Product Overview
For installers and system designers building 8-camera IP surveillance systems, the DS-7608NI-M2/8P delivers a purpose-built embedded network video recorder with 8 built-in PoE ports that eliminate the need for a separate PoE switch during standard deployments. Part of Hikvision’s M Series NVR range, it records at resolutions up to 32MP and carries a 128Mbps incoming bandwidth rating, which separates it from the lower-tier I2 model at 80Mbps. Featuring H.265+ compression to cut storage use by up to 75% and dual-stream recording for local and remote feeds simultaneously, the DS-7608NI-M2/8P supports HDMI output up to 8K UHD and VGA output at 1080p. It also integrates Video Content Analytics and mobile viewing support. With 2 SATA bays accommodating up to 16TB of storage and no HDD included, storage capacity can be matched to the specific retention needs of each installation.
Key Capabilities
8 Built-In PoE Ports
Each of the 8 PoE interfaces supports plug-and-play camera connection over a single Cat5e/Cat6 run, removing the need for a separate PoE switch in standard 8-camera layouts and simplifying both the equipment rack and ongoing management.
128Mbps Incoming Bandwidth
The M2 variant carries 128Mbps of incoming bandwidth, compared to 80Mbps on the I2 model. This higher throughput supports multiple high-resolution streams, including 4K and beyond, without bottlenecking video data across all 8 channels simultaneously.
Up to 32MP Recording Resolution
Supporting recording at resolutions up to 32MP, the DS-7608NI-M2/8P is compatible with current and next-generation high-resolution IP cameras, ensuring the system can capture fine detail across wide scenes without needing a recorder upgrade.
H.265+ Compression
H.265+ intelligent compression reduces storage consumption by up to 75% compared to standard H.264, directly lowering HDD costs and extending footage retention periods without sacrificing recorded image quality.
8K HDMI and 1080p VGA Output
The HDMI output supports display up to 8K UHD for use with compatible monitors, while VGA output provides 1080p for legacy screens. Both outputs allow on-site monitoring from the recorder directly, useful in reception areas, guard stations, or server rooms.
Video Content Analytics (VCA)
Built-in VCA functionality enables the recorder to process intelligent event detection, supporting smarter recording triggers and search capabilities across connected cameras without relying entirely on camera-side processing.
Best For
- Small to Medium Commercial Installations: The 8-channel capacity and 128Mbps bandwidth handle mixed-resolution camera deployments across shopfronts, offices, and small warehouses without requiring additional network switching infrastructure.
- High-Resolution IP Camera Systems: Support for up to 32MP recording makes this NVR a practical backbone for systems using 4K or higher-resolution cameras where fine scene detail is required.
- Storage-Conscious Deployments: H.265+ compression and 2 SATA bays allow installers to configure footage retention using surveillance-grade HDDs matched to the specific site’s recording schedule and retention period.
- Installers Wanting Simplified Wiring: The 8 integrated PoE ports remove the need to specify and install a separate PoE switch for camera power and data, reducing components and cabinet space on standard 8-camera jobs.
Why Choose the DS-7608NI-M2/8P
The DS-7608NI-M2/8P stands apart from the I2 variant through its 128Mbps incoming bandwidth, which is 60% higher than the 80Mbps I2 ceiling. This gap becomes significant when running multiple 4K or higher-resolution cameras simultaneously, where bandwidth limitations on lower-tier recorders cause dropped frames or compromised stream quality. The 32MP recording ceiling, dual SATA bays, 8K HDMI output, and H.265+ compression combine to make this a genuinely future-ready platform for 8-camera installations rather than a short-term compromise. The built-in VCA adds recorder-side analytics without requiring every connected camera to carry that processing burden. Available through Security Wholesalers, the DS-7608NI-M2/8P is supplied without an HDD, giving installers full control over storage selection based on the site’s retention requirements and budget.
Buyer Decision Tips
Bandwidth vs. Camera Count: With 128Mbps incoming bandwidth across 8 channels, each channel has an average ceiling of 16Mbps. If you plan to connect multiple 8MP or higher cameras recording at full bitrate continuously, calculate the total stream load before committing to camera bitrate settings. H.265+ compression on compatible cameras will significantly reduce this figure in practice.
Storage Planning Before Purchase: This NVR ships with no HDD installed. Before ordering, calculate your required retention period using the number of cameras, recording resolution, frame rate, and H.265+ compression savings. The 2 SATA bays support up to 16TB of storage total, so plan drive capacity based on the longest expected retention window for your site.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Model | DS-7608NI-M2/8P |
| Series | Hikvision M Series NVR |
| Video Channels | 8 channels |
| PoE Ports | 8 independent plug-and-play PoE interfaces |
| Incoming Bandwidth | 128Mbps |
| Maximum Recording Resolution | Up to 32MP |
| Video Compression | H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264 |
| Storage Savings (H.265+) | Up to 75% reduction vs. standard H.264 |
| HDMI Output | Up to 8K UHD |
| VGA Output | Up to 1080p |
| HDD Bays | 2 x SATA interfaces |
| Maximum Storage | Up to 16TB |
| HDD Included | No HDD included |
| Recording Mode | Dual stream recording |
| Analytics | Video Content Analytics (VCA) |
| Remote Viewing | Supported via mobile and compatible devices |
Ideal Use Cases
Retail and Commercial Shopfronts
The 8 PoE ports allow plug-and-play connection of cameras covering entry points, tills, and stock areas from a single unit. H.265+ compression helps keep storage manageable across continuous recording schedules common in retail environments.
Office Buildings and Corporate Premises
Dual-stream recording lets the DS-7608NI-M2/8P deliver full-resolution local storage while simultaneously sending a lower-bandwidth stream for remote monitoring, useful for multi-office setups where IT teams need remote access without straining the network.
Residential Estates and Upmarket Homes
32MP recording capability supports high-detail coverage of driveways, gates, and perimeter areas where identifying individuals or vehicle plates at distance matters. Mobile viewing extends monitoring convenience beyond on-site displays.
Small Warehouses and Light Industrial Sites
The 128Mbps bandwidth headroom accommodates 8 cameras operating at high bitrates simultaneously, which is important in warehouse environments where large-sensor cameras covering wide loading areas may push higher per-channel data rates.
Staged or Upgrade Installations
With no HDD included, the DS-7608NI-M2/8P suits staged deployments where storage is added separately based on confirmed retention requirements. The 2 SATA bays allow capacity to be chosen or upgraded independently of the recorder itself.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: You need an 8-channel PoE NVR with 128Mbps bandwidth headroom for high-resolution camera deployments, want 32MP recording support for current or upcoming camera upgrades, and prefer to select your own HDD based on site-specific retention planning.
- Choose a different model if: Your installation requires more than 8 camera channels, in which case a higher-channel NVR with a matching PoE port count or external PoE switch integration will be more appropriate for the scope of the project.
- Choose a different model if: Your camera count is 4 or fewer and the full 8-port capacity would go unused. A 4-channel NVR may offer better value for smaller installations with limited expansion plans.
FAQs
- What is the difference between the DS-7608NI-M2/8P and the I2 model?
The primary difference is incoming bandwidth. The M2 model supports 128Mbps, while the I2 model is rated at 80Mbps. This matters when running multiple high-resolution cameras simultaneously, as the higher bandwidth ceiling prevents stream degradation under heavy recording loads across all 8 channels. - Does the DS-7608NI-M2/8P come with a hard drive?
No. The DS-7608NI-M2/8P is supplied without any HDD installed. It has 2 SATA bays supporting up to 16TB of storage. You will need to purchase and install a compatible surveillance-grade HDD separately before the unit can record footage. - What type of hard drive should I use with this NVR?
Surveillance-grade HDDs such as WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk are recommended for continuous 24/7 recording workloads. Standard desktop drives are not designed for the sustained read/write cycles of CCTV recording and are likely to fail earlier in this application. Drive capacity should be matched to your retention period and number of cameras. - Can I connect any IP camera to this NVR, or is it Hikvision-only?
The DS-7608NI-M2/8P is an embedded NVR designed for use with Hikvision IP cameras via its PoE plug-and-play interfaces. Third-party camera compatibility is not confirmed in the product data, so it is advisable to verify ONVIF compatibility with any non-Hikvision camera before deploying it in this system. - What resolution can I monitor on an external display?
The HDMI output supports up to 8K UHD on a compatible display, while the VGA output delivers up to 1080p. This allows you to use an existing 1080p monitor via VGA or invest in a higher-resolution display to take full advantage of the HDMI output for detailed multi-camera views. - How does H.265+ compression affect my storage requirements?
H.265+ can reduce storage consumption by up to 75% compared to standard H.264. In practical terms, a system that might require 8TB under H.264 could operate on significantly less under H.265+, provided the connected cameras also support H.265+ encoding. This directly affects HDD sizing and how long footage is retained before overwrite. Security Wholesalers stocks compatible surveillance HDDs if you need to add storage at the time of purchase. - Does this NVR support remote viewing on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The DS-7608NI-M2/8P supports mobile remote viewing, allowing authorised users to access live and recorded footage from compatible mobile devices. The dual-stream recording function helps maintain full local recording quality while delivering a lower-bandwidth stream suitable for remote access over standard internet connections.
Additional Information
- NO HDD IS INCLUDED WITH THIS PRODUCT
- DS-7608NIM2 Datasheet
- User Manual – DS-7600NI-I and M Series
- Need more storage? Browse compatible surveillance hard drives
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 | $480.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| Hikvision DS-3E1105P-EI 4 Port Smart POE Switch | $64.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| 8TB HDD - WD Purple / Skyhawk Surveillance Hard Drive for DVRs & NVR | $660.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| Hikvision DS-3E0310HP-E 8 Port Fast Ethernet Unmanaged POE Switch | $160.00 | ||
| 10TB HDD - WD Purple / Seagate Surveillance Hard Drive for DVRs & NVR | $820.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| Hikvision DS-3E1318P-E 16 Port Web Managed PoE Switch, 16x100M, 2x1000M Combo Port, 802.3 af at, 230W | $377.00 |

































