NVR-104MH-C/4P(D) 4-Channel PoE NVR, 8MP Input, 4K HDMI, 1×SATA

Introduction: compact power for small IP CCTV systems

The NVR-104MH-C/4P(D) is a compact 4‑channel PoE Network Video Recorder (NVR) designed for homes, small businesses and light commercial installations that need reliable, easy‑to‑install IP surveillance. Despite its small 1U metal chassis and lightweight construction, this recorder supports up to 8 MP camera input, offers a 4K HDMI output for crisp local monitoring, and includes four integrated PoE ports for true plug‑and‑play camera connections. It combines modern video compression (H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264), smart VCA events and efficient storage management to deliver a practical, budget‑friendly surveillance platform.

Key features at a glance

• 4 integrated PoE ports (IEEE 802.3af/at)— power and network delivered over a single cable to each camera for simple installation.
• 8 MP camera support— accept input from cameras up to 8 megapixels; ideal for higher‑resolution detail where needed.
• 4K HDMI output— local monitoring on a 4K display (3840×2160) for clear live and playback viewing.
• Advanced compression— H.265+ and H.265 reduce storage and bandwidth without compromising image quality.
• Smart VCA— motion detection 2.0 with human/vehicle analysis on one channel to reduce false alarms and enable event‑driven recording.
• 1 × SATA bay (up to 8 TB)— local storage support with common HDD sizes; HDD sold separately.
• Low power footprint— power consumption ≤50 W with PoE in use, ≤10 W without PoE/HDD.

Detailed specifications and the benefits they bring

The NVR-104MH-C/4P(D) balances compact design with meaningful capabilities. Its 1U metal chassis measures 265 × 225 × 48 mm and weighs under 1 kg (without HDD), making it easy to rack, shelf or mount in tight equipment cabinets. Operating temperature ranges from −10 °C to +55 °C, so it functions reliably in many indoor environments.

Video performance and management are central to its value. With four IP inputs and support for up to 8 MP camera resolution, this recorder is suitable for capturing fine detail on one or more key cameras. The decoding capability (1 channel at 8 MP/30 fps, 3 channels at 4 MP, 6 channels at 1080p) provides smooth local decoding and synchronous playback for up to four channels, enabling efficient review of important footage. H.265+ compression further reduces storage requirements, extending recording time on a single drive compared with older codecs.

Network and I/O features are practical for small deployments: one RJ‑45 10/100 Mbps network interface, compatibility with common protocols (TCP/IP, DHCP, DDNS, RTSP, NFS, iSCSI, UPnP, HTTPS) and support for remote access services such as Hik‑Connect. On the front and rear panel you get two USB2.0 ports for backup or mouse control, RCA audio output and one‑channel two‑way audio for simple audio monitoring or intercom use. Integrated PoE ports conform to IEEE 802.3af/at so most modern PoE cameras will power up without additional adapters.

Storage is straightforward: a single SATA bay supports up to an 8 TB HDD (drive not included). Recording modes include schedule, manual, motion and VCA events, allowing tailored retention policies. Bandwidth specs (incoming 40 Mbps, outgoing 80 Mbps) suit small installations with a mix of HD and high‑resolution cameras while keeping network load manageable.

• Fast, low‑complexity install with PoE ports — ideal for small businesses and homeowners who want minimal cabling and setup time.
• High resolution and 4K monitoring for detailed review when it matters.
• Efficient storage via H.265+ and single‑drive support keeps ongoing costs down.
• Smart VCA reduces false alarms and focuses recording on meaningful events.
• Low idle power consumption when PoE and HDD are not used, helping reduce running costs.

Use cases and scenarios where the NVR-104MH-C/4P(D) excels

This NVR is tailored to scenarios where a compact, cost‑effective, and simple solution is preferable over large multislot recorders or cloud‑first systems. Typical deployments include:

• Home surveillance:Use two to four cameras (entry, driveway, backyard) powered directly from the recorder. The 4K HDMI output is useful for homeowners who want to review footage on a smart TV or dedicated monitor.
• Small retail shops:Monitor till areas, shop floor and back entrances. Motion and VCA event recording conserves disk space and highlights possible shoplifting events or after‑hours movement.
• Small offices and clinics:Discreet installation in a server closet provides a reliable record of access points and reception areas without occupying valuable rack space.
• Pop‑up sites and temporary installations:Rapid set‑up thanks to PoE ports makes this unit ideal for construction site offices, event booths or seasonal stores where short‑term monitoring is required.
• Installer demo and entry‑level product for managed services:A low‑profile 1U device is convenient for integrators to demonstrate capabilities or offer basic managed CCTV packages.

How it compares with similar products on the market

Within the 4‑channel NVR segment, tradeoffs usually fall between simplicity, channel density, storage capacity and advanced analytics. The NVR‑104MH‑C/4P(D) competes strongly on ease of installation (four integrated PoE ports), 8 MP input support and 4K HDMI output at a price point that is typically lower than larger multi‑bay recorders with the same feature set.

Compared with entry‑level NVRs that lack PoE, this model reduces cabling and the need for separate PoE switches, lowering overall project cost and complexity. Against higher‑end recorders that offer 8 PoE ports, dual‑HDD bays, RAID or higher throughput, this recorder is more compact and budget oriented — it is not intended for large camera counts, long‑term enterprise retention or heavy multi‑user remote playback simultaneously.

Compared with cloud‑centric video platforms, the NVR‑104MH‑C/4P(D) keeps all footage local, which appeals to privacy‑sensitive users and sites with limited uplink bandwidth. It lacks built‑in cellular backup or multi‑site cloud recording by default, so organizations requiring cloud redundancy should consider hybrid setups or cloud‑enabled models.

In short: choose this NVR when you need an affordable, compact, PoE‑enabled recorder with high‑resolution camera support and 4K monitoring. Choose larger, multi‑bay recorders when you need greater storage resiliency, higher channel counts or enterprise‑grade throughput.

Customer feedback and typical review themes

There are no verified customer testimonials provided with the product data. Based on the NVR’s specification set and intended audience, common feedback themes from installers and small business owners typically include:

• Positive: Easy installation because of integrated PoE ports — fewer on‑site errors and faster commissioning times.
• Positive: Good video clarity on local 4K monitors and the ability to support 8 MP cameras for critical coverage points.
• Positive: Low power draw and compact form factor make it suitable for small cabinets and areas with constrained space.
• Constructive: Single HDD bay means storage planning is required; users with longer retention needs will add external NAS or upgrade to NVRs with multiple bays.
• Constructive: Advanced users may want higher network throughput or additional PoE ports for future expansion.

Ask the vendor for recent customer references or real‑world case studies when evaluating for larger rollouts. Also verify warranty and support terms before purchase — the supplied product information lists warranty as zero; confirm with your reseller whether a warranty or service plan is available.

Installation, compliance and practical considerations

Installation is straightforward for anyone familiar with IP CCTV: connect cameras to the built‑in PoE ports, fit a compatible SATA drive (up to 8 TB), connect the HDMI monitor and configure network settings via the Quick Start Guide or web interface. Follow the manual for password policy, firmware updates and network port management to maintain security. For mains wiring, structured network integration or more complex site requirements, engage a qualified electrician or systems installer.

HDD compatibility, recommended drive types and regulatory compliance (CE/FCC/UKCA) are detailed in the datasheet and manual — consult these documents before procuring a drive or deploying at scale.

Conclusion: why choose the NVR-104MH-C/4P(D)?

The NVR‑104MH‑C/4P(D) is a pragmatic choice for homeowners, small business owners and installers who need a compact, cost‑efficient IP recorder that simplifies camera deployment with four integrated PoE ports, supports modern high‑resolution cameras up to 8 MP, and offers 4K HDMI output for clear local monitoring. It delivers sensible features — H.265+ compression, smart VCA event handling, and a single SATA slot for up to 8 TB — while keeping power consumption and physical footprint low. At a suggested price point around 99 (check local pricing and taxes), it presents strong value for small installations where simplicity, image quality and affordability matter most. For buyers requiring expanded storage, higher channel counts or enterprise redundancy, consider larger multi‑bay NVRs; for those seeking a compact, plug‑and‑play system, the NVR‑104MH‑C/4P(D) is an attractive option. Always confirm warranty, support and HDD compatibility with your reseller before purchase.