Big news at RED Digital Cinema company: The founder, Jim Jannard, retires. Furthermore, the Hydrogen project shut down. Hydrogen One will continue to be supported in the future, though. RED’s president, Jarred Land, will lead the company. Read more below.
Sports glasses, digital cinema cameras, and holographic smartphone
Oakley glasses, RED Digital Cinema, and the Hydrogen project were all invented by Jim (James ) Jannard which is in my opinion, a true visioner, and innovator. Check the number of patents of this man, and you will be impressed.
Lately, Jim has been involved deeply in his newest baby – The Hydrogen project. Go here and read more about this unique smartphone. We wrote many articles about it that cover almost every aspect.
Oakley and RED were a great success. However, the Hydrogen has been gone thought muddles, obstacles and radical changes regarding the product’s level and management as well. For instance, the main feature of the Hydrogen (the ability to connect dedicated cinema modules) was eliminated due to R&D issues. Furthermore, the Hydrogen phone has received tons of bad reviews and critics all around the web. In spite of all of that, Jim tried blowing tailwind by moving forward to the Hydrogen Two.
A few days ago, RED smashed the prices of Hydrogen One by 50%. Our assumptions that this price drops could indicate two things: Poor sales due to insufficient demand or a new product on the horizon. Now we got our answers.
Jim’s latest post
A few hours ago, Jim posted a short update on H4Vuser (Hydrogen’s official forum) saying that the company has decided to shut down the Hydrogen project and focus on cinema cameras. Furthermore, he declared on retiring from the company due to health issues. Let’s read his words: “I have spent the past 45 years building inventions wrapped in art. Just now turning 70 and having a few health issues, it is now time for me to retire. I will be shutting down the HYDROGEN project, ending a career that has included Oakley, RED Digital Cinema, and HYDROGEN. I am very proud to have worked with many great people over the years who have signed on to the vision. RED Digital Cinema will continue stronger than ever with Jarred, Tommy, and Jamin at the controls. Komodo is about to be launched… and HYDROGEN One will continue to be supported in the future. I want to thank everyone for the support I have felt over the years…”
I will be shutting down the HYDROGEN project, ending a career that has included Oakley, RED Digital Cinema, and HYDROGEN…Komodo is about to be launched… and HYDROGEN One will continue to be supported in the future
Jim Jannard- Founder of Oakley, RED Digital Cinema and Hydrogen
Komodo takes over
The Komodo was supposed to be the business-technology link between the Hydrogen and RED’s products. Many assumed that the Komodo would be utilized as a module for the Hydrogen smartphone. However, the only connection between the Hydrogen to the Komodo is that the Hydrogen phone can be attached and used as a screen to the Komodo.
A few things more we know about the Komodo:
- The Komodo has already shot a feature (Let Them All Talk).
- 6K resolution.
- Super 35 sensor sized (Not a full-frame).
- R3D files (REDCODE RAW codec).
- Altogether a new 6K sensor.
- Lens Mount = Integrated Canon RF.
- Recording Media = CFAST 2.0.
- Camera control via integrated LCD.
- There is no compatibility with DSMC2 monitors.
- The Komodo can be wirelessly controlled from any smartphone.
- No option for wireless video feed on smartphones (even on Hydrogen).
- Maximum 60 FPS.
- Size: 4 x 4 inches.
- Weight: 2 pounds.
- Price: ~$4,500.
Final thoughts
Jim is a brave guy. His impact and contribution to the cinema world are huge. Jim did not start the digital cinema race. The roots for 4K digital imagery and sensor technology were planted away before Jim. However, Jim took it forward by making this technology much more affordable and friendly so it can be used independently by consumers.
The Hydrogen project is dead, although the Hydrogen One will still be supported. You can even buy it on the Hydrogen website (for half the price than before).
We’ll keep you posted regarding RED’s new development and the upcoming Komodo, so stay tuned.
![First Ever Filmed for IMAX Ballet: Shot on RED V-Raptor XL [X]](https://ymcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/First-Ever-Filmed-for-IMAX-Ballet-Shot-on-RED-V-Raptor-XL-X.001-480x384.webp)
RED is dying a painful death!
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