1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the HiLook HIKVISION 204U-K1 4-Channel 5MP HD DVR. This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your digital video recorder. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product and retain it for future reference.
2. Important Safety Instructions
- Power Supply: Use only the power adapter specified for this device. Ensure the power voltage is stable and meets the requirements.
- Ventilation: Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Water and Moisture: Do not expose the device to rain or moisture. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
- Temperature: Operate the device within the specified temperature range. Avoid extreme hot or cold environments.
- Cleaning: Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Hard Drive: Handle the hard drive with care. Improper installation or removal can cause data loss or damage.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present and in good condition upon unpacking. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your retailer.
- HiLook HIKVISION 204U-K1 DVR Unit
- Power Adapter
- USB Mouse
- SATA Data Cable (for HDD connection)
- SATA Power Cable (for HDD connection)
- Quick Start Guide

Figure 3.1: The HiLook HIKVISION 204U-K1 DVR unit, shown with an optional hard drive and included accessories such as a mouse and cables.
4. Initial Setup
4.1. Connecting the DVR
Follow these steps to connect your DVR to cameras, a monitor, and the network.
- Install Hard Drive (Optional): If your DVR did not come with a pre-installed hard drive, open the DVR casing, connect the SATA data and power cables to the HDD, and secure the HDD inside the DVR.
- Connect Cameras: Connect your surveillance cameras to the BNC video input ports on the rear panel of the DVR. This model supports 4 channels.
- Connect Monitor: Connect a monitor to the HDMI or VGA output port on the rear panel.
- Connect Network: Connect an Ethernet cable from the DVR's LAN port to your router or network switch for remote access and network features.
- Connect USB Mouse: Plug the included USB mouse into one of the USB ports for navigation.
- Connect Power: Connect the power adapter to the DVR's power input and then plug it into a power outlet.

Figure 4.1: Rear panel of the DVR, illustrating the various input and output ports including video in, audio in/out, VGA, HDMI, USB, network interface, and power supply.
4.2. Powering On
After all connections are made, the DVR will power on automatically. The system will boot up, and you should see the HiLook logo on your connected monitor. Follow the on-screen prompts for initial setup, including setting up an administrator password and configuring network settings.
5. Operation Guide
5.1. User Interface Overview
The DVR's graphical user interface (GUI) can be navigated using the USB mouse. Right-click to access the main menu, and left-click to select options. The live view displays feeds from connected cameras.
5.2. Recording and Playback
- Manual Recording: From the live view, click the record icon to start or stop manual recording for a specific channel.
- Scheduled Recording: Access the main menu, navigate to Record > Schedule to set up continuous or motion-triggered recording schedules for each camera.
- Playback: From the main menu, select Playback. Choose the date, time, and camera channel to review recorded footage.
5.3. Motion Detection and Alerts
The DVR supports smart motion detection and can send alerts via email or push notifications to a mobile application.
- Configure Motion Detection: Go to Main Menu > Alarm > Motion Detection. Select the camera channel, enable motion detection, and define the detection area and sensitivity.
- Set Up Email Alerts: In Main Menu > Network > Email, configure your SMTP server settings and recipient email addresses. Enable email linkage for motion detection events.
- Mobile App Notifications: Download the official HiLook mobile application. Add your DVR to the app and enable push notifications for alarm events.

Figure 5.1: A smartphone screen showing a real-time email notification triggered by smart motion detection.

Figure 5.2: A smartphone displaying multiple smart motion-triggered alerts, indicating movement detected in specific areas monitored by surveillance cameras.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the exterior of the DVR with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure ventilation openings are free from dust.
- Firmware Updates: Check the official HiLook website for the latest firmware updates. Updating firmware can improve performance and add new features. Follow the provided instructions carefully.
- Hard Drive Management: Periodically check the health of your hard drive through the DVR's system settings. Ensure sufficient storage space is available for recordings.
- Password Security: Regularly change your administrator password to maintain system security.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your DVR, refer to the table below for common problems and solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No video output on monitor | Loose HDMI/VGA cable; Incorrect monitor input; DVR not powered on. | Check cable connections; Select correct input on monitor; Verify power supply. |
| No camera image | Camera not powered; Loose BNC cable; Faulty camera. | Ensure camera power; Check BNC connections; Test camera with another input if possible. |
| Cannot access DVR remotely | Network cable disconnected; Incorrect network settings; Firewall blocking access. | Verify Ethernet connection; Check IP address, gateway, DNS settings; Configure router/firewall. |
| No recording | Hard drive not installed/initialized; Recording schedule not set; HDD full. | Install/initialize HDD; Configure recording schedule; Check HDD status and capacity. |
| Motion detection not working | Motion detection disabled; Sensitivity too low; Detection area not set. | Enable motion detection; Adjust sensitivity; Define detection area. |
8. Technical Specifications
Below are the key technical specifications for the HiLook HIKVISION 204U-K1 DVR.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 204U-K1 |
| Video Input | 4-channel BNC interface (supports HDTVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS/IP) |
| Video Compression | H.265 Pro+/H.265 Pro/H.265/H.264 |
| Video Output | 1 HDMI, 1 VGA (simultaneous output) |
| HDMI Output Resolution | Up to 4K (3840 × 2160) for 204U-K1 |
| Audio Input/Output | 1-ch RCA (2-way audio) / 1-ch RCA |
| Hard Disk Drive (HDD) | 1 SATA interface, up to 10 TB capacity |
| Network Interface | 1 RJ45 10M/100M self-adaptive Ethernet interface |
| USB Interface | 2 × USB 2.0 |
| Power Supply | 12 VDC |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | Approx. 200 × 200 × 45 mm (7.9 × 7.9 × 1.8 inch) |
| Weight (without HDD) | Approx. 1 kg (2.2 lb) |

Figure 8.1: A detailed list of key features for the DVR-200U-K1 series, including video input/transmission, compression, video output, storage, smart functions, and network access.
9. Warranty and Customer Support
Your HiLook HIKVISION 204U-K1 DVR comes with a limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your package or visit the official HiLook website for detailed warranty terms and conditions. For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or service inquiries, please contact your authorized HiLook dealer or customer support.
Online Resources: For additional support, firmware downloads, and FAQs, please visit the official HiLook support website.





