HiLook NVR-104MH-K/4P 4-Channel PoE NVR, 4K HDMI, H.265+

Introduction: Meet the HiLook NVR-104MH-K/4P

The HiLook NVR-104MH-K/4P is a compact, cost-effective 4-channel IP Network Video Recorder (NVR) designed for plug-and-play surveillance installations. With four integrated PoE ports, 4K HDMI local output, H.265+/H.265/H.264 video compression and on-device AI features on supported channels, it targets homeowners, small shops, offices and light commercial sites that need a simple, single 1U recorder with PoE power. At a suggested retail price of $139.99 (cost price $111.24), it positions itself as an affordable, capability-rich option for small CCTV systems.

Key features at a glance

• Plug & play PoE— 4 × RJ-45 PoE ports (10/100 Mbps) with a total PoE budget ≤ 50 W for easy camera connection and power over a single cable.
• Efficient video compression— Support for H.265+/H.265/H.264/H.264+ and MPEG4 to reduce storage and bandwidth use.
• High-resolution local output— 4K HDMI output (up to 4K/30Hz) plus VGA for simultaneous local viewing.
• On-device AI— Facial recognition, perimeter protection and Motion Detection 2.0 on supported channels for smarter alerts and fewer false positives.
• Expandable storage— Single SATA bay with support for large HDDs (Hikvision K spec indicates up to 16 TB).
• Network & remote access— 1 × RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps network interface and support for up to 32 remote connections.

Detailed specifications and benefits

Understanding the specifications helps explain why the NVR-104MH-K/4P is useful in practical deployments. Below are the most relevant technical details and the benefits they deliver.

• Model:NVR-104MH-K/4P.
• Channels:4 IP inputs — ideal for small systems where four cameras provide sufficient coverage.
• Decoding capacity:2 channels at 12 MP or 4 channels at 8 MP (K profile) — supports high-resolution cameras for clearer evidence capture.
• Video compression:H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264, MPEG4 — H.265+ reduces storage and network demands, which lowers long-term storage costs.

• PoE ports:4 × PoE (10/100 Mbps) with total PoE power budget ≤ 50 W and support for IEEE 802.3af/at — simplifies cabling by delivering power and data over single Ethernet runs.
• Incoming/outgoing bandwidth:40 Mbps incoming, 80 Mbps outgoing — sufficient for multi-camera streams and remote viewing in small deployments.
• Power supply & consumption:48 VDC, 1.35 A device supply; ≤ 10 W without HDD and PoE off — energy-efficient at idle, though total system consumption depends on connected cameras and installed HDD.

• Storage bays:1 × SATA, supports large drives (up to 16 TB per Hikvision K spec) — enables multi-day retention without complex SAN setups.
• Network interface:1 × RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps — gigabit uplink provides headroom for high-resolution streaming to a network or cloud gateway.
• Remote connections & USB:Up to 32 remote connections; 1 front and 1 rear USB 2.0 port for export and mouse/backup.

• Local display:HDMI 4K/30Hz + VGA simultaneously — useful when connecting to a high-resolution monitor while keeping a local service screen.
• AI features:Facial recognition, perimeter protection and Motion Detection 2.0 on supported channels — reduces false alarms and supports faster event triage. Note: AI capabilities may be limited to certain cameras or software licenses; check compatibility for full functionality.

Use cases and scenarios where this NVR excels

The HiLook NVR-104MH-K/4P is engineered for small-scale and budget-conscious installations where easy deployment, local monitoring and smart analytics are desired. Typical use cases include:

• Home surveillance:A single-family home with four cameras covering entrances, driveways and garden areas benefits from PoE simplicity and 4K local viewing when needed.
• Small retail outlets:Shops can deploy four discreet cameras — store front, till area, stockroom and rear exit — with facial and perimeter analytics to reduce shrinkage and flag suspicious activity.
• Small offices:Protect reception, entrances and parking areas, with remote access for managers and the ability to retain multiple days of footage on a single large-capacity HDD.
• Light commercial sites / remote kiosks:Locations that require a compact recorder with PoE ports to centralize camera feeds without running separate power cabling.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

When evaluating the NVR-104MH-K/4P, potential buyers often compare it to alternatives from Hikvision (higher-tier models), Dahua, Reolink, Lorex and other budget NVRs. Key comparison points:

• Price vs features:At the suggested price of $139.99, this HiLook model is positioned competitively. It offers advanced codecs (H.265+) and AI features that are sometimes reserved for more expensive models, giving good value for small system integrators.
• PoE budget and port speed:The 50 W total PoE budget is standard for compact 4-port NVRs but can limit use of multiple high-power cameras (e.g., those with heaters or powerful IR). Some competing units offer higher PoE budgets or gigabit PoE ports — choose based on the camera models you plan to deploy.
• AI and analytics:AI features such as facial recognition and perimeter protection are a distinguishing advantage at this price point. Some competing budget NVRs omit on-device analytics or require cloud processing, which can add costs or latency.
• Storage expandability:With one SATA bay supporting up to 16 TB (K spec), the unit is sufficient for most small installations. Larger deployments will need multi-bay NVRs or networked storage solutions.
• Build and ecosystem:HiLook sits within Hikvision’s broader ecosystem; integrators who already use Hikvision/HiLook cameras and software will benefit from smoother compatibility. Other brands (Dahua, Uniview, Reolink) have their own ecosystems with different strengths in UI, cloud services and licensing.

Customer testimonials and reviews

At the time of writing there are no verified, manufacturer-supplied customer testimonials included in the product information provided. However, based on typical feedback for similarly-spec’d HiLook/NVR units, customers commonly praise:

• Simplicity:Plug-and-play PoE ports that dramatically reduce installation time and wiring complexity.
• Value:Strong feature set for the price, especially the inclusion of 4K HDMI and H.265+ compression.
• Local performance:Reliable local recording and playback without the need for cloud subscriptions.

If you plan to sell or deploy this unit, consider collecting and displaying verified customer reviews after installations — they are highly influential for prospective buyers.

Practical considerations and limitations

Before purchasing or installing, note a few practical points:

• PoE power budget:The ≤ 50 W budget means power-hungry cameras may require external power or a separate PoE switch with higher budget.
• AI channel support:AI features are available only on supported channels and may depend on camera model and firmware. Verify compatibility for facial recognition or advanced analytics.
• Certification & compliance:Certification details (CE / UKCA) and some dimensional/weight specs were listed as "INSUFFICIENT DATA" in the supplied information. Refer to official Hikvision/HiLook datasheets or contact the manufacturer for compliance, installation guidance and full mechanical specs.
• Single SATA bay:While convenient and cost-effective, it limits redundancy. For critical sites consider backup strategies or networked storage.

Conclusion: Who should choose the HiLook NVR-104MH-K/4P?

The HiLook NVR-104MH-K/4P is a compelling choice for anyone needing a compact, affordable and capable 4-channel PoE NVR. It combines modern compression (H.265+), 4K HDMI local output, on-device AI features and the convenience of integrated PoE in a single 1U unit. This makes it especially attractive to homeowners, small businesses and installers working on light commercial projects where simple wiring, local monitoring and smarter analytics are priorities.

As with any purchase, match the NVR’s PoE budget and channel AI support to your chosen cameras and retention needs. For larger or mission-critical installations, consider multi-bay or higher-PoE-budget alternatives. For most small-scale applications, however, the NVR-104MH-K/4P offers a well-rounded mix of performance, features and value that makes it worth considering.