You have control with the Nuvola.
With cable, they are controlling you.. Telling you what to watch, when to watch and how to watch. IMO.
The video transfer form the Nuvola to your TV is HDMI.
Seems pretty clear based on some of your responses you are not familiar with how IPTV actually works.
NO, YOU DO NOT need cable. Using an HD converter box for OVER THE AIR (which is free to ALL) in conjunction with a set top box will give you MORE channels than Cable. Plus you can actually CHOOSE what you want to watch ON DEMAND for a fraction of the cost.(More selections and less expensive). NFL packages have always been avail with satellite. It's called NFL SUNDAY TICKET. Cable doesn't even offer it. Direct TV has had an ongoing contract with The NFL for 15+ years. So if you haven't been paying for the NFL package then your viewing for NFL sports will not change in any way if you use this device the way I have described. FYI: There is talk about an actual NFL Pay channel package on IPTV. This actually allows anyone to buy and not just those who are subscribed to DirectTV. This also applies for any sports and UFC already has the channel. There are more and a lot of talk about the switch. Eventually ALL sports will have a channel like the Sunday NFL ticket Direct TV has. SO if you want to watch ALL of the games. YOU CAN!
Remember, there are no monthly fees with a converter box for over the air channels. It is FREE. You just have to buy the box ONE TIME. ($50)
It may be a little confusing to understand especially if you have never owned a set top box. Providers like Netflix, AMAZON and HULU allow you to watch the latest episodes from many shows from, NBC, CBS, PBS, Discovery, Showtime, Starz, and other pay services. The best part, you can watch the entire SERIES anytime you want. Something cable/satellite doesn't offer. If there are 15 seasons you can watch ALL 15. The pros of this outweighs cable/satellite on so many levels it is almost too good to be true. BUT it is true.
Once you make the switch you will kick yourself in the buttocks for forking over so much money to Cable companies for the past several years. Don't knock it until you have actually tried it. With a little research and ingenuity you will be able to watch ANYTHING you want including your personal digital library on just ONE device (Nuvola for example). Furthermore, hundreds of new channels are being added to IPTV devices on a monthly basis.
The best thing about the Nuvola is it supports any resolution. So even if 4k is scarce right now you may still watch HD movies and shows. (which is actually looks better on 4k TV's). Many producers in the entertainment industry have already made the transition. It won't happen overnight. Just like HD didn't happen overnight but it will happen. Everyone wants better. That is the way it always has been and always will be. For example, look at iPhones, as soon as you get one, they already have a new one out and people line up at the doors to buy the new one for outrageous prices. Same concept.
Once you GET a set top box you will understand. I have been using one for 4 years and have NEVER had a problem. Saved thousands and watched MORE than I could ever imagine than what was on cable. Furthermore, there are channels on set top boxes that are NOT on cable or satellite.
You have control with the Nuvola. With cable, they are controlling you.. Telling you what to watch, when to watch and how to watch. IMO.
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