101AV Security Camera System 4CH 1080P DVR/NVR - Hybrid 6-Cam Support

In this review the 101AV Security Camera System 4CH 1080P DVR/NVR is evaluated for homeowners and small offices that need flexible, local video recording without mandatory cloud subscriptions. The bottom line: it is best for users who want a hybrid system that accepts both analog and IP cameras and stores footage locally on a user-installed SATA HDD. Setup and remote viewing are practical for non-experts, and the system's support for H.265 compression and up to 1080P output make it a solid choice when image quality and efficient storage are the primary concerns.

Key Features

• 4CH Hybrid Recorder: The unit accepts multiple input types so you can mix up to 4 analog and 2 IP cameras or move toward an all-IP layout for flexible expansion.
• H.265/H.264 Compression: Modern compression reduces file sizes while preserving image quality so longer recording times fit on a single HDD of up to 8TB.
• Local Storage Only: Supports 1 x SATA HDD (sold separately) for reliable, user-controlled and confidential local recordings without forced cloud storage.
• Multiple Video Outputs: HDMI and VGA outputs provide up to 1080P display on local monitors with additional BNC output for legacy displays.
• Remote Monitoring: Cloud-enabled mobile apps and CMS for PC allow snapshot, motion alerts and remote playback without complicated port forwarding.
• Wide Camera Compatibility: Accepts TVI, CVI, AHD, SD and IP camera formats up to 5MP for analog and up to 4MP for IP cameras, protecting previous investments.

Who It's For

The system suits homeowners and small-business owners who want a hybrid DVR/NVR that can bridge older analog cameras and newer IP cameras while keeping video on a local drive. It is particularly useful when privacy, control over footage, and cost-effective storage are priorities.

It is less well suited for large sites requiring more than four simultaneous analog channels or users who need built-in PoE for IP cameras; those buyers should look at multi-channel recorders with integrated PoE switch functionality or larger scale NVRs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Hybrid analog/IP inputs let you upgrade gradually without replacing all cameras at once.
• H.265 compression and support for up to an 8TB SATA HDD give long local retention at modest cost.
• Multiple video outputs and remote CMS/apps make local and remote monitoring straightforward.
• Compatibility with TVI/CVI/AHD/SD and IP camera formats protects existing hardware investments.

Cons

• No hard drive included, so users must buy and install a SATA HDD separately.
• No PoE ports on the unit, so IP cameras require separate power or an external PoE switch.

Specifications

Channels	4CH hybrid DVR/NVR
Camera Support	Up to 4 analog + 2 IP (or up to 6 IP by address)
Max Resolution	Analog up to 5MP, IP up to 4MP, HDMI/VGA up to 1080P
Video Compression	H.265 / H.264
Storage	1 x SATA HDD, up to 8TB (HDD not included)
Video Outputs	HDMI, VGA, BNC

Our Verdict

The 101AV 4CH 1080P hybrid DVR/NVR is a practical, value-oriented choice for home and small office surveillance when local control and flexible camera options matter. Its H.265 support and mixed analog/IP compatibility make it cost-effective for upgrades, though buyers should plan for a separate HDD and external power for IP cameras if PoE is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this unit include a hard drive?
The recorder ships without an HDD; it supports one 1 x SATA drive up to 8TB that must be installed separately.

Can I use only IP cameras with this recorder?
Yes, you can configure the unit to use IP cameras by address up to the supported channel limits, including an IP-only setup up to 6 cameras by IP addressing.

Is PoE supported for IP cameras?
This model does not include PoE ports, so IP cameras require separate power or use of an external PoE switch.