Russmuss

David As far as I am aware it doesn't really matter what brand of hard drive you use. But please be aware that it's not the same sort of hard drive that you would use in a standard desk top computer. Your local computer store will advise(if they are worth their salt), sell and even install it for you. Usually you have an optional space of up to 4TB. Maybe start with 1TB or 2TB, and you can always add more later. My guess you are in England, and perhaps over there, they have Hikvision NVR ready to go with hard drive installed. If you buy from China (which I do) then you need to add in the hard drive.

I also have looked into Hikvision cameras and NVR'S. I think you are on the right track for your cameras. However I not sure why you want a DVR when a NVR (newer technology) would be a better option eg more versatile and much clearer picture. You say you want 7 cameras then I would buy a Hikvision 8 channel and 8 port NVR. You will have one port spare for future use. Beware there are 8 channel 4 port Hikvsion NVR's. (Not sure why?) The model you want is DS-7608NI-E2/8P. You could go for another brand of NVR, but it's not advisable to mix brands between cameras and NVR'S. Of course you can view your cameras over smart phone, laptop etc, as long as the NVR is plugged into the internet. BTW. Many NVR'S sold new, come with no hard drive, so you may have to factor that into the cost.