Hikvision M-Series "True 8K" NVRs: Recording, Playback and Output in 8K
Hikvision's M-series NVRs, launched in September 2022, were billed as the industry's first "True 8K" recorders, able to record, store, transfer, decode and output 8K video at 7680 × 4320 over HDMI 2.1. They're designed for the very high-resolution cameras now used on large sites. Here's what "True 8K" means, what's inside the M-series, and when you need one.
What does "True 8K" mean?
Plenty of recorders can accept a high-resolution camera, but then struggle to record it smoothly, play it back or show it on a screen at full quality. Hikvision's "True 8K" claim is that the M-series handles 8K at every step:
- Recording and storage, using dynamic cache technology that gives each channel the buffer it needs for high-bitrate streams.
- Transfer, optimised to reduce dropped frames and delay on large 8K streams.
- Decoding of up to 32 × 1080p at 30fps, or two 8K live streams at once, for smooth live view and playback.
- Output over HDMI 2.1 at 8K (7680 × 4320) at 30Hz.
Inside is an 8-core 64-bit processor with DDR4 memory.
Built for reliability
- 1+1 redundant power supplies on supported models.
- A "dual system" design and embedded file system to protect against data loss.
- 2, 4, 8 and 16-bay models in 1U to 3U chassis, with a durable hot-dip galvanised finish.
When do you need an 8K NVR?
An 8K recorder makes sense when you're using very high-resolution cameras such as 8MP (4K), 12MP and 16MP models, panoramic and fisheye cameras, or multi-lens TandemVu units. It also helps when you need to zoom into recordings without losing detail, or want to show a 4K or 8K picture on a large monitor. Typical sites include public halls, stadiums, transport stations, retail parks and warehouses.
A word of caution: check the recorder's maximum input resolution for every camera. A recorder will quietly downscale anything above its limit, and paying for high-resolution cameras then recording them at lower quality is a common, expensive mistake. Our Hikvision NVR buying guide covers this in detail.
Hikvision M-series 8K NVRs we stock
- 8 and 16 channel with PoE: DS-7608NI-M2/8P and DS-7616NI-M2/16P.
- 4-bay: DS-7716NI-M4, DS-7716NI-M4/16P, DS-7732NI-M4, DS-7732NI-M4/16P and DS-7732NI-M4/24P.
- 8 and 16-bay with RAID: DS-9632NI-M8, DS-9664NI-M8, DS-9632NI-M16 and DS-9664NI-M16.
Drives are sold separately. Size them with our storage calculator and choose surveillance-rated hard drives. For high-resolution cameras, see our 16MP camera guide.
Our take
As camera resolutions keep climbing, the recorder is often the weak link. The M-series was built for that: proper 8K handling end to end, plus redundancy features that larger sites need. Sizing the recorder to the cameras, rather than the other way round, saves a lot of disappointment later.
Need help matching a recorder to your cameras? Call 01902 902251. As an authorised Hikvision partner, we ship nationally to England, Scotland and Wales.
Quick questions
What is an 8K NVR?
A network video recorder that can record, play back and output video at up to 8K resolution (7680 × 4320).
Do I need an 8K monitor?
Only to see 8K output at full resolution. The NVR's HDMI 2.1 port supports 8K at 30Hz; 4K monitors work too.
Which Hikvision NVRs are 8K?
The M-series, such as the DS-7608NI-M2/8P and DS-7732NI-M4, are sold as 8K recorders.
Can an 8K NVR record lower-resolution cameras?
Yes. It works with a wide range of Hikvision cameras at any resolution up to its limit.
