JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a widely used, lightweight format for data exchange. PADS4 supports legacy JSON feed integration, allowing real-time data retrieval for digital signage presentations.

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Steps to Add or Modify a JSON Feed Connection

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1. Start the Data Provider Wizard

  • Open the Data Provider Wizard by following the instructions in Adding a Data Provider or Editing a Data Provider.
  • Select JSON Feed as the provider type.

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2. Specify the JSON Feed URL

  • Enter the JSON Feed URI (URL) pointing to the data source.
  • Click Preview to view a sample of the retrieved data.

Click Next to proceed.

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3. Choose the Request Method

  • GET (default) → Retrieves data without modifying it.
  • POST → Used for sending additional parameters.
    • If POST is selected, enter the request body with required parameters.

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4. Configure Data Formatting

  • Flatten Hierarchical Data → Converts nested JSON structures into a flat table format.
  • Include Parent Levels Column Names → Adds parent-level identifiers for hierarchical relationships.
  • Create Additional Columns Without HTML Tags → Removes HTML formatting and extracts plain text.

Click Next to proceed.

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5. Configure Security and Authentication

  • Authorization (if required)

    • Enable Authorization Required.
    • Enter UserID, Password, and Domain.

  • Proxy Server (if applicable)

    • Configure proxy settings if your network requires authentication.

  • User-Agent Identification

    • If required, specify a custom User-Agent string (useful for API access restrictions).

Click Next to proceed.

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6. Finalizing the JSON Feed Setup

  • Click Finish to complete the configuration.

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Important Considerations

  • PADS4 Data Server

    • If using a PADS4 Data Server, ensure the JSON feed is accessible from the server.
    • If not using a Data Server, ensure that both PADS4 Designer (for previewing) and Viewers can access the JSON feed.

  • Hierarchical JSON Data Handling

    • If your JSON structure has multiple levels, ensure that Flatten Hierarchical Data is enabled for a structured output.

By following these steps, PADS4 can efficiently retrieve and display JSON-based real-time data within digital signage presentations.