NVR range for PoE CCTV installs

This range spans 4- to 32-channel network video recorders, covering single-camera site cupboards through to multi-building installs on one recorder.

Channel count and PoE port count are the first filters. Several models — the 4-ch, 8-ch, 16-ch and 32-ch Hikvision units — carry built-in PoE ports (8, 16 or 24 PoE), so cameras get power and data from one Cat5e/6 run with no separate injector or switch needed. The HiLook 4-channel unit is Wi-Fi based rather than PoE, useful where cable runs aren't practical.

Resolution ceiling is the second decision point: models are listed at 4K, 8K and 12MP recording/decode capability, plus H.265/H.265+ compression to manage storage against channel count and frame rate.

How to choose

• Camera count now, plus headroom — pick a channel count above your current camera total for future additions.
• PoE ports vs camera power draw — check the NVR's total PoE budget against your combined camera wattage, especially with IR or PTZ units.
• AcuSense models add on-recorder human/vehicle filtering to cut false alerts.
• 1U vs 1.5U chassis on the higher-channel units generally means more drive bays.
• HDMI output is present across the range for local monitor viewing.

Cross-check the exact model number against your camera generation before ordering, as port counts and feature sets vary by SKU.