Before beginning the installation process, ensure the LauncherServiceViewer.zip file is placed in the /PADS4/apps/ directory on the PADS4 Server. For detailed hardware-related instructions, visit the Philips Dropbox documentation. Click “Models” in the bottom-left menu to select your display.

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1.1 Resetting the Device

A reset is highly recommended when the device has been previously used, to remove any conflicting configurations.
1

Step One

Press and hold the universal + hidden key on the device for approximately 3 seconds.
2

Step Two

Wait for the LED to flash green after briefly turning white.
3

Step Three

After about 3 minutes, the LED will turn blue. A message prompting USB insertion will appear—this can be ignored.

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1.2 Updating the Firmware

To ensure compatibility, update your firmware by following the steps in the Philips instructions manual: Access the instructions through the Philips Dropbox by selecting “Models”, finding your display, and opening the manual (use right-click to open in a new tab if needed).

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1.3 Installing scrcpy

scrcpy enables interaction with the device through your PC, essential since ePaper displays lack interactivity.
1

Step One

Navigate to the scrcpy GitHub page.
2

Step Two

Scroll to “Get the app”, and download the version for your OS.
3

Step Three

On Windows, download and extract the 64-bit .zip file.
4

Step Four

Ensure the extracted folder contains both scrcpy and adb.
5

Step Five

(Optional) Add the folder to your system’s Path Environment Variable for easy access.
6

Step Six

Open Command Prompt and test with scrcpy -v and adb version.

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2. Installing the Application

Use scrcpy and adb to install the PADS4 application.
1

Step One

Connect the display to your PC/laptop via USB.
2

Step Two

The Android file system should appear in File Explorer.
3

Step Three

Open Command Prompt.
4

Step Four

Run adb devices to verify connection.
5

Step Five

Launch scrcpy with scrcpy. For multiple devices: scrcpy -s {device-name}.
6

Step Six

Download the latest PADS4 Web Launcher .apk file.
7

Step Seven

Navigate to the folder containing the .apk, right-click and select “Open in Terminal”.
8

Step Eight

Run: adb install {application}.apk. Look for Success.
9

Step Nine

Switch to the scrcpy window, press Home, and locate PADS4 Web Launcher.
10

Step Ten

Launch the app and complete the PADS4 environment configuration.

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3. Supported Features & Limitations

AreaSupport
Display Models✅ Supported
Portrait Mode✅ Supported
Remote Control⚠️ Setting can be changed, but remotes are not supported
HTTPS✅ Supported
Video❌ Not Applicable – only first frame shown
Image✅ JPG, PNG, BMP (GIF static only)
Text / Line / Shape✅ Supported
Scrolling Text⚠️ Unpredictable due to low refresh rate
Formatted Text✅ Supported with timing considerations
Flash❌ Not Supported
Table✅ Static content only. Some rows may not render fully
PDF / PowerPoint✅ Static content only; first page shown
Interactive Button✅ Displayed statically (not interactive)
Playlist✅ Supported from Content Library
Web❌ Not Supported
Colors✅ Limited to display color range
Data Providers✅ Static data only
Transitions❌ Not Applicable
Rules⚠️ Only if refresh-tolerant
Offline Features✅ Content Library, Schedules, Data
Property Bindings✅ Only with slow update interval
Viewer Variables✅ Supported
Software Updates✅ Supported
Turn Off Display⚠️ Works but no black screen shown
LED / NFC / 4K❌ Not Supported
PADS4 Ctrl Center✅ Supported (limited features)
Reboot / Shutdown / Connection State❌ Not Supported (use scrcpy instead)
Monitoring & Alerts✅ Partial (network monitoring only)
Wake-on-LAN❌ Not Supported

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4. General Limitations

  • Refresh Rate:
    • 25BDL4150I: ~1 minute
    • 32BDL5150I: ~2 minutes
  • Dynamic Content Rendering:
    • Dynamic elements are rendered as static screenshots.

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5. Troubleshooting

ProblemSolution
adb devices does not list deviceUnplug both USB ends and replug. Reboot device by holding power button ~5s, then reconnect after green light stops flashing.
Device not connecting via USBFollow the above reset/unplug steps. Perform a device reset if not previously done.