Introduction to the Hikvision iDS-6704HUHI-M
The Hikvision iDS-6704HUHI-M (ITM004039) is a compact, cost‑effective 4‑channel Hybrid TurboHD DVR/encoder designed for small to medium sites that need a flexible mix of analogue and IP video. In a 1U desktop/ rackable chassis it supports HDTVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS analogue inputs alongside hybrid IP camera channels, efficient H.265 Pro+ compression, and Hikvisions deep‑learning motion detection that classifies people and vehicles to reduce false alarms. With support for up to 8 MP resolution on channel 1 and an internal SATA bay (up to 10 TB), this recorder is positioned as a practical upgrade path for installers and organisations that want higher resolution where it matters without replacing every camera at once.
Key features at a glance
- Hybrid capability:4 analogue BNC inputs plus hybrid IP channel support for a mixed camera estate.
- High resolution:Supports up to 8 MP input (full 8 MP on channel 1) and multi‑resolution streams for flexible recording and remote viewing.
- Efficient compression:H.265 Pro+/H.265/H.264 family codecs to minimise bandwidth and storage requirements.
- AI‑assisted detection:People and vehicle classification to reduce false alarms from generic motion events.
- Compact form factor:1U / small desktop unit (315 × 240 × 48 mm) suitable for retail counters, branch offices and small comms cabinets.
- Storage and connectivity:1×SATA internal (up to 10 TB), USB 2.0 backup, 1×RJ45 10/100 Mbps and support for Hik‑Connect and ONVIF.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The recorder accepts 4 analogue channels via BNC connectors supporting HDTVI, AHD, CVI and CVBS formats, while also accepting hybrid IP cameras. By default it offers 2 IP channels but supports enhanced modes for additional IP devices depending on firmware and configuration. The unit can handle up to 8 MP resolution on channel 1 (useful for a single high‑detail location such as an entrance or till) and up to 5 MP main stream on other channels. Typical recording modes include lower frame rates at higher resolutions (for example, 8 MP at 8 fps on channel 1) and higher frame rates at lower resolutions, allowing installers to balance image detail and storage needs.
Compression is an important strength: H.265 Pro+ and H.265 significantly reduce bitrate compared with H.264 while maintaining image quality. H.265 Pro+ applies additional optimisations for surveillance scenarios, which translates to longer retention on the single internal HDD and reduced network load. The DVR supports both main stream and sub‑stream (WD1/4CIF/CIF) outputs so remote viewing on mobile devices or constrained networks can use lower‑resolution streams while onsite recording uses the main stream.
Networking is handled via a single 10/100 Mbps RJ45 port with support for common protocols: Hik‑Connect for cloud‑assisted remote access, ONVIF for third‑party camera compatibility, DHCP, PPPoE, DDNS, HTTPS, NFS, iSCSI and UPnP. The recorder supports up to 32 remote connections, making it suitable for situations where multiple clients or monitoring stations need simultaneous live access.
Audio is available through 1×RCA in and 1×RCA out for two‑way or monitored audio where required. RS‑485 allows PTZ control and older serial devices to be integrated. The DVR has a rear USB 2.0 port for local backup. Alarm I/O varies by SKU—installers should confirm the exact variant if hardware alarm inputs/outputs are required.
Powered by 12 VDC with a power consumption of ≤ 10 W (excluding HDD), the unit operates in a wide temperature range (−10 °C to +55 °C) and humidity conditions (10%–90% non‑condensing). At 315 × 240 × 48 mm and weighing under around 1.16 kg, it fits compact installations where space is limited.
Benefits in practical terms
- Cost‑effective upgrades:Keep existing analogue cameras and add IP cameras selectively where higher resolution is needed, lowering upgrade costs compared with full IP migrations.
- Reduced storage and bandwidth:H.265 Pro+/H.265 compression and selectable streams deliver longer retention and smoother remote viewing even on constrained networks.
- Improved alarm accuracy:People/vehicle classification reduces nuisance alerts from shadows, animals or foliage, improving the signal‑to‑noise ratio for monitoring teams.
- Compact and flexible deployment:1U form factor and simple connectivity make the unit well suited to branch IT cabinets, retail counters or office server rooms.
Use cases and scenarios where the unit excels
Small retailers often have a mix of legacy analogue cameras and one or two newer IP cameras for entrances or high‑value areas. The iDS‑6704HUHI‑M lets you retain analogue coverage while adding an 8 MP camera at the till or doorway for clear facial detail, all recorded efficiently and viewable remotely via Hik‑Connect.
Branch offices with limited rack space benefit from the compact 1U form factor. The hybrid approach is ideal where a handful of IP cameras are deployed in key areas (reception, parking) while older analogue cameras remain in back offices or storage rooms.
For installers, the unit is a practical tool for transitional projects: it serves as an encoder for analogue sources and a recorder for IP feeds, simplifying project rollouts where customers want staged upgrades without wholesale replacement.
In small warehouses, using channel 1 for a high‑resolution overview camera and the remaining channels for strategic analogue cameras gives detailed evidence capture without needing an expensive multi‑bay NVR.
How it compares to alternative solutions
Pure IP NVRs offer full scalability, PoE ports and native high‑channel IP support, often preferred for new, greenfield installations. The iDS‑6704HUHI‑M, by contrast, is optimised for mixed estates: it lets you keep analogue investments and add IP selectively. It does not provide PoE, so IP cameras need separate power or PoE switches, whereas many NVRs include built‑in PoE for simplicity.
Compared with legacy analogue DVRs, the iDS‑6704HUHI‑M supports far higher resolutions (up to 8 MP), and modern compression standards that reduce storage and bandwidth. It also adds AI‑based people/vehicle detection and network features such as Hik‑Connect and ONVIF compatibility which older DVRs lack.
Hikvision offers larger hybrid and pure IP recorders with more channels, additional HDD bays, and higher throughput for multi‑camera sites. The iDS‑6704HUHI‑M sits at the compact, entry‑to‑mid level: its ideal for single‑room, branch or retail scenarios where a small footprint and hybrid flexibility are priorities. If you need many IP channels, multiple HDDs or built‑in PoE, stepping up to a larger NVR/higher‑channel hybrid model is appropriate.
Customer feedback and common observations
While specific public testimonials for every SKU vary, installers and end users of comparable Hikvision hybrid recorders typically highlight a few recurring points:
- Positive:Good image quality for the price, particularly when using H.265 Pro+; compact size makes installation straightforward in small locations; hybrid capability reduces immediate upgrade costs.
- Constructive notes:Single HDD bay limits local retention for multi‑camera, high‑resolution deployments; alarm I/O differs by variant so check requirements before purchase; powering IP cameras requires external PoE switches if PoE is needed.
- Operational advice from installers:Keep firmware up to date, verify SKU features (alarm I/O and IP channel allowances) at procurement, and perform a commissioning test to tune detection thresholds and retention settings for each site.
Conclusion: Why choose the Hikvision iDS-6704HUHI-M?
The Hikvision iDS‑6704HUHI‑M is a practical, well‑rounded hybrid DVR for small to medium installations that need a flexible bridge between analogue and IP worlds. Its combination of up to 8 MP capability on a primary channel, efficient H.265 Pro+ compression, and AI‑assisted people/vehicle detection makes it a compelling option where focused, high‑quality coverage and reduced false alarms are priorities. The compact 1U form factor and up to 10 TB internal storage make it suitable for retail, branch offices, small warehouses and installer projects where space and budget are constrained.
For organisations wanting to preserve existing analogue investments while selectively adding high‑resolution IP cameras, or for installers looking to offer staged upgrades without major upfront cost, the iDS‑6704HUHI‑M offers a strong balance of features and value. As with any security deployment, confirm the exact SKU features (alarm I/O variants, IP channel limits), plan storage and retention to match evidence requirements, and consider professional installation and commissioning to get the best results.
