[REVIEW] Protek 9900 LX
Review: Protek 9900 LX (The Original MIPS Broadcom Workhorse)
The Protek 9900 LX is the foundational model that launched Protek into the Linux Enigma2 market. While it has since been succeeded by the 9910, 9911, and the 4K X-series, the 9900 LX remains a significant piece of hardware for the enigma2.net community. It was designed as a high-performance Full HD receiver that prioritized the stability of the Broadcom architecture over the experimental features of the time.
For many users, this was the “entry point” into open-source satellite TV, offering a premium MIPS experience at a competitive price point.
1. Core Hardware: The Dual-Core BCM7362 Engine
The 9900 LX was one of the first receivers in its class to utilize the Broadcom BCM7362 chipset, which became the industry standard for reliable 1080p performance.
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Processor (2000 DMIPS): The 751 MHz Dual-Core processor ensures that the Enigma2 operating system runs with a “Speed Boost” that was unheard of in older single-core receivers. It handles high-resolution skins and heavy EPG databases with ease.
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Memory Architecture: It features 512MB DDR3 RAM and 256MB Flash. While the flash is smaller than modern 4K boxes, it is perfectly sized for a streamlined OpenATV or OpenPLi image, leaving enough room for essential plugins.
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Video Quality: The 9900 LX is celebrated for its natural color reproduction. Broadcom’s hardware filters provide excellent de-interlacing for 1080i satellite content, making it a favorite for sports and live broadcasts.
2. Full Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification Details |
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM7362 Dual-Core MIPS |
| Performance | 2000 DMIPS (2x 751 MHz) |
| Operating System | Enigma2 Linux (OpenATV, OpenPLi, OpenHDF) |
| RAM | 512 MB DDR3 |
| Flash | 256 MB NAND |
| Resolution | Full HD 1080p (H.264 / MPEG-4) |
| Tuner | 1x Fixed DVB-S2 (Satellite) |
| Display | 4-Digit LED Display |
| Network | Ethernet (100Mbit LAN) |
| Connectivity | 1x Front USB 2.0, 1x Rear USB 2.0, 1x Rear eSATA |
| Card Reader | 1x Smart Card Reader (CA) + 1x Common Interface (CI) |
| Multimedia | HbbTV & IPTV Ready |
| Dimensions | 217 x 135 x 40 mm |
3. Storage & Expansion: The eSATA Advantage
One unique feature of the 9900 LX that was altered in later iterations is the inclusion of a dedicated eSATA port.
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High-Speed PVR: While modern boxes rely purely on USB 2.0 or 3.0, the 9900 LX allows for a direct high-speed connection to external hard drives via eSATA. This reduces the CPU overhead during recording and ensures that timeshifting 1080p content is completely lag-free.
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USB Layout: With one USB port on the front and one on the rear, it’s easy to plug in a temporary USB stick for flashing while keeping a WiFi dongle or permanent storage connected at the back.
4. Connectivity & Decryption
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Dual Access: The front panel hides both a Smart Card reader and a Common Interface (CI) slot. This dual-layer approach allows users to run a local card alongside a professional CAM module, making it highly versatile for European pay-TV enthusiasts.
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Network Capabilities: The 100Mbit LAN port is fully optimized for IPTV and HbbTV. Despite its age, it remains a capable streaming client, pulling in feeds from YouTube or local network tuners without stuttering.
Final Verdict: The Reliable 1080p Legend
The Protek 9900 LX is the “old school” professional. It lacks the H.265/HEVC support of newer models, meaning it isn’t suitable for the latest terrestrial standards or 4K feeds. However, for DVB-S2 Satellite HD viewing, it remains one of the most stable Broadcom boxes ever produced. For the enigma2.net user who wants a proven, low-heat workhorse for a guest room or a secondary setup, the 9900 LX is a testament to the longevity of quality Broadcom engineering.
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