Bricked DS-7604NXI-K1/4P, am I out of options?

Yes, ttyAuth isn't a feature on that firmware.
But it's not needed, as the serial console is it's usual chatty self, unlike the current K51 I-series firmware where it's almost silent.

Despite the good detail in your transcript, it's still not clear to me what's causing the reboot, when the NVR has pretty well completed the bootup process.

I'm curious what this little comment means though :
UNZOK!PCK[120]

edit It seems this is just a startup comment from the bootloader.

Well I guess I'll have to send it back and try my luck there. Thanks anyway for thinking along and elaborating on these systems why not to update them. Lesson learned. Maybe this post will prevent others in making the same mistake I did.

I agree that the core functionality is leading, in this case image quality on IP camera systems. Otherwise what is the point of them anyway? Now I know and I too accept this tradeoff.

Hopefully the reseller can fix my NVR, otherwise I'll just have to buy a new one. Configure it, and leave it as it is .
 
Hopefully the reseller can fix my NVR, otherwise I'll just have to buy a new one. Configure it, and leave it as it is .
If it is an authorized dealer, the stuff won't be sold at bargain basement prices. Request that the fw is updated before delivery if it matters to you. Otherwise , make your purchase elsewhere.
 
Well I guess I'll have to send it back and try my luck there. Thanks anyway for thinking along and elaborating on these systems why not to update them. Lesson learned. Maybe this post will prevent others in making the same mistake I did.

I agree that the core functionality is leading, in this case image quality on IP camera systems. Otherwise what is the point of them anyway? Now I know and I too accept this tradeoff.

Hopefully the reseller can fix my NVR, otherwise I'll just have to buy a new one. Configure it, and leave it as it is .
I wish you luck. I just installed my system over the last few days. I was/am a little disappointed in the image quality during the day with the 5442 so when I saw the option to change the resolution the 30fps and the highest res, I chose it. Well don't you know I lost my video and had a near panic attack, meanwhile my wife is reminding me how much I spent on all this equipment adding to the stress. I tried resetting the cameras, no luck. Eventually, through some helpful videos I found the reset button on the main board and all is well now. I know it is not your level of ability that is giving you problems, you are a specialist. As a relative now nothing about programming I can get myself into a lot of trouble in very short order, expecting that the software will allow me to easily "undo" what I did. I learned years ago to never update any software as long as it is working, too many problems with functionality after a couple bad experiences. Hopefully your vendor will take care of you.
 
I was/am a little disappointed in the image quality during the day with the 5442 so when I saw the option to change the resolution the 30fps and the highest res, I chose it.
The image quality seems to relate to the bandwidth you give it. So give it plenty of bandwidth but don't give it excessive frames to waste the bandwidth on. Why 30? What do you need 30 fps for? Fewer frames with better detail seem to be preferable to me.
 
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So I have not figured out how to change the bandwidth. I'm only running 2 cameras now, each on it's own dedicated cable direct from cam to NVR. When watching the video stream every 3 seconds it "shifts" even though tree branches are swaying with regular motion the whole screen image does this strange reset type of movement that I have not seen in videos before. Yes Perimeter, I would think 15 or 20 fps is adequate I'm just not seeing the sharpness I would like to see.
The video at night is great, which is one of the reasons I bought these cameras, no complaints there. Daytime video is not sharp at all and I have adjusted the "sharpness" upwards. Maybe I am expecting too much of them, it looks ok but kind of meh. I probably need a higher res for my daytime expectations. Build quality of the cameras seems commercial grade and the mounting hardware is first rate, junction boxes very nice as well as the camera uniball mount.
 
I don't have my NVR set up at the moment, but enter config for the camera, it is like settings - video. Pick h264 and set bandwidth to the allowed maximum. Frames and iframes to 15. And drop sharpness back to under 50.

If sharpness still is an issue after giving the camera h264, cbr and max bandwidth (or at least 10.000): Do you have a varifocal? Then you need to focus it (in zoom settings). If you have fixed focus and bandwidth does not remove the blurr, have you checked distances? Fixfocus cameras have a nearpoint. Everything closer will get increasingly blurry. This depends on your model, check spec sheet.
 
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Thank you so much for those tips Perimeter, I will apply them today. I had to go and do some grocery shopping.
I have the B5442E-Z4E, it is varifocal 8-32mm 4MP. Yes I understand about zoomed in objects not having the resolution and becoming blurred just like in astronomy or long distance photography. I have the cams set to 8mm right now. Also, they are 4MP not 4K, so like I said I bought them for the outstanding night vision and they excel there, long range and very detailed at night. I don't even need IR floodlights out at 100 feet.
 
Perimeter I just applied the changes and it really made an improvement. Thanks again for your help. I need to spend more time with the wiki here and get into the 300 plus page manual to get a better handle on the system.
Just not familiar with the controls on the NVR, but your directions made it very simple and easy. I am in your debt!
 
I highly recommend one after you gave me those settings. With the stock IR illumination after dark I can spot a raccoon at over 40 yards. I still need to do some facial testing, but my wife says I was easily recognizable at over 50' in total darkness with the stock IR.
 
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Thanks for the passive-aggressive statement.

Don't take it the wrong way. One of the first bits of wisdom they teach you when you spend time here is not to do firmware updates without a compelling reason. He's not making fun of you, he's saying welcome to the club.

In addition to the technology and documentation being quirky or obscure by American and European standards, the relationship between the equipment manufacturers and the consumers is not always benevolent, and the sinister side sometimes appears in firmware updates. It isn't just a reflection of your skill.