The short answer: Only for enthusiasts or specific retro use-cases.
The long answer: After performing the 2013-spec HDMI upgrade, PVR stabilization, and thermal mods, the iClass 9898 XS can serve as a dedicated backup PVR or a secondary bedroom streamer. It will never do 4K or H.265. However, its HDMI output, once upgraded via EDID emulation and custom firmware, is remarkably stable for 1080p content.
Final Verdict: If you already own the device, the $40 total investment (fan, EDID dongle, Ethernet adapter) is a fun weekend project. If you are buying new, skip it. But for those who remember 2013 fondly, turning this old “XS” into a reliable HDMI PVR machine is a satisfying electronic resurrection. iclass+9898+xs+pvr+hdmi+upgrade+2013
The 2013 thermal design was terrible. Under PVR load, the CPU throttles, causing HDMI audio drops.
| Issue | Severity | Workaround (2013) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Wi-Fi disconnects after sleep | High | Disable Wi-Fi sleep policy in Android dev options |
| PVR recording stops at 4 GB | Medium | Format HDD as NTFS (FAT32 limitation) |
| HDMI handshake failure on some LG TVs | Medium | Power cycle TV before box |
| Remote control PVR buttons unresponsive | Low | Remap via keylayout.kl file | The short answer: Only for enthusiasts or specific
Why did this matter in 2013?
The iClass+ 9898 XS became the budget king. While Dreambox users were spending $500, the iClass+ user spent $60 + shipping. You would flash the "HDMI Upgrade 2013" via a serial cable (RS-232, remember those?) or a FAT32 USB stick named "ICLASS_UP." The iClass+ 9898 XS became the budget king
If you landed here searching for “iclass+9898+xs+pvr+hdmi+upgrade+2013”, your core problems are: EDID handshake failure (fix with the dongle) and PVR recording instability (fix with powered HDD + TVHeadend). Apply these two fixes first before touching firmware.
Have your own iClass 9898 XS story? Did the HDMI upgrade work for you? Leave your 2013-era memories in the comments below.
By 2013, HDMI was no longer a luxury but a necessity. ISPs and satellite providers were shutting down SD (Standard Definition) broadcasts. The upgrade allowed the iClass 9898 XS to:
Search for “AV to HDMI upscaler 1080p” – should cost $10–20. No need for expensive brands for this use case.