By Zenith Security Co · UK trade distributor and authorised Hikvision partner · Updated 5 September 2026
Pick the right recorder first time, in four simple steps.
An NVR (network video recorder) is the box that records your IP cameras. For most homes and small businesses, you'll want the HiLook NVR-104H-D/4P for up to 4 cameras, or the NVR-108H-D/8P for up to 8. Add a 2–4TB surveillance drive and you're set.
Both have built-in PoE and record 4K. They won't hold back any camera you're likely to add. Read on if you need more channels, more storage, 12MP or Wi-Fi.
Two mistakes are common. Buy a recorder that's too small and you can't add a fifth camera. Buy one limited to 4MP and your new 4K camera records at half its detail. We'll walk you through the four choices that matter, using the HiLook by Hikvision NVR range.
1. How many cameras will I have?
A channel is one camera. Count the cameras you'll want eventually, not just today. Adding channels later means replacing the recorder.
A house usually needs 3–5 cameras. So an 8-channel recorder is often the sensible choice, even if you start with four.
2. Do I need built-in PoE?
PoE (Power over Ethernet) means one network cable powers the camera and carries the picture. A PoE NVR has camera ports on the back, usually one per channel.
Plug in a HiLook or Hikvision camera and it's powered, found and recording within a minute. You don't need a separate switch or camera power supplies.
The end of the model number tells you the ports: /4P = 4 PoE ports, /8P = 8, /16P = 16.
Choose a PoE NVR unless your cameras are already on a network switch. The other exception is when the NVR sits far from the cameras and you'd rather put a PoE switch near them. Each cable 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 top resolution per channel. A camera above that limit is recorded at the limit, not at its full detail.
Tip: if any camera is 5MP or above, now or later, choose a 4K (8MP) NVR. It costs only a little more than a 4MP model.
4. What hard drive and how much storage?
NVRs come without a drive. Fit a surveillance-grade 3.5" SATA drive, such as WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk. Desktop drives aren't built to record 24/7.
Most HiLook NVRs have one drive bay. The NVR-208 and NVR-216 have two, so you can double the storage and keep footage for longer.
Roughly how long you'll keep footage, using H.265+ (a compression that makes files smaller) at 15fps with typical movement:
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
Recording only on movement, or at a lower frame rate, makes these last much longer. We fit and format drives to order. Pick one from the options on each NVR, or see our surveillance hard drives.
Which one should I choose?
Small house or shop, up to 4 cameras:NVR-104H-D/4P + 2TB. Records 4K and powers four cameras, one cable each.
Larger house or small business, up to 8 cameras:NVR-108H-D/8P + 4TB.
The HiLook NVR-104H-D/4P with a 2TB surveillance drive. It has four built-in PoE ports, records up to 8MP (4K) per channel and powers the cameras over one cable each.
Which HiLook NVR do I need for 4MP cameras?
Any HiLook NVR records 4MP. The budget NVR-104MH-D/4P and NVR-108MH-D/8P are limited to 4MP, so they suit 2MP and 4MP cameras only; the H-D and MH-C series record up to 8MP and are the better buy if you might 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 a HiLook NVR 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 a HiLook NVR?
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 web browser instead.
What is the difference between an NVR and a DVR?
An NVR records IP cameras over network cable; a DVR records analogue or HD-TVI cameras over coax. If you have existing coax cabling, a DVR lets you keep it. If you are starting fresh, go IP with an NVR.
Not as standard. Fit a surveillance-grade 3.5-inch SATA drive such as WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk; Zenith Security Co can supply, fit and format one to order.
