i-PRO MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 vs i-PRO MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1: Specification Comparison
The i-PRO MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 and MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 are both 8-channel mobile NVRs from i-PRO's MR series, designed for in-vehicle surveillance in fleet, transit, and law enforcement applications. Both share the same Intel Core i3 processor, H.265/H.264 compression, PoE (802.3af) support, and a wide-voltage 9–36V DC power input. The primary distinctions lie in storage capacity, connectivity options, and retention duration—factors that directly drive deployment scope and operational workflow decisions for integrators specifying vehicle-mounted recording systems.
In This Guide
- How do storage capacity and footage retention differ between these two mobile NVRs?
- Which model offers broader connectivity for data offload and network integration?
- Are these units physically identical and equivalently rated for harsh mobile environments?
- Which should you choose: the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 or the MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do storage capacity and footage retention differ between these two mobile NVRs?
The MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 provides 4TB of ruggedized storage, described as shock-resistant and suited for extended multi-shift recording in transit operations. No specific retention hour range is stated in the provided specifications for this model.
The MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 provides 1TB of ruggedized microSD storage. Its specifications explicitly state a retention window of 48–96 hours under typical bitrates for multi-shift operations.
On a capacity basis, the 4TB unit offers four times the raw storage of the 1TB unit. For deployments where longer on-device retention is required before offload—such as long-haul transit routes or deployments without reliable wireless infrastructure for continuous offload—the 4TB model provides substantially more headroom. The 1TB model's 48–96 hour figure gives integrators a concrete planning anchor; no equivalent retention figure is provided in the 4TB model's specs.
Which model offers broader connectivity for data offload and network integration?
The MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 specifies integrated Wi-Fi plus Ethernet connectivity. This dual-path connectivity supports wireless offload when vehicles return to a depot or Wi-Fi coverage area, reducing the need for manual media removal.
The MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 specifications do not enumerate Wi-Fi or integrated wireless capability. Connectivity details beyond PoE (802.3af) are not stated in the provided specs for this model.
For fleets relying on automated wireless offload workflows—patrol vehicles returning to a station, buses docking at a depot—the 1TB model's confirmed Wi-Fi integration is a meaningful operational differentiator. Integrators evaluating the 4TB model should verify connectivity options directly with i-PRO, as this spec is absent from the data provided.
Are these units physically identical and equivalently rated for harsh mobile environments?
Both models share the same listed chassis dimensions: 10.24" (W) x 10.08" (D) x 3.55" (H), the same white housing color, and the same wide-voltage power input of 9–36V DC, making them compatible with the same vehicle power architectures found in patrol cars, buses, and commercial fleet vehicles.
The MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 specifications describe the storage as 'shock-resistant' and reference 'extreme mobile environments,' and the tagline and bullets reinforce ruggedization for road vibration. The MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 describes storage as 'ruggedized microSD' and similarly references road vibration tolerance in its processor description.
Both units carry a 3-year warranty and list PoE 802.3af support, local microSD storage, and VGA (640x480) resolution as shared specs. Neither model's provided specifications include an explicit IP or MIL-STD environmental rating, operating temperature range in degrees, or shock/vibration certification numbers—integrators requiring formal ratings should request full datasheets. A datasheet path is provided for the 1TB model (/content/product-datasheets/MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1.pdf); none is listed for the 4TB model.
Which should you choose: the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 or the MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1?
Our take: The MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 is the stronger choice when on-device retention is the priority and wireless offload infrastructure is not available or not relied upon—its 4TB ruggedized storage provides four times the capacity of the 1TB model, directly extending recording duration before any manual media retrieval is required. The MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 is the stronger choice for fleets with depot-based Wi-Fi offload infrastructure, where its confirmed integrated Wi-Fi plus Ethernet connectivity enables automated transfers and the 1TB capacity is operationally sufficient given the stated 48–96 hour retention at typical bitrates. Both units are physically identical in chassis size (10.24" x 10.08" x 3.55"), share the same Intel Core i3 processor, H.265/H.264 compression, 9–36V DC wide-voltage input, and 3-year warranty. Integrators should note that the 4TB model's connectivity spec is unconfirmed in the provided data, and neither model's formal environmental rating (IP/MIL-STD) is documented here.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | i-PRO MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 | i-PRO MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Mobile NVR | Mobile NVR |
| Recording Channels | 8 simultaneous | 8 simultaneous |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 | Intel Core i3 |
| Storage Capacity | 4TB ruggedized | 1TB ruggedized microSD |
| Local Storage Media | microSD | microSD |
| Retention (typical bitrates) | — | 48–96 hours |
| Video Compression | H.265 and H.264 | H.265 and H.264 |
| PoE Standard | 802.3af | 802.3af |
| Power Input | 9–36V DC | 9–36V DC |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | — | Integrated Wi-Fi |
| Wired Connectivity | — | Ethernet |
| Housing Color | White | White |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 10.24" x 10.08" x 3.55" | 10.24" x 10.08" x 3.55" |
| Resolution | VGA (640x480) | VGA (640x480) |
| Warranty | 3 Year(s) | 3 Year(s) |
| Datasheet Available | — | /content/product-datasheets/MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1.pdf |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 or the MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1?
The MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 is the stronger choice when on-device retention is the priority and wireless offload infrastructure is not available or not relied upon—its 4TB ruggedized storage provides four times the capacity of the 1TB model, directly extending recording duration before any manual media retrieval is required. The MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 is the stronger choice for fleets with depot-based Wi-Fi offload infrastructure, where its confirmed integrated Wi-Fi plus Ethernet connectivity enables automated transfers and the 1TB capacity is operationally sufficient given the stated 48–96 hour retention at typical bitrates. Both units are physically identical in chassis size (10.24" x 10.08" x 3.55"), share the same Intel Core i3 processor, H.265/H.264 compression, 9–36V DC wide-voltage input, and 3-year warranty. Integrators should note that the 4TB model's connectivity spec is unconfirmed in the provided data, and neither model's formal environmental rating (IP/MIL-STD) is documented here.
Is the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 or MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 better for deployments without reliable Wi-Fi at the depot?
Based on the provided specifications, the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 is the better fit for those scenarios. Its 4TB storage capacity allows significantly longer on-device retention before manual media retrieval is needed. The MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 explicitly lists integrated Wi-Fi, suggesting its workflow is optimized for wireless offload; Wi-Fi is not listed as a confirmed feature of the 4TB model in the specs provided.
Do both mobile NVRs support the same camera inputs and PoE standard?
Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 and MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 support 8 simultaneous recording channels and PoE 802.3af. Both also list VGA (640x480) as the resolution spec and H.265/H.264 as supported compression formats, indicating equivalent camera input compatibility from the data available.
Are the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 and MR-8C-I3-1TB-W-V1 the same physical size and do they fit the same vehicle mounting footprint?
Yes. Both models share identical listed chassis dimensions of 10.24" (W) x 10.08" (D) x 3.55" (H) and the same white housing color. They also share the same 9–36V DC wide-voltage power input, making them drop-in compatible with the same vehicle power and mounting hardware. No difference in physical form factor is indicated by the provided specifications.
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