Product Overview
Built for domestic and commercial CCTV installations that need straightforward PoE camera connectivity and high-resolution recording, the DS-7608NI-M2/8P is an 8-channel embedded network video recorder from Hikvision’s M Series NVR range. Featuring 8 plug-and-play PoE ports, it simplifies installation by powering and connecting IP cameras over a single cable run without requiring a separate PoE switch. With 128Mbps incoming bandwidth, this model handles demanding camera loads that would exceed the 80Mbps ceiling of the I2 series. H.265+ compression reduces storage consumption by up to 75 percent, while recording resolutions up to 32MP future-proof the system for high-detail cameras. HDMI output reaches 8K UHD, and the 2 SATA drive bays support up to 16TB total storage. This unit ships with a 4TB surveillance-grade hard drive pre-installed, making it ready for immediate deployment.
Your NVR will come with the latest Gui5.0 Software
Key Capabilities
128Mbps Incoming Bandwidth
The M2 model’s 128Mbps bandwidth is a key step up from the I2 series at 80Mbps, allowing installers to connect 8 high-resolution IP cameras, including 4K and multi-megapixel models, without hitting throughput limits that cause dropped frames or reduced quality.
8 Plug-and-Play PoE Ports
Eight independent PoE interfaces let installers connect IP cameras directly to the NVR without separate switches or injectors. The NVR detects and configures cameras automatically, significantly reducing the time needed to commission an 8-camera system.
H.265+ Compression
H.265+ intelligent compression reduces storage requirements by up to 75 percent compared to standard H.264, meaning the included 4TB drive stores substantially more footage. This is critical for systems running multiple high-resolution cameras around the clock.
Up to 32MP Recording Resolution
Support for recording resolutions up to 32MP means this NVR is compatible with high-detail IP cameras well beyond standard 4K, keeping the system current as camera technology advances without requiring a recorder upgrade.
8K HDMI Output and Dual Display
HDMI output supports up to 8K UHD for use with compatible monitors, while the VGA output provides up to 1080p for secondary displays. This gives installers flexibility when configuring live view stations or control rooms with mixed monitor types.
Dual HDD Bays – 4TB Installed
Two SATA interfaces allow up to 16TB of total storage. This unit arrives with a 4TB surveillance-grade drive already fitted, so recording begins immediately after setup. The second bay is available for a future drive upgrade as retention requirements grow.
Best For
- 8-Camera PoE IP Systems: Installers setting up a complete 8-camera IP system benefit from the built-in PoE ports eliminating the need for a separate PoE switch, keeping rack space and cabling requirements minimal.
- High-Resolution Camera Deployments: The 128Mbps bandwidth and up to 32MP recording support make this NVR suited to systems mixing 4K and high-megapixel cameras without compromising throughput on any channel.
- Storage-Conscious Installations: H.265+ compression and a 4TB pre-installed drive suit installations where maximising footage retention from multiple cameras is a priority, with the second bay available for capacity expansion.
- Commercial and Larger Domestic Sites: Sites such as retail premises, small offices, warehouses, and residential properties with extensive coverage requirements benefit from the 8-channel capacity and dual HDD bay design.
Why Choose the DS-7608NI-M2/8P
The DS-7608NI-M2/8P separates itself from entry-level 8-channel NVRs through its 128Mbps incoming bandwidth, which is 60 percent higher than the I2 series equivalent. This headroom matters when connecting multiple 4K or high-megapixel cameras that would saturate a lower-bandwidth recorder and result in reduced recording quality. The support for resolutions up to 32MP keeps the system viable as camera technology continues to advance. H.265+ compression reduces storage demand significantly, and the dual SATA bays allow up to 16TB total capacity for installations where extended retention is required. Video Content Analytics (VCA) capability adds event-based detection without needing camera-side processing on every channel. Available at Security Wholesalers, this DS-7608NI-M2/8P bundle includes a 4TB surveillance-grade hard drive pre-fitted, removing the need to source and install a drive separately before commissioning.
Buyer Decision Tips
Bandwidth vs Camera Count: While the DS-7608NI-M2/8P supports up to 8 channels, the actual usable channel count at full resolution depends on the bitrate of each connected camera. At 128Mbps total incoming bandwidth, a mix of 4K cameras running at 8-12Mbps each will consume bandwidth quickly. Confirm the expected bitrate of your chosen cameras and ensure the combined total stays within 128Mbps to avoid the NVR throttling recording quality.
Storage Planning with the 4TB Drive: The included 4TB drive provides a ready-to-record starting point, but retention duration depends heavily on camera resolution, frame rate, H.265+ compatibility, and the number of cameras recording continuously. Use Hikvision’s storage calculator as a guide before assuming retention periods. The second SATA bay can accept an additional drive up to the 16TB per-bay maximum if footage retention needs to be extended after installation.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Model | DS-7608NI-M2/8P |
| Series | Hikvision M Series NVR |
| Recording Channels | 8 channels |
| PoE Ports | 8 independent plug-and-play PoE interfaces |
| Incoming Bandwidth | 128Mbps |
| Max Recording Resolution | Up to 32MP |
| Video Compression | H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264 |
| HDMI Output | Up to 8K UHD |
| VGA Output | Up to 1080p |
| HDD Bays | 2 x SATA interface |
| Maximum Storage Capacity | Up to 16TB total across 2 bays |
| Included Hard Drive | 4TB surveillance-grade HDD (WD Purple or Seagate Skyhawk) |
| Recording Mode | Dual stream recording |
| Video Analytics | Video Content Analytics (VCA) |
| Remote Viewing | Supported via mobile application |
Ideal Use Cases
Retail and Small Commercial Premises
Shops, offices, and service businesses needing up to 8 IP cameras across internal and external zones benefit from the 8-channel PoE configuration, with H.265+ compression keeping storage manageable across continuous recording schedules.
Residential Properties with Extensive Coverage
Larger homes requiring cameras across multiple entry points, garages, driveways, and perimeter zones can use all 8 PoE channels from a single NVR without additional switching hardware, keeping the installation clean and straightforward.
4K and High-Megapixel Camera Systems
The 128Mbps bandwidth and up to 32MP recording support allow this NVR to handle demanding 4K and multi-megapixel IP cameras without bandwidth-related quality compromises that would affect lower-specification recorders.
Installations Requiring Extended Footage Retention
With H.265+ compression and a second empty HDD bay, this NVR suits sites that need longer recording windows. The second SATA bay can accommodate an additional drive, doubling storage capacity when retention periods need to be extended.
Installers Seeking Faster Commission Times
The plug-and-play PoE ports and pre-installed 4TB drive mean the NVR can begin recording almost immediately after camera connection, reducing on-site setup time compared to systems requiring separate switches and drive installation.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: You are deploying up to 8 PoE IP cameras, including 4K or high-megapixel models, and need 128Mbps bandwidth headroom, dual HDD bays for storage expansion, and a 4TB drive ready to record out of the box.
- Choose a different model if: Your camera count exceeds 8 channels, in which case a 16-channel NVR is the appropriate step up. If you do not need PoE ports and plan to manage camera power through a separate switch, a non-PoE NVR may offer a cost-effective alternative with the same channel and recording capability.
- Choose a different model if: Your camera system only requires 4 cameras. An 8-channel unit leaves half the channels unused, and a 4-channel NVR with PoE would deliver equivalent performance for a smaller camera count at a lower cost.
FAQs
- What is the difference between the DS-7608NI-M2/8P and the DS-7608NI-I2/8P?
The M2 model supports 128Mbps incoming bandwidth compared to 80Mbps on the I2 series. This is a significant difference when connecting multiple high-resolution cameras. If your system includes 4K cameras or a mix of high-bitrate streams, the M2 provides the headroom needed to maintain full-quality recording across all 8 channels simultaneously. - Does the DS-7608NI-M2/8P come with a hard drive installed?
Yes. This bundle includes a 4TB surveillance-grade hard drive pre-installed in the NVR. The drive is formatted and ready to record after initial setup. The second SATA bay remains empty and can accept an additional drive if more storage is required, up to the 16TB total capacity supported by this unit. - How many cameras can the 8 PoE ports support, and what cameras are compatible?
Each of the 8 PoE ports connects one IP camera, so the NVR supports up to 8 cameras total. The ports are plug-and-play with Hikvision IP cameras. Third-party ONVIF-compliant cameras may also be compatible, though full plug-and-play detection is optimised for Hikvision devices. Confirm compatibility with your chosen cameras before purchasing. - How long will the 4TB hard drive store footage from 8 cameras?
Retention duration depends on the resolution, frame rate, compression standard, and whether cameras are recording continuously or on motion. H.265+ compression significantly extends storage duration compared to H.264. As a rough guide, 8 cameras recording at 1080p with H.265+ and motion detection may achieve several weeks of retention from 4TB, but higher resolutions or continuous recording will reduce this. Use Hikvision’s storage calculator to estimate for your specific camera configuration. - Can I expand the storage beyond 4TB in this NVR?
Yes. The DS-7608NI-M2/8P has 2 SATA bays and supports up to 16TB of total storage. The second bay is currently empty, allowing you to add a second surveillance-grade hard drive at any time. Security Wholesalers stocks additional compatible surveillance hard drives if additional capacity is needed after installation. - Does the NVR support 4K live view and playback on a monitor?
Yes. The HDMI output supports up to 8K UHD resolution for live view and playback on a compatible monitor. The VGA output is available for secondary displays at up to 1080p. Both outputs can be used simultaneously with different display configurations depending on your control room or monitoring setup. - Can I view cameras remotely on a mobile device?
Yes. The DS-7608NI-M2/8P supports remote viewing via Hikvision’s mobile application, allowing live view and playback access from compatible smartphones and tablets when the NVR is connected to a network with appropriate port forwarding or cloud access configured.
Additional Information
- DS-7608NIM2 Datasheet
- User Manual – DS-7600NI I and M Series
- DS-7608NI-M2/8P – No Hard Drive Version
- Add More Hard Drive Storage
Hard Drives
| Image | Name | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4TB HDD - WD Purple / Seagate Surveillance Hard Drive for DVRs & NVRs | $300.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| 6TB HDD - WD Purple / Seagate Skyhawk Surveillance Hard Drive for DVRs & NVR | $500.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| 2TB HDD - WD Purple / Seagate Surveillance Hard Drive for DVRs & NVRs | $240.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| 8TB HDD - WD Purple / Skyhawk Surveillance Hard Drive for DVRs & NVR | $700.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| 10TB HDD - WD Purple / Seagate Surveillance Hard Drive for DVRs & NVR | $860.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support |


































