8 Channel PoE Security Camera Systems: Top 4 Things That Product Pages Won’t Show You

When looking for 8-channel PoE security camera systems, you may have wondered:

What does that “8-channel” mean on PoE security camera systems?

And, more essentially, why do some so-called 8 channel PoE IP security camera systems come with only 4 cameras?

You will find no answer on common product pages.

Before you proceed to checkout, read this post to learn more about 8 channel PoE security camera systems and also find the best one that fits your need and budget!

Facts of 8 Channel PoE Security Camera Systems That You Didn’t Know Before

Now let’s pick up from what we left at the beginning: the meaning of “8 channel” on PoE security camera systems. We will also share with you some interesting facts of the systems from insiders’ view.

#1. What Does “8-Channel” Mean on PoE Security Camera Systems

First and foremost, “8-channel” refers to the 8 PoE ports of the NVRs in 8 channel PoE security camera system kits.

Put it simply, a set of 8 channel PoE system allows you to connect no more than 8 security cameras to the NVR, so that you can monitor and record maximum of 8 cameras together.

#2. Why Do Some So-Called 8 Channel PoE IP Camera Systems Come with Only 4 Cameras

Generally speaking, manufacturers do so for two reasons: price and flexibility.

Without doubt, a PoE 8 channel security camera system with 4 cameras is cheaper than that with 8 cameras (both come from the same brand). Fewer cameras make the system more affordable to you who run a small business or have a limited budget.

In addition, 8 ch PoE CCTV security camera systems with 4 cameras allow you to expand the systems by adding new cameras that carry the latest technology to your systems.

Mind that applying security cameras from the same brand help prevent compatible issues with your running NVRs.

Top Pick of 8-Channel PoE Security Camera Systems

Wandering around product pages aimlessly won’t help you much.

To save your labor, we have picked out the best 8 channel PoE security camera system below that you don’t want to miss.

Bang for the Buck 8-Channel Full HD PoE NVR Security Camera System: Reolink RLK8-410B4

This 8 channel PoE security camera system, composed of four Reolink RLC-410 PoE security cameras and one Reolink RLN8-410 PoE security NVR, is capable of safeguarding your home and business with good all-inclusive features.

For your reference, we have listed the important features of Reolink RLK8-410B4 8 channel PoE security camera system as followed:

Here is a video sample shared by Neil B., a Reolink customer, demonstrating the super HD resolution of Reolink 8 channel PoE security camera system.

The image below shows what you will get from a Reolink RLN8-410B4 kit.

If you are interested or looking for more reference, read reviews from security camera insiders and find out their professional opinions on Reolink 8 channel PoE IP camera system.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well this system functions and what this system offers. Beyond this, there is a warranty, support, and the contents of the package include everything you need to get started and last a long time with this security system.”

- From Security Camera Reviewer

Update: If you are looking for a security system with higher resolution, take a look at Reolink RLK8-800B4, a 4K 8-channel surveillance system that delivers crystal clear images and videos.

Practical Installation Tips on 8 Channel PoE CCTV Security Camera Systems

Are you green at the installation of 8 Channel PoE CCTV security camera system? Follow the step-by-step installation guide and useful tips below to install the system on your own!

Tips 1. Start Installing 8 Channel PoE Security Camera Systems on Your Own

Installing an 8 channel PoE security camera system may be easier than you've expected. By adopting these easy steps, even beginners are able to install the system within 2 minutes!

Step1. Connect security cameras to the NVR with Ethernet cables.

Step2. Connect the NVR to your router via network cables.

Step3. Power on the NVR with power adapter.

Step4. Connect the NVR to your computer monitor via an HDMI cable.

Step5. Turn your monitor on and you can watch live view now!

Tip 2. Run 8 Channel PoE IP Camera Systems at a Maximum Length of 330 Feet

To reduce the potential risks of signal degradation and voltage changes, it is suggested that you run the cables between each security camera to the NVR at a distance no longer than 330 feet.

If you plan to run 8 Channel PoE outdoor security camera systems, we recommend you to protect the cables by adding a junction box or running the cables underground.

Some of you may wonder whether you can install an 8 channel PoE CCTV camera system in two adjacent buildings and share one NVR to monitor all the cameras. The answer is yes as long as you run the cables within the maximum length.

Tips 3. Install 8 Channel PoE NVRs In Safe Spots

The NVRs serve as the heart of 8 channel PoE security camera systems since they record and store the images and videos captured by each IP camera.

To avoid NVRs being stolen or damaged, you are suggested to install them at less noticeable places.

Keep in mind that NVRs of 8 channel PoE security camera systems normally do not withstand harsh working environment as qualified IP cameras do.

Modest temperature and humidity are of vital importance to the well performance of NVRs. A high and clean closet will be an ideal place to install your NVRs.

Hot Questions on 8-Channel PoE CCTV Camera Systems

When you run 8 channel PoE security camera systems for home or business, you may have encountered some problems that you cannot find solutions on any product pages.

To ease your concerns, we have collected several hot questions and offered quick fixes as followed.

Question 1. How Can I Monitor My 8 Channel PoE Security Camera System in Separated Rooms?

Top-rated security camera system manufacturers offer NVRs with both VGA and HDMI ports. That is to say, you are allowed to add two monitors to the systems at the same time.

Note that VGA can only carry video signals and is often used in computers. Meanwhile, HDMI can carry audio and video signals and is used in HD TV sets and media players.

You can also read this post to learn how to connect PoE 8 channel security camera systems to PC.

If you are looking for mobile monitoring options, download free apps or Client from security camera system manufacturers to watch live view on phones or PCs.

Question 2. How Many Hours of Videos Can an 8 Channel PoE Security Camera System Record?

The actual recording time varies with the bitrate and configuration of your 8-channel PoE NVR security camera systems. If you have set up full-time recording with a higher bitrate, the storage space will be eaten up at faster speed.

When your NVRs run out of the storage space, the 8 channel PoE NVR security camera systems will automatically do loop recording and cover previous images and videos.

Question 3. How to Extend 8 Channel PoE IP Camera System Recording Time?

There are 4 solutions for you to extend the recording time of 8 channel PoE IP camera systems.

As we have mentioned above, 24/7 recording and high bitrate are two killers of NVR storage space. Therefore, you can switch to motion recording with moderate bitrate rather than full-time recording.

In addition, you can add an external HDD to your PoE 8 channel security camera systems to expand storage capacity or upload images and videos to the trusted cloud.

Do you have any ideas or questions on 8 channel PoE security camera systems? Share your thoughts in the comment below!