What is the difference between a DVR and an NVR?

A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) accepts analogue or coax cameras; an NVR (Network Video Recorder) accepts IP cameras over a network cable. Hybrid recorders in this range accept both.

How many cameras can one recorder support?

This range runs from 4-channel recorders, such as the ANNKE D941BB, up to 32-channel models, such as the Hikvision 32-ch 8MP 1.5U H.265 AcuSense DVR. Match the channel count to your camera number.

CCTV Recorders UK: DVR and NVR, 4 to 32 Channels

What this range covers

Recorders are the box that stores footage from your cameras. This range spans 4-channel to 32-channel models, in DVR (analogue/coax input) and NVR (network/IP camera input) formats, including hybrid units that accept both. Channel count sets the maximum number of cameras you can connect — a 4-channel recorder such as the ANNKE D941BB or Hikvision 4-ch 8MP 1U H.265 PoC DVR suits a small home or shop; a 32-channel model like the Hikvision 32-ch 1.5U 24 PoE 8K NVR fits a larger commercial site.

Resolution support (5MP, 8MP, 4K) must match or exceed your camera resolution, or footage is downscaled. Some models, like the Dahua XVR5108H-4KL-X-8P, add PoC (Power over Coax) so power and video share one cable. PoE-enabled NVRs, such as the Hikvision 16-ch 1U 16 PoE 8K NVR, power IP cameras directly through the network cable, removing the need for separate power runs.

How to choose

Channel count: match to your current camera count, plus spare channels for expansion.
DVR vs NVR vs hybrid: DVR for coax cameras, NVR for IP cameras, hybrid for mixed setups.
PoE ports: built-in PoE (e.g. 8, 16, 24-port models) saves running separate power cables to each camera.
Resolution ceiling: check the recorder supports your cameras' megapixel rating, listed in the product name (5MP, 8MP, 4K).

CCTV Recorders UK: DVR and NVR, 4 to 32 Channels

4-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — ANNKE D941BB – 8MP 4K 4-Channel 5-in-1 DVR

4-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — 1 drive bay — Dahua WizSense XVR5104HS-I3 4 Channel 4K AI Penta-brid CCTV DVR

8-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — 1 drive bay — Dahua XVR5108H-4KL-X-8P 8 Channel 4K Penta-brid PoC Hybrid DVR

8-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — DVR-8CH-HYL8MP 8 Channel 8MP Hybrid DVR H.265 HIK-Connect

16-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 2 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 16-ch 1080p 1U H.265 DVR

16-channel IP recorder — records up to 12 MP — 2 drive bays — Hikvision 16-ch 1U 16 PoE 8K NVR

16-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 5 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 16-ch 5MP 1U H.265 AcuSense DVR

16-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — 2 drive bays — Hikvision 16-ch 8 MP 1U H.265 AcuSense DVR

32-channel IP recorder — records up to 32 MP — 4 drive bays — Hikvision 32-ch 1.5U 24 PoE 8K NVR

32-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 5 MP — 4 drive bays — Hikvision 32-ch 5mp 1.5U H.265 DVR

32-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 5 MP — 2 drive bays — Hikvision 32-ch 5MP1U H.265 AcuSense DVR

32-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — 4 drive bays — Hikvision 32-ch 8MP 1.5U H.265 AcuSense DVR

4-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 2 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 4-ch 1080p 1U H.265 DVR

4-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 5 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 4-ch 5mp 1U H.265 AcuSense DVR

4-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 4-ch 8 MP 1U H.265 AcuSense DVR

4-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — 1 drive bay — HIKVISION 4-ch 8 MP 1U H.265 PoC DVR

4-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — 1TB built-in storage — HIKVISION 4-ch 8MP 1U H.265 eSSD AcuSense DVR

4-channel IP recorder — records up to 12 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 4-ch PoE 1U K Series AcuSense 4K NVR

8-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 2 MP — 1 drive bay — HIKVISION 8-ch 1080p 1U H.265 DVR

8-channel IP recorder — records up to 32 MP — 2 drive bays — Hikvision 8-ch 1U 8 PoE 8K NVR

8-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 5 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 8-ch 5MP 1U H.265 AcuSense DVR

8-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 8-ch 8MP 1U H.265 AcuSense DVR

8-channel hybrid recorder — records up to 8 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 8-ch 8MP 1U H.265 AcuSense DVR

8-channel IP recorder — records up to 8 MP — 1 drive bay — Hikvision 8-ch PoE 1U K Series AcuSense 4K NVR

What this range covers

How to choose

Recorders — frequently asked questions

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