Iclass+9898+xs+pvr+hdmi+upgrade+2013 May 2026

The iClass 9898 XS was a dual-boot (Android/Linux) media player popular in 2013, distinguished by its PVR (Personal Video Recorder) functionality via USB and HDMI output. The "Upgrade 2013" refers to a critical firmware transition from Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) to 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and the addition of XBMC (now Kodi) support. The device is obsolete for modern streaming but historically relevant for retro PVR use.

The default “PVR+” app is unstable. Upgrade to “TVHeadend” (for Linux firmwares) or “Final DVR” (for Android).

Search for “AV to HDMI upscaler 1080p” – should cost $10–20. No need for expensive brands for this use case.

The keyword "iclass+9898+xs+pvr+hdmi+upgrade+2013" refers specifically to a hardware revision (often a mainboard swap or firmware unlock) that added native HDMI v1.3 output to the unit. iclass+9898+xs+pvr+hdmi+upgrade+2013

In the rapidly evolving world of satellite and cable set-top boxes (STBs), few models have achieved the cult status of the iClass 9898 XS PVR. Released initially as a high-end decoding unit, this device became a household name for enthusiasts who demanded raw recording power and file flexibility. However, the device’s true potential was only unlocked with a specific evolution: The 2013 HDMI Upgrade.

If you are scouring forums or second-hand markets for the term "iclass+9898+xs+pvr+hdmi+upgrade+2013," you are likely a seasoned technician or a vintage media collector. This article dissects why this specific hardware revision matters, how to identify it, and the performance leap it provided over legacy composite/SCART outputs.

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."

By: Retro Tech Blogger Date: April 23, 2026

If you were deep into the FTA (Free-to-Air) or satellite hobbyist scene back in the early 2010s, you remember the chaos. It was the Wild West of digital decoding. Among the countless generic boxes flooding the market, one specific model code became legendary among forum dwellers: iClass+ 9898 XS PVR HDMI Upgrade 2013. The iClass 9898 XS was a dual-boot (Android/Linux)

You won’t find this box on Amazon. You won’t see it reviewed by Linus Tech Tips. But for a specific niche of power users a decade ago, this firmware upgrade was the Holy Grail.

Let’s crack open the time capsule and look at why the "9898 XS" was such a big deal.

Here’s how to give your iClass+ 9898 XS PVR a new life with HDMI output: The iClass+ 9898 XS became the budget king