> ## 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.

# Connecting a legacy JSON Feed

**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**

### **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.