HD DVD Takes Another Casualty
Universal's Ken Graffeo will leave his high-def post at the studio.
By Swanni
That's according to an article by Video Business.
The publication reports that Graffeo is still employed at Universal as executive vice president of strategic marketing. But it appears that he could exit the studio entirely in the coming weeks.
Graffeo tells Video Business that he's exploring other opportunities, including positions outside of the studio.
Universal was one of two studios that decided to back HD DVD exclusively in the high-def disc format war -- and the studio was an HD DVD supporter from the start.
However, after months of disappointing sales, Toshiba has decided to pull the plug on HD DVD at the end of this month, ceding victory to rival Blu-ray.
As Universal's chief high-def marketer, Graffeo, who also served as head of the HD DVD Promotional Group, often acted as the spokesman for HD DVD. Up until the last few weeks before Toshiba made its announcement, Graffeo contended that HD DVD would win the format war.
While Universal will now need a Blu-ray marketing chief, Graffeo said he will not assume that role at the studio.
“Now I’m looking at what my different options are and what my next moves will be," he told Video Business.
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