> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cluster Example

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

## **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.

## **Step 1: Simulating Cluster Viewers in Chrome**

1. **Open Chrome** and start a **HTML5 Viewer** using:
   ```text theme={null}
   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.

## **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**.

## **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.

## **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.

## **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**.

## **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**.

## **How It Works in PADS4**

### **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**.

### **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**.

## **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**.

## **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**.