Decent CCTV setup

I already have whole house wired for ethernet and have hdmi distribution. I want to add a NVR to the hdmi matrix and some ethernet cameras.

Was thinking of going with hikvision and their 4 camera NVR, then some POE cameras

Any advice for or against

Hikvision all the way, you cant go wrong. There's better, granted but they normally come at a heftier price and you cant tell the difference. I have done quite a few installs for family friends and used all sorts. I find the budget Hiwatch (hikvision budget range) great value. One tip, if you are using dome camera's try and get the dome encased one's, those pesky spiders will eventually get on your nerves. The dome keeps them at bay, vasoline with ant powder smeared around the case also helps.

I got 20 no name IPcams from Amazon, 1080p POE or not, they were around £30 each. Very good camera's and very good picture.

I have an older XVR box, basically a hybrid analog/digital box that can use 16 analog cameras (which I used to have) or 16 IP cameras which is what I've switched to. I bought an old Zyxel 24+2 port (24 10/100 and 2 gigabit ports) managed switch from a recycling place on ebay (but local to me) for £10 that has 12 POE ports. Run all the network cables into that from the camera's for power and signal. For the camera's that are connected to the main house network I use the POE injector adapters so I still only have 1 cable per camera.

my advice is that you buy the nvr of 8 or 16 cameras, even if you only connect 4 you will always have the option to add more cameras and you have not to replace the nvr