Everything changes—at least according to RED founder Jim Jannard who echoed that sentiment in the opening words of a surprising post on the RED Digital Cinema forums, announcing that not only is the Hydrogen project being canceled, but he is retiring from the company after opening its doors back in 2005 due to health issues.

Jannard writes:


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 the HYDROGEN One will continue to be supported in the future.

I want to thank everyone for the support I have felt over the years…

Jim

Hydrogen_0

And as for the Hydrogen project...

Despite being highly anticipated when it was announced in 2017, Hydrogen was plagued with problems and setbacks right from the start, including postponements and disappointing reviews upon its released the following year.

 RED's smartphone most likely got nixed (after just one model) because those who were most excited to adopt it were disappointed when the device they received didn't deliver the bold new technologies it originally promised, including the famous holographic display and state of the art imaging.

In fact, many users described the "4V" or "4 View" functionality unappealing and downright nauseating, which is not a side effect something that you stare at all day should give you.

However, even though the project is being shut down, the RED will still continue to support Hydrogen One going forward, so if you're a customer, you can breathe a sigh of relief that RED, at least for now, is not leaving you out in the cold with a very expensive product.

Source: H4User