After a couple of hours of phone support and downloading different versions of HP MediaSmart software from HP's support website, it was determined that I am missing some decoder software from Cyberlink that I am not licensed to use in Windows 7.
From what I was told, this decoder software came pre-installed on my Vista machine. This software is only licensed to be run in Vista on my machine, so I am not able to upgrade to Windows 7 and use it.
It seemed like the item that clued in the HP technician to the issue was when he noted a Region value missing in the HP MediaSmart software. In that application, if I launch the Settings window, the Video tab should display a Region value for any Blu-ray DVD I try to open.
I always find it ironic that companies implement copyright protection to guarantee that they aren't getting ripped off. However they are driving away consumers who would normally use their product but can't because of the copy protection. This in turn causes them to lose money that they would otherwise be making if they didn't make things difficult. Who's the winner in this case? I think the criminal wins again because now that consumer has to figure out some other way to play the Blu-ray DVDs that they own.
I wish I had more hands because I have a lot of thumbs down to give out tonight...
Thumbs down to Blu-ray.
Thumbs down to HP.
Thumbs down to Microsoft for not including "support" for Blu-ray in Windows 7.
Thumbs down to me for buying unusable hardware.
:(
I agree with you 100 per cent
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