Network Video Recorder DAHUA NVR4208-8P-EI — 8-channel NVR with 8 PoE ports, 180/256 Mbps bandwidth, 16 TB max storage

Industrial-grade NVR with embedded Linux, web and local GUI interface, and integrated AI features including face detection, face recognition, perimeter protection, SMD Plus, ANPR, people counting, stereo analysis and heat map. The recorder supports up to 8 access channels, PoE for eight cameras, multiple resolution options up to 16 MP and flexible video output via HDMI and VGA. Storage is provided via two SATA ports supporting up to 16 TB (capacity may vary with temperature). The unit is designed for rack or desktop installation and operates in a wide temperature and humidity range.

Advantages

The recorder uses an industrial-grade processor and Embedded Linux for stable operation and supports both web and local GUI access. Integrated AI capabilities are available both on the recorder and on compatible AI cameras, enabling face detection and recognition, perimeter protection, SMD Plus filtering, ANPR and people counting. Dual video outputs (HDMI and VGA), multi-screen display options and wide third-party camera compatibility (ONVIF and major brands) simplify system integration. Built-in PoE ports and flexible decoding modes allow deployment with up to eight cameras and efficient bandwidth management when AI features are enabled or disabled.

Key specifications

• Main processor: Industrial-grade processor
• Operating system: Embedded Linux
• Interface: Web; Local GUI
• AI features (recorder): Face detection, face recognition, perimeter protection, SMD Plus
• AI features (camera): Face detection, face recognition, perimeter protection, SMD Plus, ANPR, people counting, stereo analysis, heat map
• Perimeter protection performance: Recorder: 2 channels (10 IVS rules per channel); Camera: 8 channels
• Face detection performance: Recorder: 1 channel (up to 12 face images/s per channel); Camera: 8 channels
• Face database: Up to 10 databases, 200,000 images total, 2.5 GB capacity; supports name, gender, birthday, address, credential type/number, country/region, state
• SMD Plus: Recorder: 4 channels (secondary filtering for human and motor vehicle); Camera: 8 channels
• Access channels: 8
• Network bandwidth: AI disabled: 256 Mbps incoming/recording/outgoing; AI enabled: 180 Mbps incoming/recording/outgoing
• Supported resolutions: 16 MP, 12 MP, 8 MP, 6 MP, 5 MP, 4 MP, 3 MP, 1080p, 960p, 720p, D1, CIF
• Decoding capability: AI disabled: up to 2-channel 16 MP@30fps; up to 8-channel 4 MP@30fps. AI enabled: up to 1-channel 16 MP@30fps; up to 8-channel 1080p@30fps (see detailed modes)
• Video output: 1 HDMI (3840×2160 max), 1 VGA (1920×1080 max); simultaneous/heterogeneous output configurable
• Multi-screen display: 1st screen: 1/4/8/9; 2nd screen: 1/4/8/9
• Compression: Smart H.265+, H.265, Smart H.264+, H.264, MJPEG
• Audio compression: G.711a, G.711u, PCM, G726
• Network protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, UPnP, SNMP, UDP, SMTP, NTP, DHCP, DNS, IP Filter, PPPoE, DDNS, FTP, Alarm Server, P2P, auto register
• Mobile access: iOS, Android
• Interoperability: ONVIF 22.06 (Profile T/S/G), CGI, SDK; third-party camera compatibility includes Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, Axis, Pelco, Arecont, Canon
• Recording playback: Up to 8-channel multi-channel playback; modes include general, motion, intelligent and alarm recording; instant, event, tag and smart playback
• Backup: USB device and network
• Ports: 1 audio in (RCA), 1 audio out (RCA), 4 alarm inputs, 2 alarm outputs, 2 SATA ports (up to 16 TB), 2 USB 2.0 (front and rear), 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 1 network RJ-45 (10/100/1000 Mbps), 8 PoE ports (10/100 Mbps, IEEE 802.3af/at)
• Power: 100–240 VAC, 47–63 Hz; NVR output <10 W (without HDD); PoE total 130 W, max per port 25.5 W
• Dimensions & weight: 375 × 329.3 × 53.0 mm; net weight 2.51 kg; gross weight 3.66 kg
• Operating conditions: Temperature –10 °C to +55 °C; storage –20 °C to +60 °C; humidity 10%–93% RH
• Installation: Rack or desktop
• Certifications: FCC Part15 Class A; CE-EMC and CE-LVD standards as listed

How to use

Install the recorder on a rack or desktop, connect cameras to the eight PoE ports or via network, and attach HDMI or VGA to a monitor for local display. Configure network settings (DHCP or static) and access the device through the web interface or local GUI. Create and manage face databases, enable required AI features (face recognition, perimeter protection, SMD Plus, ANPR, people counting) and set recording modes (general, motion, intelligent, alarm). Use scheduled recording and multi-channel playback to review footage; back up important recordings via USB or network.

Recommendations

For reliable AI performance, ensure connected cameras support the required AI functions and keep firmware up to date. When using AI features, monitor network bandwidth and adjust resolution or encoding settings if necessary; maintain HDDs within recommended temperature ranges and perform regular backups of critical evidence.