Hikvision 8 channel DVR: 4, 8 and 16 channel matches
Which current Hikvision DVR replaces your 4, 8 or 16 channel recorder, how to read the model number and what carries over.
To replace a Hikvision DVR, match the channel count first: a 4, 8 or 16 channel recorder needs a new recorder with at least that many channels. Nine of our Hikvision DVRs are compared below, and every one takes HDTVI, AHD, CVI, CVBS and IP inputs, so the coax cameras you already have should carry over. The 8-channel models are DS-7208HGHI-M1, iDS-7208HQHI-M1/XT and iDS-7208HUHI-M1/XT.
How to read the model number
The model is printed on a label on the recorder, usually underneath or on the back. In the Hikvision DVRs we stock, the two digits after "72" give the channels: 7204 is 4 channels, 7208 is 8 and 7216 is 16. The letters that follow tell you the family, and in this range they line up with the recording resolution: HGHI models record up to 1080p Lite, HQHI models up to 5MP Lite and HUHI models up to 8MP. A lower-case "i" at the start marks an AcuSense model, which adds human and vehicle detection. In these models M1 means one hard drive bay and M2 means two. If your old recorder has a different code, such as K1, count the camera cables going into the back and use that as the channel count.
Hikvision DVRs by channel count
| Channels | Model | Recording resolution | Hard drive bays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | DS-7204HGHI-M1 | 1080p Lite at 30 fps | One, up to 4TB |
| 4 | iDS-7204HQHI-M1/XT | 5MP Lite (3K) at 12 fps | One, up to 10TB |
| 4 | iDS-7204HUHI-M1/XT | 8MP at 8 fps, 5MP at 12 fps | One, up to 12TB |
| 8 | DS-7208HGHI-M1 | 1080p Lite at 15 fps | One, up to 4TB |
| 8 | iDS-7208HQHI-M1/XT | 5MP Lite (3K) at 12 fps | One, up to 10TB |
| 8 | iDS-7208HUHI-M1/XT | 8MP at 8 fps, 5MP at 12 fps | One, up to 12TB |
| 16 | DS-7216HGHI-M1 | 1080p Lite at 15 fps | One, up to 10TB |
| 16 | iDS-7216HQHI-M1/XT | 5MP Lite (3K) at 12 fps | One, up to 12TB |
| 16 | iDS-7216HUHI-M2/XT | 8MP at 8 fps, 5MP at 12 fps | Two |
Camera inputs on every model above: HDTVI, AHD, CVI, CVBS and IP. Resolution figures are the recorder's encoding ability from the product data; a camera records at the highest resolution both it and the recorder support. The product data gives two bays but no drive size for the iDS-7216HUHI-M2/XT.
Choosing between the three tiers
Pick by your cameras, not by the recorder alone. If your cameras are 1080p, the HGHI models record them at full quality. If you have 4MP or 5MP cameras, or plan to buy some, the HQHI models record up to 5MP Lite. For 8MP (4K) cameras the HUHI models are the ones that record at 8MP, at 8 frames per second. If you only know your cameras by their look, the resolution is usually printed on the camera body or its box.
What stays the same and what changes
- Cameras and cabling: BNC coax cameras of the supported types plug into the same numbered inputs. Reconnect each to the matching channel.
- Hard drive: fit a surveillance-rated SATA drive, or move the old one across. Each recorder has the bay count shown in the table, so check the largest drive it takes.
- Hik-Connect: add the new recorder to the app again and check each camera appears.
- Room to grow: if you plan more cameras later, choose the next channel size up now.
Looking for one exact model?
We have separate guides for the DS-7208HQHI-K1 (replacement guide), the DS-7208HUHI-K1 (replacement guide) and the DS-7204HUHI-K1 (replacement guide).
Live price and delivery are on each product page. Browse the full DVR collection or the 8-channel DVR range.
Source: Hikvision. Specifications of the recorders above are from the product data on this site.