Windows Vista (x32) will not support HD DVDs.

[Smokey]

There is an uproar about Microsoft new operating system Vista (which will start shipping with new PCs in January) capability to play HD DVD discs. Natively, Vista will not support HD-DVD and Bluray without a third party software that takes care of licensing and security.

The problem here is that two version of Vista will be released (32-bit and later the 64-bit version), and third party licensing provider argue that 32-bit Vista operating system could not meet the stringent copyright protection demands of movie studios and other content providers. So no HD content will be release in 32-bit platform.

Basically as it stand, if your PC is 32-bit version (which is the most common on the market), you probably won’t be able to play DVD discs in its native format with new Vista.

And even with a 64-bit PC system, still a third party software is required.

http://www.betanews.com/article/No_H...sta/1156450463