This guide demonstrates how to create a Cluster in PADS4 and simulate a real-world digital signage scenario using a Departure Screen presentation.

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Prerequisites

To follow this example, you need:
  • A running PADS4 system.
  • A Google Chrome browser to simulate multiple Viewers.
  • PADS4 CTRL Center and PADS4 Designer installed.

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Step 1: Simulating Cluster Viewers in Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and start a HTML5 Viewer using: 
    http://<server>/PADS4/apps/viewer/
    (Replace <server> with your PADS4 server address.)
  2. Open Viewer settings and change the name to Departure Cluster1.
  3. Repeat the process for two more Chrome browsers (not new tabs):
    • Viewer 2: Departure Cluster2
    • Viewer 3: Departure Cluster3
  4. Arrange the browsers side by side to simulate a multi-screen cluster.
  5. A green indicator in the bottom-left confirms the Viewers are connected to the PADS4 Server.

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Step 2: Creating a Cluster Group in PADS4 CTRL Center

  1. Open PADS4 CTRL Center in a browser.
  2. Navigate to Viewers > Overview.
  3. Create a new Viewer Group called Cluster Departure Group.
  4. Add Viewers:
    • Departure Cluster1
    • Departure Cluster2
    • Departure Cluster3
  5. Save the group.

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Step 3: Creating a Cluster in PADS4 CTRL Center

  1. Go to Viewers > Clusters.
  2. Click ”+ New” to create a new Cluster.
  3. Enter a name to identify this Cluster.
  4. Add the three Cluster Viewers:
    • Click ”+” to add each Viewer.
  5. Click Save.
    • The Cluster is now ready.

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Step 4: Download & Import the Presentation

  1. Download the Departure Screen presentation file (departure.padsz).
  2. Open PADS4 Scheduler (Windows application).
  3. Click New Presentation to launch PADS4 Designer.
  4. Import the presentation:
    • Go to File > Import.
    • Select departure.padsz.
    • Follow the wizard to copy images and database content.

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Step 5: Scheduling the Presentation to the Cluster

  1. Open the Departure Screen presentation in PADS4 Designer.
  2. Go to the ribbon bar and click Schedule.
  3. Select “Cluster Departure Group” as the destination.
  4. Confirm scheduling.
Now, the presentation will be shown across all Cluster Viewers.

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Step 6: Simulating Device Failure

  1. Close Departure Cluster2’s browser.
    • Departure Cluster3 will take over its data.
    • Prevents a gap in displayed information.
  2. Close Departure Cluster1’s browser.
    • The last remaining Viewer will start from Row 1.
This demonstrates how PADS4 dynamically adjusts content based on Viewer availability.

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How It Works in PADS4

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Cluster Rules and Page Management

  1. Each Viewer has a dedicated page:
    • Page 1 → Departure Cluster1
    • Page 2 → Departure Cluster2
    • Page 3 → Departure Cluster3
  2. Pages are initially invisible.
  3. Rules control page visibility based on HorizontalPosition.
    • If a Viewer is available, it shows its assigned page.
    • If a Viewer fails, another automatically takes over.

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Database-Connected Table Elements

  • Page 1 → Rows 1-17
  • Page 2 → Rows 18-35
  • Page 3 → Rows 36-53
  • If a Viewer fails, remaining Viewers adjust content automatically.

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Why Use Clusters?

  • Ensures continuous information flow in case of hardware failure.
  • Prioritizes critical information dynamically.
  • Enables smart automation with predefined rules.
  • Scales seamlessly for airports, retail displays, video walls, and more.

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Advanced Cluster Features

  • Show backup content (e.g., videos) when data is missing.
  • Adjust font size dynamically if Viewers fail.
  • Start a slideshow on the last remaining Viewer.
Clusters in PADS4 provide unmatched flexibility, automation, and reliability for digital signage networks.