This next-gen Pro Series NVR from Dahua supports up to 32 channels and includes 16 built-in PoE ports, making it ideal for high-density camera deployments. With support for AI metadata, fisheye dewarping, and powerful analytics search, this NVR is a top-tier choice for large sites requiring detailed incident analysis.
Key Features
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16 Built-in PoE Ports – Power IP cameras directly, with ports 1–8 supporting ePoE & EoC.
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Scalable AI Support – Up to 32 channels of SMD+, plus rich analytics (face, people, vehicles).
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Dual HDD Bays – Up to 20TB local storage for extended retention.
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Smart Search via Metadata – Search by clothing, vehicle color, license plate, behavior, and more.
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Fisheye Dewarping – 1CH of 360° view dewarping directly from the NVR.
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ONVIF Compatibility – Works with most major IP camera brands.
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High Throughput – 320 Mbps incoming/storage/forwarding.
Perfect For:
- Corporate campuses with AI-enabled cameras
- Warehouses or parking lots with license plate & vehicle tracking needs
- Commercial properties requiring behavior analysis (fall, loitering, etc.)
- Large retail or event spaces using heat mapping or people counting
- Upgrading existing systems with ONVIF cameras
Install Tips
- Mount the NVR in a ventilated area to prevent overheating — it's compact, so can fit in tight spaces like comms cabinets.
- Use PoE cameras to simplify cabling — one cable for power and video.
- For 4K playback, ensure your monitor supports 4K over HDMI.
- Pair with Dahua AI cameras to unlock heat maps, people counting, and IVS functions.
- Keep firmware updated via DMSS or browser login for optimal performance and security.
- When using AI features, use newer generation Dahua cameras to ensure full compatibility.
Downloads
Quick-Read Specs Card
| Feature |
Details |
| Models Available |
5216 (16CH) / 5232 (32CH) |
| PoE Ports |
16 (Ports 1–8 support ePoE & EoC) |
| AI Recording |
32CH SMD+; 16CH Metadata; 14CH Face Rec |
| ANPR Channels |
4 Channels |
| Max Bandwidth |
320 Mbps incoming, storage, and forwarding |
| Max Playback Res |
24MP Live View / Playback |
| Decoding |
16CH @ 1080p (30fps) |
| HDD Support |
2 SATA (Up to 10TB each) |
| Fisheye Dewarping |
1CH AI by NVR |
| Mobile App |
DMSS (iOS, Android) |
| Browser Support |
Chrome, Firefox, IE9+ |
| Third-Party Support |
Full ONVIF (T/S/G), Axis, Sony, Panasonic, etc. |
Extra Info
AI by Camera – Detailed Features
This NVR does not perform AI processing internally but is engineered to record and manage AI metadata from compatible Dahua AI-enabled cameras. This metadata enables advanced search, event tagging, and smart playback—making post-event investigation faster and more precise.
Supported AI features include:
Face Recognition (Up to 14 Channels)
Records and indexes facial data from up to 14 channels when connected to compatible cameras. Metadata captured includes:
Searches can be performed based on these attributes, enabling quick identification and verification in access control, security monitoring, or audit reviews.
Video Metadata (Up to 16 Channels)
Smart cameras can analyze and tag rich metadata for people, vehicles, and non-motorized objects. Metadata types include:
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Human detection – clothing type and color, presence of a hat, umbrella, etc.
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Vehicle metadata – type (car, van, truck), color, brand logo, license plate, and even plate region (e.g., by country or province).
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Non-motorized object recognition – such as bicycles with passengers or helmet detection.
This structured metadata makes it easy to conduct highly specific evidence-based searches across large video datasets.
SMD+ (Smart Motion Detection Plus – Up to 32 Channels)
Supports up to 32 channels of SMD+, which intelligently filters motion events to focus only on human or vehicle activity. This dramatically reduces false alarms caused by irrelevant motion like trees, animals, or light changes — resulting in more accurate notifications and fewer distractions.
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition – 4 Channels)
When connected to supported ANPR cameras, the NVR records and manages license plate data from up to 4 channels. Features include:
- License plate recognition and tagging
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Allow/block list management for automated gate access or alerts
- Search by full or partial plate numbers
Ideal for parking lots, gated communities, logistics centers, and corporate facilities.
People Counting
Advanced bi-directional people counting is supported through compatible cameras, providing:
- In/out traffic counts
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In-zone statistics for occupancy tracking
- Dwell time analytics
This is especially useful for retail spaces, offices, and event venues to optimize staffing, improve layouts, and ensure safety compliance.
Stereo Analysis (Up to 16 Channels)
With supported stereo analysis cameras, the NVR records intelligent behavior-based events, including:
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Fall detection – helpful in elderly care or high-risk zones
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Violence detection – identifies aggressive movement or fighting
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Loitering – triggers alerts if individuals linger in sensitive areas
These tools enhance proactive security and can be used for incident prevention as well as response.
Heat Map & Crowd Distribution
Compatible AI cameras can generate heat maps and density reports, giving visual insight into foot traffic patterns and crowd behavior. Applications include:
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Retail analytics – understanding shopper movement and dwell time
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Public safety – monitoring crowding in transit hubs, lobbies, or event spaces
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Layout optimization – for entrances, displays, or queue lines
Fisheye Dewarping (1 Channel)
Built-in support for 1-channel fisheye dewarping allows users to convert a 360° panoramic camera feed into various corrected views:
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Panoramic (wide-angle)
- Quad view
- Region-specific zooms
This feature simplifies surveillance in open-plan areas, entryways, lobbies, or retail floors, enabling more intuitive monitoring from a single camera.
Metadata Search Tools
The NVR includes a powerful metadata-driven search engine, allowing users to quickly locate and review footage using specific filters:
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Clothing attributes – such as upper/lower color or type
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Vehicle filters – by type (car, van, truck) or color
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License plate search – full or partial text input
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Non-motorized object indicators – helmet, umbrella, or passenger presence
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Human/vehicle classification – quickly distinguish scenes involving people or cars
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Behavioral triggers – such as loitering, intrusion, or falls
This structured search interface dramatically reduces the time needed to review footage and is ideal for incident investigation, forensic audits, and operational insights.
Q&A
Q: What's the main difference between this model and the 5208/5216?
A: This unit adds more PoE ports (16 vs. 8), higher channel support (up to 32 vs. 16), and slightly expanded AI capability across more channels.
Q: Can I use this NVR with non-Dahua cameras?
A: Yes – it supports ONVIF Profile T/S/G, RTSP, and other standard protocols.
Q: Does this NVR do its own AI processing?
A: No – all AI is done by the camera. This NVR stores AI data and provides advanced search capabilities for that data.
Q: Does it support fisheye cameras?
A: Yes – supports 1-channel dewarping of a fisheye view natively.
Q: What’s the total power budget for PoE?
A: Up to 130W total, with 25.5W max per port. PoE control is set at 80% for protection.
Q: Can I expand beyond 16 PoE ports?
A: Yes – connect more cameras via a PoE switch on the LAN port, up to the max channel limit (16 or 32).
Q: Does it support RAID?
A: No – but it supports Disk Grouping for better storage management.
Q: Is it mobile app compatible?
A: Yes – with DMSS app, you can view live video, receive AI event alerts, and playback recordings remotely.
