Dahua NVR Model Numbers Explained: Your Australian Buyer's Guide
• Tommy Tang

Why This Guide Matters

You're standing in front of your computer, comparing security systems. One NVR says "DHI-NVR4104HS-P-AI/ANZ" and costs $225.05. Another says "DHI-NVR4104HS-P-4KS2/L" for $222.3. What's the difference? Is the cheaper one good enough?

A surprising number of buyers purchase the wrong NVR because they misunderstand:

  • The series tier
  • The performance category
  • The AI capabilities
  • PoE ports and compatibility

This guide decodes Dahua NVR model numbers so you buy right the first time. Our analysis is backed by Dahua’s official documentation on DahuaWiki. With our technical interpretation, you get clear, reliable, and authoritative Dahua NVR name guide.

Our explanations are also based on this official knowledge base.

👉 Explore our full range of Dahua NVR solutions at SMarket.

Understanding Dahua NVR Model Numbers

Real Example Decoded：

DHI-NVR4108HS-8P-AI/ANZ

Prefix: There is no essential difference between DHI- and DH-

  • DHI- Dahua Technology Inc
  • DH- Dahua

Device Type

NVR - Indicates it is a Network Video Recorder supporting IP cameras

Performance Tiers: It tells you which performance tier you're getting

  • 4- Entry to Mid-Range Best for: Residential homes, small shops Price range: $200-600
  • 5- Professional Grade Best for: Large properties, commercial buildings Price range: $700-1,500
  • 6- Enterprise Level Best for: Multi-site operations, large projects Price range: $2,000+

Storage Capacity: the number of internal SATA Hard Drive bays the NVR supports

  • 1- 1HDD - Ideal for 4-8 cameras and only 3-10 days of recording
  • 2- 2HDD - Ideal for 8-16 camera systems and allows for extended storage
  • 4- 4HDD - Ideal for 16-32+ cameras, high-resolution recording and a legal need for 30+ days of storage
  • 8- 8HDD - Ideal for 32-64+ cameras requiring massive storage capacity and high reliability
  • 16- 16HDD - High-capacity, rack-mounted storage servers for city-wide or large campuses

Channel Codes: The channel number tells you how many cameras the NVR supports

  • 04- 4 cameras - 2-3 cameras currently installed
  • 08- 8 cameras - 5-6 cameras currently installed
  • 16- 16 cameras - 10-12 cameras currently installed
  • 32- 32 cameras - Commercial/multi-building use

Golden rule: Buy 1.5 times your current camera count. Planning 6 cameras? Get an 8-channel NVR. This gives you room to expand without replacing the entire system.

Form Factor

  • -HS: 1U Rackmount-Short Depth
  • -1U: Standard 1U Rackmount
  • -2U: Standard 2U Rackmount-larger, 4-8 bays
  • -3U: Standard 3U Rackmount-enterprise, 16+ bays
  • -D: Desktop-Non-rackmount
  • -H: Horizontal Desktop or Hot-swap
  • -M: Mobile-For Vehicles, Anti-vibration

PoE Specifications: PoE means one cable to each camera for both power and data

  • No P-No PoE included
  • -P-4 basic cameras
  • -8P-8 cameras
  • -16P-16 cameras

Power calculation: Most cameras use 8-12W. PTZ cameras need 20-30W. Add up your camera power draw and make sure it's under the NVR's power budget with 20% headroom.

Specification Identifiers

  • -I - Intelligence: Standard AI features
  • -AI - Artificial Intelligence: Same as -I, just a more explicit name for AI features
  • -EI / -XI - Enhanced/Advanced AI: Stronger AI for complex tasks
  • -4K - 4K Resolution: Supports 4K decoding and HDMI output.
  • -S2 - Series 2: Generation 2 of the hardware
  • -S3 - Series 3: Generation 3 of the hardware
  • -4KS2 - 4K + Series 2: A combined suffix meaning "4K support, Generation 2"
  • -L - Lite: A "Lite" or "Economy" version with basic features
  • -R - Redundant: Supports a redundant power supply
  • -ANZ - Region: Official stock for Australia or New Zealand market, ensures warranty and support

Scenario-Based Recommendations

Scenario 1: Standard Home (4-6 Cameras)

Your needs:

  • Front door, driveway, backyard coverage
  • Mobile app access
  • Colour night vision
  • Budget: $1,000–$1,500 AUD

Recommended: DHI-NVR4108HS-8P-AI/ANZ

Why choose this:

  • 8 channels (room to add 2 more cameras)
  • AI reduces false alarms by 90%
  • 8 PoE ports (no separate power needed)
  • Fits in small spaces (1U compact)

Complete kit example:

Storage: A 4TB HDD stores approximately 8–10 days of continuous recording with 6× 6MP Dahua cameras

Scenario 2: Premium Home Security (6–10 Cameras)

Your needs:

  • Full coverage for front door, driveway, sides of house, and backyard
  • 24/7 colour night vision for clear details at night
  • Human/vehicle AI alerts
  • Long-term future expansion
  • Budget: $1,800–$2,700 AUD

Recommended: DHI-NVR4216-16P-AI/ANZ

Why choose this:

  • Full coverage for large homes
  • Colour night vision + spotlight
  • 16 PoE ports
  • Professional AI platform (I-Series)
  • Supports future expansion
  • 4K ultra-clarity
  • Mobile app + remote alerts

Complete kit example:

Storage: A 4TB HDD stores approximately 5–7 days of footage with 10× 8MP full-colour Dahua cameras

Scenario 3: Small Business (4-8 Cameras)

Your needs:

  • Café, shop, or small office
  • Face detection for VIP customers
  • After-hours intrusion alerts
  • Budget: $900–$1,600 AUD

Recommended: DHI-NVR4108HS-8P-AI/ANZ

Commercial benefits:

  • AI face detection
  • People counting analytics
  • Quick footage search
  • Remote monitoring via app

Real example (Melbourne bakery):

  • Identifies 50+ regular customers automatically
  • Owner gets instant alerts if anyone enters after hours
  • Resolved customer disputes in minutes (not hours)

Complete kit example:

Storage: A 4TB HDD stores approximately 6–8 days of continuous recording with 8× 6MP Dahua cameras

Scenario Recommended Kit Why This Works
Standard Home (4–6 Cameras) Dahua 6 × 6 MP Kit + 8CH NVR + 4TB HDD
  • 8 channels, expandable
  • AI reduces false alarms
  • PoE, no extra power
  • 4 TB ≈ 8–10 days of footage
Premium Home Security (6–10 Cameras) Dahua 10 × 8 MP Kit + 16CH AI NVR + 4TB HDD
  • 16 PoE ports               
  • 4K full-colour night vision   
  • AI human/vehicle detection
  • Mobile app & remote alerts
Small Business (4–8 Cameras) Dahua 8 × 6 MP Kit + 8CH NVR WizSense + 4TB HDD
  • AI face & people detection
  • Quick AI search
  •  Remote monitoring- Proven in shops

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where can I buy genuine Hikvision and Dahua systems in Australia?

At SMarket Australia, offering 100% genuine products with local support. As an Australian retailer specializing in professional security systems, we offer authentic products, competitive pricing, and local support — helping homeowners and businesses choose the perfect system for their unique needs.

Q2: What's the difference between AI and 4KS2 models?

AI models have smart detection that distinguishes people and vehicles from trees, animals, and weather. This reduces false alarms by 90%.

4KS2 models use basic pixel-change detection—anything moving triggers an alarm. Expect 20-50 notifications daily from wind, shadows, and passing cars.

Q3: Why must I buy /ANZ models?

Three critical reasons:

  • Legal: Must be RCM certified for legal commercial use in Australia (vital for insurance claims).
  • Security: Non-ANZ models can't be updated, leaving them vulnerable to security risks.
  • Support: No warranty or technical support for non-ANZ models.

Real case: Sydney restaurant owner lost a $12,000 insurance claim because his system wasn't RCM certified.

Q4: How many channels should I buy?

Formula: Planned cameras × 1.5 = recommended channels

Examples:

  • Planning 4 cameras → Buy 8-channel NVR
  • Planning 6 cameras → Buy 8 or 16-channel NVR
  • Planning 12 cameras → Buy 16-channel NVR

Why? Upgrading the NVR later costs more in labour than buying the right size initially.

Q5: Can I use any hard drive?

No. You must use surveillance-grade HDDs:

✅ Recommended:

  • Western Digital Purple
  • Seagate SkyHawk

❌ Avoid:

  • Desktop drives (WD Blue, Seagate Barracuda)
  • These fail within 6-12 months under continuous recording

✅ Recommended: Western Digital Purple Seagate SkyHawk ❌ Avoid: Desktop drives (WD Blue, Seagate Barracuda) These fail within 6-12 months under continuous recording，生成两种硬盘对比图，并在上面分别打对号和×

Why? Surveillance HDDs are rated for 24/7 operation and have 3-year warranties.

Explore Our Full Dahua NVR 

 To compare models, check compatibility, or get expert advice, please visit SMarket! 


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