First-Time Use

During installation, you will need to configure the PADS4 Server location. It is recommended to complete the installation of the PADS4 Server first before configuring the device.

The minimum PADS4 Server version required for the PADS4 AOpen App is 2024.

Installing the PADS4 AOpen Viewer

The PADS4AOpen.apk file is available on the PADS4 Server in the Apps folder of the installation directory:

C:\Program Files\PADS4\Foundation\Apps

Alternatively, download the latest version from here.

If downloading the latest version, ensure that the APK is also placed in the Apps directory on the PADS4 Server. If the server contains a different version, it will install that version when connected.

Installation Steps

1

Step One

Copy the PADS4AOpen.apk onto a USB stick.

2

Step Two

Insert the USB stick into the device.

3

Step Three

Open the File Manager app on the device.

4

Step Four

Browse to the USB stick and open PADS4AOpen.apk.

5

Step Five

A warning will appear stating that installation from unknown sources is not allowed.

6

Step Six

Go to Settings and allow installation from this source.

7

Step Seven

Press the Back button and install the application.

8

Step Eight

After installation, open the PADS4 AOpen application.


Connecting to the PADS4 Server

Once installed, the PADS4 Viewer needs to be connected to the PADS4 Server.

PADS4 Server Address Format:

protocol://host:port/hostpath/
  • Protocol: Use http or https depending on whether an SSL certificate is applied.
  • Host: The DNS name or IP address of the PADS4 Server.
  • Port: Specify only if the PADS4 Server is not using the default HTTP/HTTPS ports.
  • Host Path: Configured in System Management (default: PADS4).

Example:

http://localhost/pads4

Connection Steps

1

Step One

Enter the PADS4 Server Location.

2

Step Two

(Optional) Specify a Viewer Name. If left blank, the PADS4 Server will generate one.

3

Step Three

Set PADS4 AOpen Viewer as the Home app and select Always.

4

Step Four

Press Start.

5

Step Five

Allow the PADS4 AOpen application to modify system settings.

6

Step Six

Enable “Allow to modify system settings” and press the Back button.

7

Step Seven

Press Start again.

8

Step Eight

Grant permission to store content on the device when prompted.

Once completed, the PADS4 Viewer should connect to the PADS4 Server. Additional settings such as screen orientation and remote control restrictions can be configured using PADS4 Agent or Viewer Settings.


Adjusting PADS4 Viewer Options

  • Long-press the screen to open the menu.
  • Alternatively, options can be changed remotely via PADS4 CTRL Center or PADS4 Agent.

Accessing the Android Menu

  1. Open Viewer Menu.
  2. Click Launcher Settings.
  3. Click the Gear Icon in the bottom-right corner.
  4. The Android Settings menu will open.
If “Hide Status Bar” is enabled, the only way to exit Android Settings is to restart the device by disconnecting the power.

Disabling the Android Navigation Bar

(Optional) The navigation bar can be disabled to prevent unauthorized interaction.

Steps:

  1. Open Viewer Options.
  2. Click Launcher Settings.
  3. Click the Gear Icon in the bottom-right corner.
  4. Select System Tools.
  5. Click Disable Navigation Bar.
If disabled, the only way to exit the settings is to restart the device by disconnecting the power.

Performing a Factory Reset

To restore the device to factory settings:

  1. Open Android Settings.
  2. Navigate to Backup & Reset.
  3. Select Factory Data Reset.
  4. (Optional) Select Erase SD Card.
  5. Tap Reset Tablet.
  6. Confirm with Erase Everything.

Supported Features and Limitations

General Features

FeatureDescription
Automatic PADS4 Software Updates – HTML5 Viewer updates automatically.
Offline Mode – The device will continue playing presentations and updating schedules for 7 days while offline.

Device Capabilities

FeatureDescription
Portrait Mode – Device auto-rotates.
Block Remote Control – Prevents unauthorized use.
Supports HTTP & HTTPS
Turn Off Display – Not supported.
Cluster Viewer – Can be used as part of a cluster setup.
LED Light Bar – Supports multiple colors (Red, Green, Blue, Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, White).

Elements Supported

FeatureDescription
Video Element – Supports 1 video at a time.
Video Rotation, Seamless Videos, Reflection, Skew, Flip – Not supported.
Streaming HTTP, Images (JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF), Text, Line, Shapes, Scrolling Text, Formatted Text, Tables, Interactive Buttons
Flash & Clipping Effects – Not supported.
PDF Display – Requires Xpert License.

Data Connections

Data connections allow integration with external data sources.

FeatureDescription
Supports 70+ Data Providers – Retrieves real-time data.
Viewer Variables – Centralized content management.
Property Bindings – Dynamically change elements based on data.

Device Management

FeatureDescription
Connection State Monitoring & Alerts
Reboot, Shutdown, Wake-On-LAN – Not supported.
Restart Viewer, Take Screenshots, Retrieve Logs, Edit Viewer Settings, Install Fonts, Proof of Play Tracking

Important Notes

Content File Integrity – The PADS4 Content Library verifies file integrity using MD5 checksum during synchronization.
Proof of Play Limitations – A maximum of 50,000 records can be stored locally during offline periods. When full, the oldest records are deleted first.