A compact PoE recorder for a four-camera security system

The HiLook by Hikvision NVR-104MH-C-4P-D, manufacturer model NVR-104MH-C/4P(D), brings recording, camera power and local monitoring together in a compact network video recorder. With four IP camera channels and four built-in PoE ports, it is a practical foundation for surveillance around a home, small shop, office or workshop.

Build a system around the areas that matter most: your entrance, driveway, side access and rear door. Choose compatible cameras for each location, add a suitable surveillance hard drive and keep recordings together on one recorder. Nepean Micro Computers in Penrith can help match cameras, cabling and storage to your property.

Why choose this HiLook NVR?

• Simpler camera cabling: integrated PoE supplies power and network data over a single Ethernet cable to each compatible camera, reducing the need for separate power supplies at camera locations.
• Detailed recording: supports IP cameras up to 8MP, giving you flexibility to select image resolution for the scene and viewing distance.
• Make storage go further: H.265+ compression helps reduce recording data requirements when used with compatible cameras and settings.
• Convenient footage review: smart search and playback tools help you locate recorded activity.
• Local and remote viewing: connect a suitable monitor on site and configure HiLookVision to check your system remotely.
• Choose your own storage: a single SATA bay allows a compatible hard drive up to 8TB, so you can size storage for your recording needs.
• 3-year warranty: supplied with the warranty period specified for this NMC product.

Technical specifications

Buying advice: plan the right four-camera system

Allow for future camera positions. Four cameras use all four recording channels. An external switch does not increase the recorder's channel limit. Consider an eight-channel recorder now if you expect to cover more areas later.

Match camera load to the recorder. Keep combined camera stream bitrates within the 40Mbps incoming limit and total camera power within the 50W PoE budget. Check individual power requirements, especially for PTZ cameras or models with powerful lighting and heaters.

Understand recording versus display capacity. Support for 8MP recording does not mean four full-resolution 8MP streams can all be decoded on screen at once. Live-view layouts and sub-stream settings help you balance overview and detail.

Select storage for the footage you need. Add a surveillance-rated SATA HDD before recording. Retention depends on camera count, bitrate, compression, frame rate and recording schedule. Ask NMC to help size the drive rather than relying on a fixed number of recording days.

Check camera compatibility. This is an IP network recorder. Coaxial BNC cameras do not connect directly. Confirm video, audio, smart events and PoE compatibility for the exact camera models, particularly when mixing brands. Recorder-based human/vehicle analysis is specified for one channel; camera-based analytics are a separate capability.

Complete your installation. Cameras, hard drive, monitor and Ethernet cabling are separate purchases. Protect outdoor connections and keep the NVR in a ventilated indoor location. Local recording can operate without internet; remote viewing requires a suitable internet connection and setup.

Official technical datasheet

Download the official HiLook NVR-104MH-C/4P(D) datasheet (PDF)