to run my home media center,home theatre,  50" plasma  etc,etc......Well imagine my surprise after gathering the family around for an evening of blu-ray movies....fortunately my mb came with power DVD9 I had to dig out the dvd and install it.Very dissapointed microsoft..

why are people so suprised?

Microsoft backed the wrong pony! HD-DVD.

also though, powerdvd isn't multi channel to the best of my knowledge. pretty pointless for bluray if you ask me!