Hikvision DS-E04NI-Q1/4P 4‑Ch PoE NVR with 2TB eSSD

Introduction: Hikvision DS-E04NI-Q1/4P 4‑Ch PoE NVR with 2TB eSSD — compact power for small installations

The Hikvision DS-E04NI-Q1/4P (2TB eSSD) is a compact, energy-efficient Network Video Recorder (NVR) designed for homes, small shops and offices that need reliable local video recording with minimal setup. This mini 4‑channel PoE NVR combines four integrated PoE ports, modern compression (H.265 / Smart265 and H.264 / Smart264), and a pre‑installed 2 TB internal SSD (eSSD) in a low‑power, space‑saving chassis. The result is a plug‑and‑play solution that reduces installation time, lowers power consumption and delivers clear local playback via HDMI up to 1080p @ 60 Hz.

Key features at a glance

• 4 integrated PoE ports(IEEE 802.3af/at) for simplified camera deployment and power over a single cable.
• Pre‑installed 2 TB eSSDfor reliable, quiet local recording without the need to fit a drive on site.
• Efficient compression: H.265 / Smart265 and H.264 / Smart264 to extend storage life and lower network demands.
• Local HDMI outputup to 1920×1080 @ 60 Hz for direct monitoring and easy setup.
• Low power consumption(≤ 10 W typical with SSD), making it ideal for small locations and energy‑conscious users.

Detailed specifications and benefits

The DS-E04NI-Q1/4P is small in footprint but thoughtfully equipped. Below is a clear breakdown of the most relevant specifications and what they mean in practice.

• IP inputs: Supports up to 4 IP cameras — good for single‑household systems, small retail spaces or compact office floors.
• Incoming/outgoing bandwidth: 40 Mbps incoming and 60 Mbps outgoing — sufficient for multiple 1080p streams with efficient compression.
• Supported resolutions: Up to 4MP (4MP/3MP/1080p/UXGA/720p). The NVR handles 4‑channel synchronous playback at 1080p and can do 2‑channel playback at up to 4MP where needed.
• Compression: H.265 / Smart265 and H.264 / Smart264 reduce storage needs and network load compared with older codecs, allowing longer retention on the included 2 TB eSSD.
• Audio: Supports common audio codecs (G.711ulaw / G.711alaw / G.722 / G.726) for systems that include two‑way or recorded audio.

• Ethernet: 1 × RJ‑45 10/100 Mbps for network connectivity and remote access.
• PoE ports: 4 × RJ‑45 PoE (10/100 Mbps), IEEE 802.3af/at. The integrated PoE simplifies wiring and avoids separate power supplies for cameras — check the PoE power budget (≈ ≤ 36 W) against camera power draw when planning an installation.
• Local outputs: 1 × HDMI (up to 1080p @ 60 Hz) and 2 × USB 2.0 for mouse control or local backup to USB drives.
• Protocols: Standard networking protocols supported (TCP/IP, DHCP, IPv4/IPv6, RTSP, HTTP/HTTPS, UPnP, NFS, iSCSI) for flexible integration with client software and network storage.

• Built‑in storage: 2 TB eSSD (pre‑installed). Internal SSDs offer quieter operation and greater resilience to shock than spinning drives, which is convenient in compact or vibration‑sensitive environments.
• External storage: Supports network storage (NFS / iSCSI) if you need longer retention or centralized recording across multiple sites.
• Power consumption: Typical ≤ 10 W with SSD — a major benefit for always‑on systems and locations with strict power budgets.

• Dimensions: Approximately 160 × 112 × 27 mm — small enough for shelf, cabinet or behind‑screen placement.
• Operating environment: Designed for typical indoor commercial and residential ranges (operating temperature and humidity vary by variant; check the datasheet for exact figures).

Use cases and scenarios where this NVR excels

The DS‑E04NI‑Q1/4P is purpose‑built for small‑scale installations that benefit from simplicity, low power and reliable local storage. Examples include:

• Home security systems: Homeowners who want a straightforward plug‑and‑play recorder for up to four cameras will appreciate the integrated PoE and pre‑installed SSD — no internal drive fitting required.
• Small retail stores: A boutique or corner shop can run a compact surveillance system with local playback on an HDMI monitor, retaining footage locally for lossless evidence preservation without needing a large server room.
• Small offices and professional suites: Offices that require discreet, always‑on monitoring can take advantage of the low‑power footprint and centralised recording while avoiding the noise and heat of larger NVR units.
• Contractors and integrators: For installers fitting multiple small sites, the pre‑installed SSD and compact chassis reduce on‑site work and spare parts complexity, speeding up deployments.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

In its class — mini 4‑channel PoE NVRs — the Hikvision DS‑E04NI‑Q1/4P competes on value, integration and power efficiency. Key differentiators include:

• Pre‑installed SSD vs. drive‑bay NVRs: Many compact NVRs require installers to fit a 2.5" HDD or SSD. The Hikvision unit ships with a 2 TB eSSD, reducing onsite labour and ensuring the drive is certified for the recorder.
• Integrated PoE ports: Competes directly with other manufacturers offering 4‑port PoE NVRs. The deciding factors are PoE budget (≈ ≤ 36 W here) and IEEE 802.3af/at support — adequate for typical low‑power dome and bullet cameras but check power draw for PTZs or heaters.
• Compression and bandwidth: H.265 / Smart265 support gives an edge in storage efficiency against legacy H.264‑only units; this matters when you want longer retention on a fixed 2 TB drive.
• Power profile: With typical power consumption ≤ 10 W (with SSD), the unit is noticeably more energy efficient than larger NVRs, and comparable to other mini recorders that prioritize low power use.

Where the DS‑E04NI‑Q1/4P might be less suitable: if you need more than four cameras, higher local display resolutions (4K HDMI), large local RAID arrays or advanced enterprise features. In those cases, consider larger multi‑bay NVRs with higher PoE budgets and advanced storage options.

Customer impressions and installer notes

While individual testimonials depend on deployment specifics, common feedback themes for this kind of device include:

• Ease of installation: Installers appreciate the integrated PoE and pre‑installed SSD, which reduce cable runs and eliminate a step in the setup process.
• Quiet, low‑power operation: Small businesses and homeowners often highlight the low noise and minimal power draw compared with larger recorders or PC‑based solutions.
• Reliable local playback: The HDMI output and simple local control via USB are often praised for straightforward monitoring without needing a separate PC or cloud subscription.

Important installer reminders when deploying this NVR:

• Confirm the PoE power budget against camera requirements — some cameras with heaters or PTZ motors demand more power than the integrated ports can supply.
• Check regional firmware/packaging and certifications (CE / UKCA or local requirements) from the datasheet before installation.
• Follow Hikvision’s quick start guide for secure password setup, firmware updates and network configuration to reduce security risk.

Conclusion: Why choose the DS‑E04NI‑Q1/4P (2 TB eSSD)?

The Hikvision DS‑E04NI‑Q1/4P (2TB eSSD) is a compelling option for anyone who needs a compact, reliable and energy‑efficient NVR for small‑scale video surveillance. Its integrated PoE ports, efficient video compression, and pre‑installed 2 TB eSSD combine to simplify installation, extend retention, and reduce ongoing operational costs. For homeowners, small retailers and installers working on quick, compact deployments, this model balances capability and simplicity.

If your needs are limited to four cameras, you want minimal on‑site configuration and value low power consumption with direct HDMI monitoring, this Hikvision mini‑NVR is well worth considering. For larger or more complex systems, evaluate higher‑capacity, multi‑bay NVRs or networked VMS platforms — but for the small installs it targets, the DS‑E04NI‑Q1/4P delivers a practical, professional solution.