Product Overview
For small IP camera installations needing a clean, cabled setup without a separate PoE switch, the NVR-104MH-C-4P provides a compact 4-channel recording solution with 4 built-in PoE ports. Featuring simultaneous HDMI and VGA display outputs, the HDMI port supports up to 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30Hz, making it straightforward to connect to a modern monitor or television. Equipped with H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264, and MPEG4 decoding, it handles footage from a range of HiLook IP cameras while keeping storage consumption in check through efficient compression. It also supports recording resolutions up to 8MP and 4-channel synchronous playback, with a single SATA bay accepting drives up to 6TB. This makes it well suited to homes, small offices, retail counters, and compact commercial setups where a straightforward wired camera system with up to 4 cameras is the primary requirement.
Key Capabilities
4 Built-In PoE Ports
All 4 camera channels have dedicated RJ-45 PoE interfaces supporting IEEE 802.3 af/at, eliminating the need for a separate PoE switch. Cameras connect directly to the NVR with a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable carrying both data and power, simplifying cabinet wiring on small installations.
4K HDMI Output with Simultaneous VGA
The HDMI output supports 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30Hz for sharp live view on a 4K monitor, while the VGA output runs simultaneously at up to 1080p. This allows a primary 4K display and a secondary monitor to be connected at the same time without a splitter.
Up to 8MP Recording Resolution
The NVR-104MH-C-4P accepts and records IP cameras at resolutions up to 8MP, covering the full HiLook camera range from 720p through to 4K. Decoding capability supports 1 channel at 8MP or up to 4 channels simultaneously at 1080p during live view and playback.
H.265+ Multi-Format Decoding
Support for H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264, and MPEG4 means the NVR works with both current and older HiLook IP cameras. H.265+ in particular compresses footage more efficiently than H.264, extending the recording duration you can achieve from a given drive size.
Single SATA Bay up to 6TB
One internal SATA slot supports surveillance-rated hard drives up to 6TB in capacity. For a 4-camera system recording continuously at 1080p with H.265+, a 4TB or 6TB drive provides weeks of rolling footage before overwrite, keeping the unit compact without sacrificing recording depth.
Best For
- Small Home or Apartment CCTV: The 4-channel limit and compact 265 x 225 x 48mm chassis suit single-dwelling installations where 2 to 4 cameras cover entry points, driveways, and common areas.
- Small Retail or Office: Shops, reception areas, and small offices with up to 4 camera positions benefit from the built-in PoE ports and 4K monitor output for front-desk live view.
- Installer Starter Systems: The plug-and-play PoE setup and straightforward HiLook compatibility make this a practical choice for installers building entry-level wired IP systems without complex network switch configuration.
- Upgrades from Analogue DVRs: Sites moving from a 4-channel analogue system to IP cameras can use this NVR as a direct replacement, retaining existing Cat5e cabling runs to camera positions.
Why Choose the NVR-104MH-C-4P
The NVR-104MH-C-4P stands out in the entry-level NVR category by combining 4 onboard PoE ports with a 4K HDMI output in a chassis weighing under 1kg. Competing recorders at this price point often require a separate PoE switch to power cameras, adding cost and cabinet space. The 8MP recording capability means the unit is not limited to 1080p cameras and can accept higher-resolution HiLook models without replacement. H.265+ compression extends the effective recording life of the single 6TB-capable HDD bay compared to older H.264-only recorders. The simultaneous HDMI and VGA outputs allow a dedicated monitoring display and a secondary screen without adapters. Available through Security Wholesalers, the NVR-104MH-C-4P ships as a no-HDD unit, letting the installer or buyer choose a drive size appropriate for their recording duration requirements.
Buyer Decision Tips
PoE Power Budget: The total PoE output across all 4 ports is capped at 50W. If you are connecting 4 cameras, check the power draw of each. Most standard HiLook fixed IP cameras draw 6 to 12W each, leaving comfortable headroom. However, cameras with built-in IR heaters or active deterrence speakers can draw 15 to 25W each, and connecting 4 high-draw cameras simultaneously may exceed the 50W budget, causing instability or camera drop-outs. Confirm the wattage of each camera before finalising the camera selection.
HDD Sizing for Recording Duration: This NVR ships without a hard drive and supports a single SATA drive up to 6TB. The recording duration depends on camera resolution, frame rate, compression format, and motion activity. A 4-camera system recording at 1080p, 15fps, with H.265+ typically achieves 3 to 5 weeks of continuous footage on a 4TB drive. If longer retention is required and a single drive is insufficient, this unit cannot accommodate a second HDD. A larger-channel NVR with multiple HDD bays would be the appropriate alternative in that scenario.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| IP Video Input | 4 channels, up to 8MP resolution |
| HDMI Output | 1-ch, 4K (3840 x 2160)/30Hz, 1920 x 1080p/60Hz, 1600 x 1200/60Hz, 1280 x 1024/60Hz, 1280 x 720/60Hz, 1024 x 768/60Hz |
| VGA Output | 1-ch, 1920 x 1080p/60Hz, 1600 x 1200/60Hz, 1280 x 1024/60Hz, 1280 x 720/60Hz, 1024 x 768/60Hz; simultaneous HDMI/VGA output supported |
| Decoding Format | H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264, MPEG4 |
| Decoding Capability | 1-ch at 8MP or 4-ch at 1080p |
| Recording Resolution | 8MP / 6MP / 5MP / 4MP / 3MP / 1080p / UXGA / 720p / VGA / 4CIF / DCIF / 2CIF / CIF / QCIF |
| Synchronous Playback | 4-ch |
| Incoming Bandwidth | 40 Mbps |
| Outgoing Bandwidth | 80 Mbps |
| PoE Ports | 4 x RJ-45 10/100 Mbps, IEEE 802.3 af/at, max 50W total |
| Network Interface | 1 x RJ-45 10/100 Mbps self-adaptive Ethernet |
| Remote Connections | Up to 16 |
| HDD Interface | 1 x SATA, up to 6TB per disk |
| USB Interface | 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Power Supply | 48 VDC, max 65W; under 10W without PoE and without HDD |
| Working Temperature | -10 to +55 degrees C |
| Working Humidity | 10 to 90% |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 265 x 225 x 48 mm |
| Weight (without HDD) | Under 1 kg |
Ideal Use Cases
Home Entry and Driveway Monitoring
A 4-camera PoE setup covering front door, back door, driveway, and side gate is the most common residential use for this NVR. The plug-and-play PoE ports mean each camera needs only a single Cat5e cable run back to where the NVR is located, with no separate power outlet needed at the camera.
Small Retail Shop
Counter-top or back-room installation in a small shop benefits from the 4K HDMI output connected to a staff monitor for constant live view, while the single HDD bay stores weeks of footage at 1080p using H.265+ compression. The compact chassis fits easily inside a lockable cabinet behind the counter.
Small Office or Reception
Offices with cameras covering the reception desk, car park entry, server room, and a back corridor fit within the 4-channel limit. The simultaneous HDMI and VGA output allows one display for IT use and a separate monitor dedicated to security live view without switching inputs.
Entry-Level Installer Deployment
For installers quoting compact residential or small commercial jobs, the NVR-104MH-C-4P provides a cost-effective 4-channel PoE base unit that is quick to commission. HiLook cameras are detected automatically via plug-and-play, reducing on-site configuration time compared to manually adding cameras by IP address.
Strata or Common Area Coverage
Strata properties covering a lobby, lift, car park entry, and bin area with 4 cameras can use this NVR in a comms cabinet. The 40 Mbps incoming bandwidth supports 4 cameras streaming simultaneously at 1080p or higher, and the unit supports up to 16 remote connections for property managers to view footage via mobile app.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: You need a straightforward 4-camera wired IP system with built-in PoE, H.265+ recording up to 8MP, and 4K HDMI output in a compact chassis, and the total camera power draw across all 4 ports stays within 50W.
- Choose a different model if: You need more than 4 camera channels, require more than 1 HDD bay for longer retention or redundancy, need AI-based event filtering such as human or vehicle detection, or have cameras with high individual power consumption that collectively exceed the 50W PoE budget.
FAQs
- Does the NVR-104MH-C-4P come with a hard drive included?
No. The NVR-104MH-C-4P is sold without a hard drive. It has 1 internal SATA bay that accepts surveillance-rated drives up to 6TB. You will need to purchase a compatible surveillance HDD separately before the unit can record footage. Standard desktop drives are not recommended for continuous surveillance recording. - What cameras are compatible with this NVR?
The NVR-104MH-C-4P is designed for use with HiLook IP cameras and is also compatible with Hikvision IP cameras via the ONVIF protocol. It supports cameras from 720p up to 8MP resolution. Plug-and-play automatic detection applies to HiLook cameras connected directly to the onboard PoE ports, removing the need to assign IP addresses manually during setup. - Can I connect 4 cameras and have them all display at the same time on the monitor?
Yes. The NVR supports 4-channel synchronous live view and 4-channel synchronous playback. All 4 cameras can be shown simultaneously in a split-screen layout on the connected HDMI or VGA monitor. Single-channel full-screen view is also available by selecting an individual camera. - What is the total PoE power available and how does it split across the 4 ports?
The total PoE budget is 50W shared across all 4 RJ-45 PoE ports. The ports support IEEE 802.3 af (up to 15.4W per port) and 802.3 at (up to 30W per port). Most standard HiLook fixed IP cameras draw between 6W and 12W, so 4 typical cameras will use 24 to 48W total. Cameras with built-in heating elements or active deterrence speakers may draw more and should be checked against the 50W total before ordering. - Can I access live view and playback remotely on a smartphone?
Yes. The NVR-104MH-C-4P supports remote access via the HiLook Vision mobile app, allowing live view and playback on iOS and Android devices over your internet connection. It supports up to 16 simultaneous remote connections and uses network protocols including DDNS and UPnP to simplify remote access configuration. - Where can I find setup guides and documentation for the NVR-104MH-C-4P?
Quick-start guides, a datasheet, and a 7-step setup walkthrough are linked in the Additional Information section below this description. These cover initial hardware setup, camera pairing via PoE, and network configuration for remote access. The NVR-104MH-C-4P is available through Security Wholesalers and support documentation is accessible from the product page.
Product Video Samples
Additional Information
- Want more AI features? Click here for the K series
- HiLook Quick-Start-Guide of Digital and Network Video Recorder
- Datasheet of NVR-100MH-C
- HiLook NVR 7 Step Setup
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 | ||
| 2TB HDD - WD Purple / Seagate Surveillance Hard Drive for DVRs & NVRs | $240.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| 3TB HDD - Surveillance HDD Hard Drive for DVRs & NVRs | $300.00 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 |

























