By Zenith Security Co · UK trade distributor and authorised Hikvision partner · Updated 5 September 2026
In short: for most homes and small businesses the answer is the HiLook NVR-104H-D/4P (up to 4 cameras) or NVR-108H-D/8P (up to 8) with a 2–4TB surveillance drive. Both have built-in PoE, record 4K, and won't limit any camera you're likely to add. Read on if you need more channels, more storage, 12MP, or a Wi-Fi system.
On this page: 1. How many channels? · 2. Built-in PoE or not? · 3. What resolution can it record? · 4. Hard-drive bays and storage · Our recommendations · FAQs
The NVR is the part of an IP CCTV system people think about least and regret most. Buy one that is too small and you cannot add the fifth camera; buy one limited to 4MP and your new 4K camera records at half its resolution. This guide walks through the four decisions that matter and maps them to the HiLook by Hikvision NVR range.
1. How many channels?
A channel is one camera. Count the cameras you want eventually, not the ones you are buying today — adding a channel later means replacing the recorder.
- Up to 4 cameras → 4-channel (NVR-104 series)
- 5–8 cameras → 8-channel (NVR-108 / NVR-208 series)
- 9–16 cameras → 16-channel (NVR-216 series)
A house usually needs 3–5 cameras, so an 8-channel recorder is often the sensible buy even if you start with four.
2. Built-in PoE or not?
PoE (Power over Ethernet) NVRs have camera ports on the back — usually one per channel. Plug a HiLook or Hikvision camera in and it is powered, detected and recording within a minute, with no separate switch and no camera power supplies. The model suffix tells you: /4P = 4 PoE ports, /8P = 8, /16P = 16.
Choose a PoE NVR unless your cameras are already on a network switch, or the NVR will sit a long way from the cameras and you want a PoE switch near them instead. Cable runs from an NVR port to a camera can be up to 100m.
3. What resolution can it record?
This is the one that catches people out. Every NVR has a maximum resolution per channel; a camera above that limit is recorded at the limit, not at what it can produce.
| HiLook series | Max per channel | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| MH-D — NVR-104MH-D/4P, NVR-108MH-D/8P | 4MP | 2MP and 4MP cameras only |
| MH-C — NVR-104MH-C/4P, NVR-208MH-C/8P, NVR-216MH-C/16P | 8MP (4K) | Everything up to 4K, including 5MP |
| H-D — NVR-104H-D/4P, NVR-108H-D/8P | 8MP (4K) | Current-generation 4K recorders; our default recommendation |
| MH-K — HL-NVR-108MH-K/8P, HL-NVR-216MH-K/16P | 12MP | 12MP HAP cameras and large multi-sensor systems |
Rule of thumb: if any camera on the system is 5MP or above, or might be in the future, buy a 4K (8MP) NVR. The price gap over a 4MP model is small.
4. Hard-drive bays and storage
NVRs are supplied without a drive; fit a surveillance-grade 3.5" SATA drive (WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk) — desktop drives are not designed for 24/7 writing. Most HiLook NVRs have one bay (up to a single large drive); the NVR-208 and NVR-216 have two, which doubles capacity for longer retention.
Indicative retention with H.265+ at 15fps and typical motion:
| Cameras | 2TB | 4TB | 8TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 4MP | ~3–4 weeks | ~7–8 weeks | ~3+ months |
| 8 × 4MP | ~2 weeks | ~4 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| 8 × 8MP | ~1 week | ~2 weeks | ~4 weeks |
Motion-only recording and lower frame rates extend these considerably. We fit and format drives to order — choose one from the options on each NVR, or see our surveillance hard drives.
Our recommendations
- Small house or shop, up to 4 cameras: NVR-104H-D/4P + 2TB. Records 4K, powers four cameras, one cable each.
- Larger house or small business, up to 8 cameras: NVR-108H-D/8P + 4TB.
- Longer retention or busier site: NVR-208MH-C/8P (two bays) or NVR-216MH-C/16P for up to 16 cameras.
- 12MP cameras or 16+ channel commercial sites: HL-NVR-216MH-K/16P.
- No cabling possible: NVR-104MH-D/W Wi-Fi NVR with HiLook Wi-Fi cameras — cameras need only power.
- Tight budget, 2MP/4MP cameras only: NVR-104MH-D/4P or NVR-108MH-D/8P — just remember the 4MP ceiling.
Pair any of these with the HiLook ColorVu 3.0 cameras for colour night vision, and read turret vs bullet vs dome to pick the right shape for each position.
Frequently asked questions
Which HiLook NVR should I buy for 4 cameras?
The NVR-104H-D/4P with a 2TB drive — four PoE ports, 4K recording, one cable per camera.
Which HiLook NVR do I need for 4MP cameras?
Any of them records 4MP. The MH-D models are capped at 4MP, so choose an H-D or MH-C model if you may add 5MP or 8MP cameras later.
Can I add more IP cameras than the NVR has PoE ports?
Only up to the channel count. An 8-channel /8P NVR records 8 cameras; if you want more, you need a 16-channel unit, not a switch.
Will it work with cameras that aren't HiLook or Hikvision?
ONVIF cameras from other brands can be added, but plug-and-play setup, full motion-detection features and firmware compatibility are only guaranteed with HiLook and Hikvision cameras.
Do I need a monitor?
For initial setup, yes — any HDMI screen will do. Day to day, most people use the HiLookVision or Hik-Connect app on their phone or a browser instead.
What's the difference between an NVR and a DVR?
An NVR records IP cameras over network cable; a DVR records analogue/HD-TVI cameras over coax. If you have existing coax cabling, see our DVR range. If you are starting fresh, go IP.
Does it come with a hard drive?
Not as standard. Fit a surveillance-grade drive (WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk); we can supply, fit and format one to order.
Browse all HiLook and Hikvision NVRs, the full HiLook by Hikvision range, or contact Zenith Security Co and we'll spec the recorder for your site.