This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring PADS4 Viewer on Philips ePaper displays.

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1. First-Time Use

Before proceeding, ensure that the LauncherServiceViewer.zip file is located at: 
http://pads4serverip/PADS4/apps/
📌 For additional documentation, visit the Philips Dropbox site, navigate to “Models” in the bottom left, and select the relevant display model.

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1.1 Resetting the Device

If the display was previously used, perform a factory reset to avoid configuration conflicts.
1

Step One

Press and hold the universal + hidden key on the display for ~3 seconds.
2

Step Two

The LED will briefly turn white, then flash green.
3

Step Three

Wait ~3 minutes. When the LED turns blue and prompts for a flash drive, ignore this message.

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1.2 Updating the Firmware

Firmware updates are available via the Philips support site: 📌 Instructions:
  • Go to the Philips Dropbox
  • Click on Models → Select Model → Open Instructions Manual
  • (Use right-click and open in a new tab if needed)

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1.3 Installing scrcpy

Since these displays lack interactive input, use scrcpy to mirror and control the Android interface.
1

Step One

Visit the scrcpy GitHub page.
2

Step Two

Download the appropriate version (e.g., Windows 64-bit zip).
3

Step Three

Extract the contents to your desired location. Ensure both scrcpy and adb are included.
4

Step Four

Add the folder path to your system’s Environment Variables → Path.
5

Step Five

Open Command Prompt and verify installation:
  • scrcpy -v
  • adb --version

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2. Installing the Application

Ensure scrcpy and adb are correctly installed.
1

Step One

Connect the display to PC via USB.
2

Step Two

Confirm access to the Android file system through the file manager.
3

Step Three

Open Command Prompt.
4

Step Four

Type adb devices to verify the device connection.
5

Step Five

Launch scrcpy with scrcpy. If multiple devices are connected, use scrcpy -s {device-name}.
6

Step Six

Download the latest PADS4 Web Launcher APK.
7

Step Seven

Navigate to the folder containing the .apk file.
8

Step Eight

Right-click and select Open in Terminal.
9

Step Nine

Install the app with adb install {application}.apk. Wait for Success confirmation.
10

Step Ten

In the scrcpy window, press Home, then launch PADS4 Web Launcher.
11

Step Eleven

Enter the appropriate configuration to connect with your PADS4 environment.

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3. Supported Features & Limitations

FeatureDetails
Display Models✅ Supported
Portrait Mode✅ Supported
Remote Control❌ Not supported (can configure, but remote doesn’t work)
HTTPS✅ Supported
Video⚠️ Not supported (only first frame shown)
Images (JPG, PNG, BMP)✅ Supported
GIF⚠️ Static only
Text, Line, Shape✅ Supported
Scrolling Text⚠️ Unpredictable behavior due to low refresh rate
Formatted Text✅ Use only minute-based time formatting (avoid seconds)
Flash❌ Not supported
Table✅ Supported (frequent changes may cause row visibility issues)
PDF / PowerPoint✅ Only static, first page displayed
Interactive Button⚠️ Displayed as static, not interactive
Web❌ Not supported
Colors✅ Supported (limited to ePaper color range)
Data Providers⚠️ Static data only; updates must exceed refresh rate intervals
Rules, Viewer Variables✅ Supported within refresh rate limits
Software Updates✅ Supported
Offline Storage, Schedules✅ Supported
PADS4 Ctrl Center✅ Supported: Viewer Log, Screenshot, Sync Log, Viewer Settings, etc.
Display Management❌ Shutdown, Reboot, Wake-on-LAN, and LED state not supported
Monitoring & Alerts✅ Partial support (e.g., Network status)

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4. General Limitations

  • Refresh Rate:
    • 25BDL4150I: ~1 minute
    • 32BDL5150I: ~2 minutes
  • Content Behavior:
    • Dynamic content can be displayed as screenshots.
    • Content should not update faster than refresh rate.

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5. Troubleshooting

ProblemSolution
adb devices does not detect displayUnplug both ends of USB, reboot display (hold power 5s), reconnect USB.
USB not detected by PCReboot display and reconnect. Try factory reset if issue persists.