DS-7204HQHI-K1 replacement: 4-channel Hikvision DVR
Which 4-channel DVR replaces the Hikvision DS-7204HQHI-K1, 5MP or 1080p, and what happens to your coax runs.
The Hikvision DS-7204HQHI-K1 is a 4-channel Hikvision DVR, and the recorder in our range that replaces it is the Hikvision iDS-7204HQHI-M1/XT. It takes four coax cameras (HDTVI, AHD, CVI or CVBS) and records up to 5MP Lite. If your four cameras are 1080p, the DS-7204HGHI-M1 also does the job. In both cases the coax runs stay as they are.
Finding your model
The model number is printed on the label on the recorder. If yours reads DS-7204HQHI-K1, it is a 4-channel unit, so you need a replacement with at least four channels. We could not confirm the full specification of the old model from a source we can link to, so this guide does not quote it. Compare the label and the camera type with the replacements below.
Replacement recorders
Hikvision iDS-7204HQHI-M1/XT
This is the nearest swap: 4 channels, one SATA bay for a drive of up to 10TB, and five-signal input (HDTVI, AHD, CVI, CVBS and IP). It records up to 5MP Lite or 3K Lite at 12 frames per second and takes up to 6 network cameras. AcuSense human and vehicle classification cuts false alerts from shadows, rain and animals, and it supports two-way audio with compatible cameras. Choose it if you want better alerts or plan to upgrade the cameras later.
Hikvision DS-7204HGHI-M1
A 4-channel H.265 DVR that records up to 1080p lite at 30 frames per second, with one SATA bay for a drive of up to 4TB and up to 5 IP channels at 2MP. It is enough when all four of your cameras are 1080p or lower and you only want a like-for-like swap. Because it tops out at 1080p, a 3MP or 4MP camera would be recorded below its own resolution, so pick the iDS-7204HQHI-M1/XT for those.
Hikvision DS-7204HUHI-K1/P
A 4-channel recorder for power-over-coax cameras, which receive power and video over one cable. It records up to 5MP at 12 frames per second and takes up to 8 network cameras. Choose it only if your cameras are PoC types, because it changes how the cameras are powered.
4 cameras: 5MP or 1080p, and the coax runs
Match the recorder to your weakest camera, not your strongest. A recorder never lifts a camera above its own resolution, and it records each camera at the highest setting both support. Four 1080p cameras gain nothing from a 5MP recorder, while a mixed set of 1080p and 3MP or 4MP cameras is better served by the iDS-7204HQHI-M1/XT.
The coax runs do not change. The cable that carried HDTVI, AHD, CVI or CVBS video to the old recorder carries it to the new one, so there is no re-pulling of cable. Fit the BNC plug of each camera to the same numbered input. Keep the existing 12V power supplies and check that each still matches its camera. If a run was marginal before, a new recorder will not fix it, so check the BNC connectors on any camera with a poor picture.
What to check before you buy
- Camera type and resolution: the type is usually printed on the camera body. If it is IP or an unknown make, look up its model first.
- Channels: four cameras need four channels. For more cameras later, see the 8-channel DVR range.
- Hard drive: the DS-7204HGHI-M1 takes a drive of up to 4TB; the iDS-7204HQHI-M1/XT takes up to 10TB.
- Power: the recorder has its own supply, separate from the cameras'.
What changes when you swap
- Hard drive: move the old drive across or fit a new surveillance-rated one. A moved drive may need formatting by the new recorder, which clears the old footage, so export anything you need first.
- Hik-Connect: add the new recorder to the app and check all four cameras appear.
- Settings: set the recording schedule and motion detection again.
Browse more models in our 4-channel DVR range.
Replacement specifications are from the product data on this site.