Get more channels on DS-7604NI-K1(B) NVR? Now max 4ch.

[tne7laa]

I bought the Hikvision 4CH DS-7604NI-K1(B) NVR. I'm satisfied with it but maybe want extra IP camera's. The NVR supports 4CH. There are other NVR's like DS-7608NI-K1(B) and DS-7616NI-K1(B) with 8 and 16 Channels. At the site of Hikvision they look the same besides the #channels and bandwidth: link

My question is if someone knows if the difference is in the software (firmware?) or is it a hardware difference?
If it is software, the questions is: Can I manipulate (install other firmware) something to upgrade to e.g. 8CH?
Or buy more licenses or something?

Thanks.

 

[alastairstevenson]

or is it a hardware difference?

Yes, RAM and sometimes processor and its clock speed.

if the difference is in the software (firmware?)

Yes, in the secured and protected 'hardware signature block' written during manufacturing.

Or buy more licenses or something?

Nope.

 

[tne7laa]

Yes, RAM and sometimes processor and its clock speed.

Yes, in the secured and protected 'hardware signature block' written during manufacturing.

Nope.

Pitty. Maybe I should have taken this in account before I did buy this NVR...

 

[gpower07]

don't buy 4 ch.….you will ending up more than 4 cameras.