1. Product Overview
The Dahua WizSense Network Video Recorder (NVR) series, including models NVR4104-P-EI and NVR4108-8P-EI, offers advanced surveillance solutions with integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. These NVRs support 4K resolution, H.265+ compression, and intelligent AI features such as face detection, perimeter protection, and SMD Plus for enhanced security monitoring.
Figure 1: Dahua NVR4104-P-EI/NVR4108-8P-EI NVR with packaging and key features.
Product Video
Video 1: A 360-degree view of the Dahua NVR, showcasing its compact design and various ports.
2. Package Contents
Please check the package for the following items:
- Dahua NVR Unit (NVR4104-P-EI or NVR4108-8P-EI)
- Power Adapter and Power Cord
- USB Mouse
- SATA Cable for HDD connection
- HDD Power Cable
- Network Cable
- Mounting Screws for HDD
- Quick Start Guide / Documentation
Figure 2: Included accessories with the Dahua NVR.
3. Physical Description
The NVR unit features a compact 1U chassis design. Below are images illustrating the front and rear panels of both 4-channel and 8-channel models, highlighting their respective ports and indicators.
NVR Top/Front View
Figure 3: Top and front view of the NVR unit.
NVR4104-P-EI (4-Channel) Rear Panel
Figure 4: Rear panel of the NVR4104-P-EI (4-channel) model, featuring 4 PoE ports, LAN, VGA, HDMI, Audio In/Out, USB ports, and power input.
NVR4108-8P-EI (8-Channel) Rear Panel
Figure 5: Rear panel of the NVR4108-8P-EI (8-channel) model, featuring 8 PoE ports, LAN, VGA, HDMI, Audio In/Out, USB ports, and power input.
4. Setup Instructions
4.1. Hard Drive Installation (Optional)
If your NVR did not come with a pre-installed hard drive, follow these steps:
- Unscrew and remove the top cover of the NVR.
- Connect the SATA data cable and power cable from the NVR to the hard drive.
- Secure the hard drive to the NVR chassis using the provided screws.
- Replace the top cover and secure it with screws.
4.2. Initial Connections
- Connect Cameras: Connect your PoE IP cameras to the PoE ports on the NVR using Ethernet cables.
- Connect to Network: Connect the NVR's network port to your router or network switch using an Ethernet cable.
- Connect Monitor: Connect a monitor to the NVR's HDMI or VGA output port.
- Connect Mouse: Plug the USB mouse into one of the NVR's USB ports.
- Power On: Connect the power adapter to the NVR's power input and then plug it into a power outlet. The NVR will power on automatically.
4.3. Initial Configuration
Upon first boot, the NVR will guide you through an initial setup wizard. This typically includes:
- Setting up a strong password for the admin account.
- Configuring network settings (DHCP is usually sufficient for most home networks).
- Setting date and time.
- Initializing the hard drive (if newly installed).
- Scanning for and adding connected IP cameras.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Accessing the NVR
- Local GUI: Use the connected monitor and mouse to navigate the NVR's graphical user interface.
- Web Interface: Access the NVR via a web browser on a computer connected to the same network by entering the NVR's IP address.
- Mobile App: Download the official Dahua mobile application (available for iOS and Android) to access and manage your NVR remotely.
5.2. Video Recording
The NVR supports various recording modes:
- General Recording: Continuous recording.
- Motion Detection Recording: Records only when motion is detected.
- Intelligent Recording: Records based on AI events (e.g., face detection, perimeter intrusion).
- Alarm Recording: Records when an external alarm is triggered.
Configure recording schedules and settings through the NVR's interface.
5.3. AI Features (WizSense)
The NVR leverages Dahua's WizSense technology for intelligent monitoring:
- AI by NVR:
- 1-channel face detection and recognition.
- 2-channel perimeter protection.
- Up to 10 face databases with 20,000 face images.
- 4-channel SMD Plus (Smart Motion Detection Plus) for human and vehicle filtering.
- AI by Camera: (Requires compatible AI cameras)
- Face detection and recognition.
- Perimeter protection.
- SMD Plus.
- People counting.
- Stereo analysis.
- Heat map.
These features help reduce false alarms and provide more accurate event detection.
5.4. Playback
Review recorded footage using the playback function. The NVR supports instant playback, general playback, event playback, tag playback, and smart playback.
6. Maintenance
- Regular Cleaning: Keep the NVR unit clean and free from dust to ensure proper ventilation. Use a soft, dry cloth.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Dahua official website for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security. Follow the provided instructions carefully when updating firmware.
- Hard Drive Health: Monitor the health status of your hard drive(s) through the NVR's system settings. Replace failing drives promptly to prevent data loss.
- Password Management: Regularly change your NVR's password and ensure it is strong and unique.
7. Troubleshooting
- No Power: Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to the NVR and a working power outlet. Check the power indicator light on the NVR.
- No Video Output on Monitor: Verify the HDMI/VGA cable connection. Ensure the monitor is set to the correct input source. Try a different cable or monitor.
- Cameras Not Displaying: Check the network connection of the cameras and the NVR. Ensure cameras are powered via PoE. Verify that cameras have been added and configured correctly in the NVR's interface.
- Network Access Issues: Confirm the NVR's network settings (IP address, gateway, DNS). Ensure the NVR is connected to the network. Check firewall settings on your router if remote access is blocked.
- Recording Problems: Check hard drive status. Ensure the hard drive is initialized and has sufficient free space. Verify recording schedules and settings.
8. Specifications
NVR4104-P-EI (4-Channel) Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm | General Alarm | Motion detection; privacy masking; video loss; scene changing; PIR alarm; IPC external alarm |
| Anomaly Alarm | Camera disconnection; storage error; disk full; IP conflict; MAC conflict; login locked; and cybersecurity exception | |
| Intelligent Alarm | Face detection; face recognition; perimeter protection; SMD Plus; people counting; stereo analysis; heat map | |
| Alarm Linkage | Record; snapshot; IPC external alarm output; audio; buzzer; log; preset; email | |
| Port | Audio Input | 1-channel RCA |
| Audio Output | 1-channel RCA | |
| Disk Interface | 1 SATA port, up to 16 TB. The maximum HDD capacity varies with environment temperature. | |
| USB | 2 (2 rear USB 2.0 ports) | |
| HDMI | 1 | |
| VGA | 1 | |
| Network Port | 1 (10/100 Mbps Ethernet port, RJ-45) | |
| PoE Port | 4 ports, 10/100 Mbps, IEEE 802.3 af/at | |
| General | Power Supply | 53 VDC, 1.226 A |
| Power Consumption | Total output of NVR is <10 W (without HDD) Total output power of PoE is 36W, the maximum output power of a single port is 25.5W | |
| Net Weight | 0.50 kg (1.10 lb) | |
| Gross Weight | 1.38 kg (3.04 lb) | |
| Product Dimensions | 204.6 mm × 206.4 mm × 45.6 mm (8.06" × 8.12" × 1.80") (W × L × H) | |
| Packaging Dimensions | 364 mm × 96 mm × 261 mm (14.33" × 3.78" × 10.26") (W × L × H) | |
| Operating Temperature | -10 °C to +55 °C (14 °F to +131 °F) | |
| Storage Temperature | -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F) | |
| Operating Humidity | 10%–93% (RH), non-condensing | |
| Installation | Rack or desktop | |
| Certifications | FCC: 47 CFR FCC Part15, SubpartB, Class A CE-EMC: EN 55032:2015+A1:2020; EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A1:2021; EN 61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019+A2:2021; EN 55035:2017+A11:2020; EN 50130-4:2011+A1:2014 CE-LVD: EN 62368-1:2014 |
NVR4108-8P-EI (8-Channel) Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm | General Alarm | Motion detection; privacy masking; video loss; scene changing; PIR alarm; IPC external alarm |
| Anomaly Alarm | Camera disconnection; storage error; disk full; IP conflict; MAC conflict; login locked; and cybersecurity exception | |
| Intelligent Alarm | Face detection; face recognition; perimeter protection; SMD Plus; people counting; stereo analysis; heat map | |
| Alarm Linkage | Record; snapshot; IPC external alarm output; audio; buzzer; log; preset; email | |
| Port | Audio Input | 1-channel RCA |
| Audio Output | 1-channel RCA | |
| Disk Interface | 1 SATA port, up to 16 TB. The maximum HDD capacity varies with environment temperature. | |
| USB | 2 (2 rear USB 2.0 ports) | |
| HDMI | 1 | |
| VGA | 1 | |
| Network Port | 1 (10/100 Mbps Ethernet port, RJ-45) | |
| PoE Port | 8 ports, 10/100 Mbps, IEEE 802.3 af/at | |
| General | Power Supply | 53 VDC, 1.812 A |
| Power Consumption | Total output of NVR is <10 W (without HDD) Total output power of PoE is 72W, the maximum output power of a single port is 25.5W | |
| Net Weight | 0.70 kg (1.54 lb) | |
| Gross Weight | 1.74 kg (3.84 lb) | |
| Product Dimensions | 270 mm × 206.2 mm × 47.5 mm (10.63" × 8.12" × 1.87") (W × L × H) | |
| Packaging Dimensions | 427 mm × 96 mm × 262 mm (16.81" × 3.78" × 10.31") (W × L × H) | |
| Operating Temperature | -10 °C to +55 °C (14 °F to +131 °F) | |
| Storage Temperature | -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F) | |
| Operating Humidity | 10%–93% (RH), non-condensing | |
| Installation | Rack or desktop | |
| Certifications | FCC: 47 CFR FCC Part15, SubpartB, Class A CE-EMC: EN 55032:2015+A1:2020; EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A1:2021; EN 61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019+A2:2021; EN 55035:2017+A11:2020; EN 50130-4:2011+A1:2014 CE-LVD: EN 62368-1:2014 |
9. User Tips
- Network Stability: Ensure a stable network connection for both the NVR and connected cameras to prevent video loss or lag.
- Regular Backups: If critical footage is stored, consider implementing a regular backup strategy to external storage.
- AI Feature Optimization: Experiment with the sensitivity and detection zones for AI features like perimeter protection and SMD Plus to minimize false alarms and optimize detection accuracy.
- Mobile App Usage: Familiarize yourself with the Dahua mobile app for convenient remote monitoring and event notifications.
- Secure Access: Always use strong, unique passwords for your NVR and associated accounts. Consider enabling two-factor authentication if available.
10. Warranty and Support
Dahua products typically come with a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Dahua Technology website or contact your authorized Dahua dealer. Ensure you have your product model and serial number available when seeking support.
