What is Nova? Background
Nova (formerly Forthnet, now part of United Group) is Greece's largest pay-TV provider. Operating since 1999, Nova delivers satellite and fiber-based television to subscribers in Greece and Cyprus. It's best known for its sports channels — Nova Sports 1 through 6 — which carry exclusive broadcasting rights for the Greek Super League, Basket League, and other domestic sports.
Nova also operates Nova Cinema channels (movies and series), Novacinema+, and bundles third-party channels. In late 2024, United Group (which also owns Wind Hellas) merged its operations, creating the combined Wind-Nova brand for telecommunications and pay-TV in Greece.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Nova | IPTV Cyprus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | €35-55/mo (packages vary) | From €9.99/mo |
| Contract | 12-24 month minimum | No contract — monthly/quarterly/yearly |
| Greek channels | 60-80 (Greek + international) | 200+ Greek + 15,000+ total |
| Nova Sports channels | Yes (official source) | Yes (all 6 included) |
| Cosmote TV channels | No (competitor) | Yes (all included) |
| Works outside Greece | Limited — Nova Go in some EU countries | Yes — worldwide, any country |
| Equipment needed | Satellite dish + Nova decoder OR fiber | Any device with internet |
| Installation | Technician visit required | Self-install in 5 minutes |
| VOD / Movies | Nova Cinema + Nova On Demand | 50,000+ movies & series |
| Free trial | No | Yes — 24 hours free |
Where Nova Wins (Being Honest)
Official Broadcasting Rights
Nova holds official, licensed broadcasting rights for Greek Super League football, Basket League, and various European competitions. This means guaranteed, legally compliant access with no risk of channel interruptions due to rights disputes. For businesses like hotels and cafes in Greece, this is the only legally safe option.
Dedicated Hardware & Interface
Nova provides its own decoder with a polished, user-friendly interface. The remote, EPG (electronic program guide), and recording features are all integrated. For viewers who want a plug-and-play cable TV experience without any technical setup, Nova's dedicated hardware is simpler.
Where IPTV Wins
Price: 3-5x cheaper
Nova's full package costs €35-55/month with a 12-24 month contract. Our IPTV service starts at €9.99/month with no contract. Over a year, that's a saving of €300-540.
Works anywhere in the world
Nova is essentially limited to Greece (with limited Nova Go availability in some EU countries). IPTV works from Cyprus, the US, Australia, Germany, Canada — anywhere with internet.
Both Nova AND Cosmote channels
With Nova, you only get Nova channels. With IPTV, you get both Nova Sports AND Cosmote TV — the two competing platforms together, plus thousands more international channels.
No equipment or installation
Nova requires a satellite dish installation or fiber connection plus their decoder. IPTV works on devices you already own — Smart TV, Firestick, phone, laptop. Setup takes 5 minutes.
The Verdict: Who Should Choose What
Choose Nova if you...
- Live in Greece full-time
- Want officially licensed sports content
- Run a business (hotel, cafe) needing legal compliance
- Prefer zero technical setup
- Don't mind paying €35-55/month
Choose IPTV if you...
- Live outside Greece (Cyprus, diaspora)
- Want both Nova Sports AND Cosmote TV channels
- Don't want contracts or long-term commitments
- Need to watch on multiple devices (phone, TV, laptop)
- Want 15,000+ channels including international content
- Prefer paying €9.99/month instead of €50
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Nova Sports channels through IPTV?
Yes. Our IPTV service includes all six Nova Sports channels (Nova Sports 1-6) as well as Nova Cinema channels. You also get Cosmote TV channels — something Nova subscribers don't have access to.
Is IPTV legal in Cyprus?
IPTV technology itself is completely legal. It's the same streaming technology used by Netflix, YouTube, and official broadcasters. The legality depends on content licensing in your jurisdiction. We operate as a service provider delivering content to our subscribers.
What if I already have a Nova subscription?
Many of our customers switched from Nova to save money — especially those who moved abroad and could no longer use their Nova subscription. You can try our service free for 24 hours before canceling Nova to compare the experience.
Does IPTV buffer more than Nova?
Nova uses dedicated satellite/fiber infrastructure, so it rarely buffers. IPTV quality depends on your internet connection. With at least 25 Mbps, you should experience smooth HD/FHD streaming with minimal buffering. We recommend a wired ethernet connection for best results.
Try It Free Before You Decide
No contract, no credit card for the trial. Get access to all channels including Nova Sports, Cosmote TV, and 15,000+ more for 24 hours — free.