Below are Mermaid diagrams that illustrate different Video Streaming Workflows.
flowchart LR
User((User)) --> Ombi[Ombi - optional requests]
Ombi --> Sonarr[Sonarr - TV PVR]
Ombi --> Radarr[Radarr - Movie PVR]
Sonarr --> Indexers[Usenet indexers]
Radarr --> Indexers
Sonarr --> Trackers[Torrent trackers]
Radarr --> Trackers
Indexers --> NZB[NZB file]
NZB --> Sabnzbd[NZB client]
Sabnzbd --> Provider[Usenet provider - SSL]
Trackers --> TorrentFile[.torrent or magnet]
TorrentFile --> Client[Torrent client]
Client --> Swarm[Peer swarm]
Provider --> Download[Downloaded media]
Swarm --> Download
Download --> Library[Plex/Emby/Jellyfin library]
Library --> User
flowchart LR
User((User)) --> Client[Stremio or similar client]
Client --> Addons[Addons - catalogs and sources]
Addons --> Sources[Content sources]
Sources --> Debrid[Debrid API]
Sources --> Direct[Direct stream]
Debrid --> Cached[Cached stream or download]
Cached --> Player[Client player]
Direct --> Player
Player --> User
User -. optional .-> VPN[VPN]
VPN -. optional .-> Sources
flowchart LR
User((User)) --> IPTVApp[IPTV client app]
IPTVApp --> Portal[M3U/Portal + EPG]
Portal --> Provider[IPTV provider]
Provider --> Stream[Live stream]
Stream --> Device[Playback device]
Device --> User
flowchart LR
User((User)) --> App[Netflix App]
App --> CDN[Netflix CDN]
CDN --> Stream[Adaptive streaming segments]
Stream --> Device[Playback device]
Device --> User
| Workflow | Sample Apps | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Hosted Library (Usenet/Torrent) | Plex, Emby, Jellyfin | Full library control; automation friendly | More services and setup; storage required |
| Addon-Based Streaming | Stremio, P-Stream, PlayTorrio | Simple app UX; broad catalogs; fast cached streams | Addon churn; third-party risk; uneven metadata |
| IPTV | IPTV Smarters, VLC | Live channels; simple client setup | Provider quality varies; unstable lineups |
| Subscription Streaming Services | Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc. | Stable quality; easy setup; consistent UX | Region-locked catalog; ongoing cost; DRM limits |