CCTV · Buying Guide

Dahua NVR Models and Features Explained

Decode Dahua model names and match the recorder features to your site.

Most people only find out what their cameras missed on the day they needed them.

Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that.

In this guide you will see:
  • The last digits before the letters are usually the channel count (…04, …08, …16).
  • -P or -8P means built-in PoE ports.
  • 4K / -4KS2 / -4KS3 indicates 4K support and H.265.
By Qyvea LimitedPublished 2026-10-03Updated 2026-10-032 min read
On this page01. Reading a Dahua model name02. Features worth paying for03. FAQ
Dahua NVR
Quick answer

Dahua model names tell you most of what you need: the series (entry, Lite, Pro, AI), the channel count, whether it has built-in PoE ports, the maximum resolution and the case size. Read them before comparing prices so you compare like with like.

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Key takeaways

  • The last digits before the letters are usually the channel count (…04, …08, …16).
  • -P or -8P means built-in PoE ports.
  • 4K / -4KS2 / -4KS3 indicates 4K support and H.265.
  • HS means a compact 1U case.
  • WizSense / AI models filter alerts to people and vehicles.

01Reading a Dahua model name

PartExampleMeaning
SeriesNVR1… / NVR2… / NVR4… / NVR5…Rising from entry level to more powerful Pro and AI models
ChannelsNVR41088 camera channels
CaseHSCompact 1U case
PoE-8P8 built-in PoE ports
Resolution / codec-4KS24K-capable, H.265
AIWizSense / -IHuman and vehicle detection

02Features worth paying for

  • Built-in PoE: one cable per camera, no separate switch
  • Two disk bays: more recording days and room to grow
  • AI search: find people or vehicles in recordings in seconds
  • Enough incoming bandwidth for your cameras' resolution

See current Dahua NVR and DVR prices and compare with Hikvision recorders.

03Frequently asked questions

Which Dahua NVR is best for a home?

A compact 4 or 8 channel model with built-in PoE suits most homes.

What does 4KS2 mean on a Dahua NVR?

It indicates a 4K-capable model in that generation, supporting H.265 compression.

Do I need a PoE NVR?

It simplifies installation: each camera gets power and data over one network cable from the recorder.

Why customers choose Qyvea

Genuine brandsManufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box.
One team, start to finishThe people who advise you also install and support it.
Fast answersWhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi.
Easy to buyPay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000.
Risk taken off you7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations.
Customers say soRated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews.

Your next step takes one minute: send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs.

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