XVR-3104HS-5MP-LITE 4-Channel 5MP Lite Digital Video Recorder

The XVR-3104HS-5MP-LITE is a 4-channel recorder ("DVR") that accepts HDCVI, AHD, TVI, CVBS and IP cameras on the same box. That "Penta-brid" label just means it isn't locked to one camera type — handy if you're mixing older coax cameras with a newer IP camera on one site.

What it actually does

It records up to 4 channels at a maximum of 5MP resolution, with synchronous playback across all 4 channels at once. Footage is compressed with H.265+, which keeps file sizes down so your hard drive lasts longer before it fills up.

Before you buy, check

• Storage: one SATA interface, supporting drives up to 10TB. There's no second bay, so that single drive is your whole retention budget — work out how many days of footage you need before choosing drive size.
• Network: one RJ-45 port (10/100/1000Mbps) for remote viewing and any IP cameras.
• Audio: only 1 RCA audio input, so plan which single camera or microphone feed you actually want audio from.
• Connections: 2 USB 2.0 ports, useful for exporting clips to a stick.

Where it fits

A 4-channel unit like this suits a small shop, home, or single-office setup — front door, till, stockroom, that kind of coverage. Its -10°C to +55°C operating range and 315 × 45 × 240 mm case mean it can sit in an unheated cupboard as easily as an indoor comms rack.