Video Decoding Explained with Hikvision's Latest M Series of NVRs

Hikvision's New M-Series NVRs - 8K Display support & Even better 4K Display Support

Security cameras are always improving, resolutions are on the up while a multitude of smart features have been introduced. All of this requires more processing power, not only within the cameras themselves but also within the centralized recording units (Network Video Recorders). This is especially true when it comes to 'decoding' multiple IP camera streams to provide a high-resolution live display via the on-board HDMI connection(s) to ever larger display sizes.

Often misunderstood, the decoding ability does not affect the recording ability. If an NVR is to be used mainly over a network or on a monitor occasionally when needed (to view/playback from a camera or two), then a more basic NVR with lower decoding capabilities may be sufficient (Hikvision K Series).

However, if you are looking to have a permanent large 4k/8k screen on show (or a smaller one up close) to display the cameras in all of their glory, you will find on an entry-level NVR if you were hoping to see 4/8 nice clear images simultaneously from 5MP and over (4k) cameras, you might end up disappointed.

For example, a K series NVRs support only “2-ch @ 4K” – This would mean it could only show 2 of 4 camera 4k main streams while the other 2 would look far ‘fuzzier’, as the NVR would have to show their lower resolution sub-streams instead. An I series would look OK on a 4-channel display but would revert to all sub-streams on the 8+-channel display setting (less noticeable as smaller squares).

With all of this in mind, Hikvision’s newly released M-Series NVRs have been comprehensively upgraded to provide maximum live view performance for today and going forward, with 8 x 4k camera decoding ability and 8K monitor support.

• Decoding capacities: 2 channels @ 32 MP, 8 channels @ 8 MP, 16 channels @ 4 MP, or 32 channels @ 1080p
• Resolutions: Single 8K (7680 x 4320) or dual-4K output (DS-77 and DS-96)
• Supports two HDMI 2.1 interfaces (DS-77 and DS-96)
• Supports bandwidth up to 400 Mbps output
• Supports up to 14 TB capacity per HDD

Current models we stock from this series include: 

DS-7608NI-M2/8P - 8 Channel, 2 HDD Slots, 8 Port POE 

DS-7616NI-M2/16P - 16 Channel, 2 HDD Slots, 16 Port POE 

DS-7716NI-M4/16P - 16 Channel, 4 HDD Slots, 16 Port POE, Dual 4k Outputs 

DS-9632NI-M8 - 32 Channel, 8 HDD Slots, No POE Ports, Dual 4k Outputs 

DS-9664NI-M8 - 64 Channel, 8 HDD Slots, No POE Ports, Dual 4k Outputs 

We expect to see more models become available, keep your eyes peeled!