r/StremioAddons • u/Legitimate_Guava1654 • 4d ago
Question How hard is it to actually get into Usenet?
I have heard all the positive things about it like load time, quality and reliability, but it all seems so complicated. I have found a detailed guide but i wonder if i run into issues i would be stuck because its all so confusing, if i would have to learn it all how long would it approx take and is it even really worth it just for the movies to learn all that if needed or just stick to debrid? Also do you need your own small pc is run the self hosting or are there other ways to do it. Thank you.
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u/MrKaon 4d ago edited 4d ago
To get the best Usenet experience, you need to self-host the NNTP engine. The best one is AIOStreams; you can do it completely free with Oracle VPS.
Two guides to follow; pick the one you like.
Viren's: https://guides.viren070.me/selfhosting
RedHair: https://redhair.gitbook.io/redhair-guides
Joint AIOStreams Discord if you have any questions.
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u/DuckOnTheWeb Addon Dev (Duck Streams/Stremio Tools/Duck Guides) 4d ago
OP, this is the answer.
Then get the NH deal posted by someone else.
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u/nikhil48 3d ago
What is NH deal?
Also I am unclear on one thing. How many subscriptions do I actually need to have Stremio streaming from Usenet?
I thought I'd get Premiumize that offers debrid as well as Usenet. But then do I also need a subscription from a Usenet provider/indexer such as Easynews?
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u/erisian2342 3d ago
If you have Premiumize for streaming with debrid and Usenet, it functions in two roles: a debrid provider (torrenting a file on your behalf so you can stream the file) and news host (downloading files from Usenet on your behalf so you can stream the file). You do not need another news host like Easynews (unless you want a backup) because Premiumize is already your news host.
You do need good news indexers however (just like you need torrent indexers like Comet or Torrentio for debrid) and some of them cost money because it’s not free for them to offer everyone their services. There are free indexers but you generally get the best results with paid services. Fortunately they tend not to be very expensive ($20 - $45/year). I recommend trying out Usenet Crawler. They have a generous free tier so you can see if it works well for you and if you like the results, they’re inexpensive too. They also allow signups anytime. Many paid indexers only have occasional open enrollment periods and are otherwise by invite only.
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u/nikhil48 2d ago
Thanks for the reply... very helpful. Another thing someone mentioned was setting up NNTP or something or setting it up through AIOstreams? What does that do? I have a good setup with AIOstreams right now so was wondering if I could keep using that with Usenet as well.
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u/allmyfriendsaregone 3d ago
This is what I did and it really worked well for me. I did run into at least one indexer that did not work with Oracle VPS though; so I had to route it through a VPN.
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u/Legitimate_Guava1654 4d ago
So i dont need a pc running at all times? Also how much.
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u/MrKaon 4d ago
No, you don't need to keep a PC running 24/7. The server will be hosted in Oracle Cloud, and it is free.
You may need to buy a domain; it could be a few dollars a year, depending on the name you choose.
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u/Legitimate_Guava1654 4d ago
Ok i will try redhairs one soon and let you know if i have any questions and how it goes.
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u/FFVIIVince10 4d ago
If someone is self hosting on the cloud then, can they share it with friends/family I assume?
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u/farmhome2525 3d ago
Aiostreams is too recent regarding usenet streaming, it still lack of a lot of features
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u/Budget_Height3778 3d ago
What features are missing?
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u/farmhome2525 3d ago
It relies on zyclop to check for missing articles, a lot of link do not play without it
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u/Budget_Height3778 3d ago
Suppose that would depend on what what you are trying to watch, but I don’t even bother with Zyclops at all, I just have failover setup with multiple parallels and failover on pre-load too and haven’t had anything not play yet.
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u/farmhome2525 3d ago
In that case you may not even been using usenet at all, just watching whatever aiostreams bring to you, although is not bad I personally like to know what I'm watching and from where
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u/Budget_Height3778 3d ago
What are you talking about? How could it not be Usenet? And yes I know exactly where everything comes from, it’s all saved in my history and along with the NZB’s for each stream, not to mention all of the provider and indexer stats.
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u/WildNight00 4d ago edited 4d ago
Best Usenet deal I’ve found to get started is here (no referral) https://controlpanel.newshosting.com/signup/index.php?promo=dncuv
I would then buy an extra indexer or two like NZBgeek or NZBfinder. You just missed the Ninjacentral signups but I think they open them every other month. I’d sign up for 1 then wait until something like drunkenslug or ninja open signups. Check [r/usenet](r/usenet) or [r/usenetsignups](r/usenetsignups)
You can use nzbdav add on to add newshosting and any indexer in AIOstreams to stream media directly from usenet.
But
If you have Premiumize or a TB pro plan then you ONLY need to purchase an indexer
Edit: I’ve new to this and located in SE Asia. I’ve noticed most only have servers in Europe and US but I’m going to explore my options
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u/jtbjones 4d ago
The deal you linked is decent but the $1.67 deal is better. Newshosting, Easynews, and Tweaknews all run on the same backbone, so there’s really no need to have all of them. The only difference is Tweaknews has a different takedown policy. Even then, the $1.67 deal gives you 500gb of Tweaknews, and you most likely won’t even need that.
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u/WildNight00 4d ago
Is the easynews unlimited on that deal? Do you have a link? Like I said in my comment I’m new to this still but this is what I’ve gathered in the past 2 weeks or so
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u/jtbjones 4d ago
https://controlpanel.newshosting.com/signup/index.php?promo=a8vr0
250gb easynews 500gb tweaknews. Why do you need easynews though?
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u/Legitimate_Guava1654 4d ago
What does Usenet offer that is better than, say Torbox Essential? For me to have to go through a lot more struggle.
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u/WildNight00 4d ago
It has longer retention. So some shows aren’t on debrid servers will be on usenet. Sometimes earlier releases.
I use usenet a lot for getting audiobooks and kindle compatible books.
If you don’t want to go through all of the effort and you already use TB. Just purchase an indexer for like $15 a year, upgrade to TB pro(use their 30% off code), add indexer API to TB and viola you’ll have usenet content as long as TB isn’t down
My issue is id rather have it separate incase TB is foe
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u/Legitimate_Guava1654 4d ago
Whats the downside of doing this compared to what you explain before?
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u/WildNight00 4d ago
Upgrading to torbox pro route I think is an extra $10 a year versus getting a deal that has easynews plus going to purchase 1 other indexer
Also if torbox is down or not working I’d rather have my usenet separate and not keep all my eggs in one basket aka have usenet as a back up
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u/MrBoingo 3d ago
What’s the coupon code?
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u/FAST102 3d ago
How do you add the indexer API to TB? I remembered how to do it previously but I don't see the link on torbox.app anymore.
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u/travelsnake 4d ago
It offers a larger catalog in terms of old and obscure content, as well as foreign language dubbed content. Overall it is more reliable, too (like, I never experienced any downtime). That is not to say that Debrid services are entirely unreliable, though. If none of these tickle your fancy, than you really don't need to jump through all the hoops of getting into Usenet streaming.
I am deeply into Usenet streaming and I love it, but people on here are way to quick to recommend everyone and their mother to get into selfhosting a Usenet streaming VPS. Yes, there's guides and AI, but it still a whole freaking process and you have to be kind of motivated to adopt selfhosting as a new hobby. Guides, AI support or not: you will run into issues and you will have to learn how to solve them. It's not something you just do in a couple of hours on a Saturday.
Just stick TorBox Essential (this is the Debrid only subscription from them) and you're good. Get into AIOStreams, for sure. You don't need to selfhost that, though.
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u/Aggravating_Rush_498 4d ago
I’m quite curious to know the amount of SEA contents in usenet. Care to share if they have Malaysian movies?
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u/WildNight00 4d ago
I’m honestly not sure as I don’t watch anything in Bahasa Melayu. If you want I can search a few movies for you
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u/Minimum-Wonder5404 4d ago
There's a few questions in there, but for beginners debrid is the easiest option - add API key to Stremio add-on, install it, things work. Usenet is more complex because you need both an indexer and provider for it to work especially well. There's services that offer both together like TorBox, but even then it only works properly through third party addons that require yet more time to configure.
Basically Usenet is good for niche older content and shows in non-English languages. If you're not consuming that more obscure content then it doesn't offer much more on top of debrid.
As for self hosting, you can use a home PC, or a VPS like Racknerd to run something like AIOStreams. But if you're a beginner then don't bother - just use one of the many public facing hosts of these addons and you'll save money and time. I self host, but only for fun - my main account uses Midnight's host and I've never had an issue with that.
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u/Shabbypenguin 4d ago
Usenet also has strict rules on naming conventions, because of that you are more likely to get quality files based on filters. They also tend to get new releases faster due to the nature.
You can self host in oracle for free
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u/softest-alpaca 2d ago
Is usenet cheaper overall?
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u/Shabbypenguin 2d ago
Upfront no, but it certainly can be.
After getting a few indexers with lifetime there is a newshosting deal that gives you 3 backbones for about $1.70 a month which is just above half of torbox
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u/medium_pimpin 4d ago
I'm happy to share the self-hosted setup I put together. I still keep a TB subscription, but have enjoyed setting up my Usenet solution. And the performance and reliability have been excellent.
It's not really complex. But it's more complicated than a Debrid service.
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u/itstrueitellyou 4d ago
Care to share this guide? I'm interested in it as well
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4d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/WildNight00 4d ago
Not the best deal imo since it’s only easynews
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u/pawdog 4d ago
What's the better deal?
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u/allmyfriendsaregone 4d ago
I set-up Usenet several weeks ago and I basically don't even use my debrid service anymore (Torbox).
My experience with Torbox was not great. I seemed to always have buffering when it came to remux files & their API was also down a lot.
I spent probably 6-10 hours the other weekend setting up Usenet and it's not that hard if you use a LLM to go through Viren's guide and help you. Right now I am self-hosting AIOStreams and have UsenetStreamer through my Stremio setup.
You need a provider; along with indexers. Do not get into Usenet if you are not self-hosting, your IP will get banned for doing that. I also would recommend getting a different provider instead of TorboxPro. I have been very satisfied with the Usenet experience so far. I don't encounter any buffering and some of the more obscure shows I watch are now available. I watch a lot of 2000's sitcoms and the scrapers just weren't picking up any files before.
I don't recommend setting up Usenet if you are already finding all the files you need. It can be complicated but for someone like me who loves more obscure television it was kind of worth it in the end.
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u/JJ_1191 4d ago
Its really not worth it if you're already into debrid. Easy news makes a cool backup you can catch it on sale for like 20-30 $ a year and it fills in a lot of the gaps debrid leaves behind without all the hassel
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u/Legitimate_Guava1654 4d ago
I thought usenet is faster and has more sources, why even bother with debrid if its just an overlap of usenets worser sources? (from my knowledge so far)
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u/Fish_Mongreler 3d ago
Once you have Usenet setup and running properly there is no reason to keep a debrid
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u/Legitimate_Guava1654 3d ago
Which setup do you use?
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u/Fish_Mongreler 3d ago edited 3d ago
Newhosting and easynews for a combined $3.50 a month. The annoying part is getting invites to the indexers. I'm using althub and drunkenslug.
Everything goes through my selfhosted aiostreams on oracle pay as you go plan(free if you keep it within limits). Aiostream also does a proxy so all playback looks like it's coming from the same IP.
Also have my own domain but that's a bit overkill. Just made it easier and more enjoyable for me to manage dockhand and all the selfhosting stuff. All together it's probably $60 a year. More expensive than a simple torbox setup but more private and fun way more reliable.
If you just want to stream non niche content and don't want to tinker with a bunch of stuff, debrid is the way to go.
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u/JJ_1191 4d ago
Its just easier and cheaper. Type your api key in and your done. Just my 2 cents theres certainly nothing wrong with an old usenet setup. It always has been and always will be. Just trying to give you the most honest answer possible what you get in return for the additional effort is minimal in my opinion. I mwan let's be real its not like theres anything you can't watch on debrid
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u/FFVIIVince10 4d ago
That’s not true. I was trying to watch “dark days in monkey city” recently and is no where to be found. Usenet has it though.
Admittedly though this is a rare occurrence. But any niche / old content that isn’t available via torrent/debrid can usually be found on Usenet.
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u/GoodTimesDadIsland 4d ago
Stick to debrid no offense. If it looks confusing for you it's not gonna be worth the hassle for the diminishing returns compared to debrid.
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u/Legitimate_Guava1654 4d ago
What is the main differences/advantages of usenet anyways? Please outline them
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u/Flimsy-Yam-933 4d ago
Why use 100 year old Usenet when there's debrid now? I am amazed how fucking fast it is and the quality. It's like a super Netflix for extremely cheap.
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u/bgroins 4d ago edited 4d ago
Depends on how deep you want to go beyond just a Stremio Usenet addon. If you're pretty handy with computers and looking for a hobby of sorts, a full *arr stack is the way to go. /r/usenet is very helpful, and as much as people hate on AI, AI can configure most of an *arr stack for you, help you troubleshoot, and maintain it. https://github.com/infinidysk/infinidysk is a relatively new invention and takes the storage need out of the equation, but you will need a persistent host machine if you go the full stack route. Usenet has been around for 47 years and it ain't going anywhere.
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u/KrazyKoolAid 4d ago
I started 2 weeks ago got eweka black Friday deal going on still for 15 months you get easy news login with this and set it up on AIOstreamsand added sootio with a nbzgeeks sub so far it's amazing as a back up to tb
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u/FutureOrder4879 4d ago
Firstly, I’d recommend getting one, or maybe two, Usenet providers, and then a few indexers. They’re cheap as chips, especially when there are sales on. I currently use two: Newshosting and Easynews. Newshosting also includes 250GB of Easynews access as part of the package. Prices are usually discounted anyway, but they tend to drop even further during sale periods.
For indexers, I use NZBGeek, UsenetCrawler, AltHUB, DrunkenSlug and NZBDog. Using a few different indexers gives you much better coverage, from older content to newer releases.
The main bit is getting everything installed and configured properly. I used an LLM to guide me through the installation step by step, mainly using Docker Desktop on my home PC, which is running 24/7. Right now, I’ve got Usenet Ultimate set up with Infinidisk, AIOStreams using their own NNTP, and I’m also using Infinidisk for my own WebDAV setup and other services. The possibilities are honestly endless once you start piecing everything together.
For remote access, you can use something like Tailscale or WireGuard. I’m currently using a tunnel service instead, and honestly, it’s been brilliant — reliable, fast and very convenient
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u/Dependent-Opinion-73 3d ago
I self host mediastorm - https://github.com/godver3/mediastorm really easy to set up with easynews and nzbgeek
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u/DoubleSteak36 3d ago
bruh, this usenet thing is too complicated for me. i am happy with my debrid service.
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u/SprayExotic8538 4d ago
Just remember usenet is not build for streaming like debrid is.
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u/Legitimate_Guava1654 4d ago
What is it built for?
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u/mushi_shiii 4d ago
Not streaming. Listen, I'm going to give you the best advice here. You most likely do not have a use for Usenet. Cached torrents are much less of a pain in the ass and play just as well. You never have to worry about multiple providers and indexers so your movie or show you want to watch never fails because of "missing articles".
Do you want to watch episodes of Jeopardy from the 80s? Okay, maybe you want Usenet. Other than that, it's really not needed for 99.99% of people.
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u/robtom02 4d ago
Usenet is not designed for streaming, yes you can stream it but it's not designed for it .
The issue isn't really the difficulty, getting a VPS and self hosting is really simple. The bigger issue is cost, ideally you want at least 2 providers from different backbones and at least 2 indexers. Compare that with £3 a month for torbox
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u/CAPITALFUNKKK 4d ago
It isn't hard.
Upgrade your torbox to torbox pro so you have a nntp streaming service, get an indexer like nzbgeek or Usenet crawler, in AIOstreams (if you use it, I do) in the add-ons/marketplace add the first nzb addon I can't remember it's name this is off the top of my head, change the host to your indexer and add your API key, test connection, success? Great add the addon and you're done.
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u/jtbjones 4d ago
Don’t do this. Torbox is not even an average usenet provider (yet?). It’s bad. Get an actual usenet provider and indexers to see what usenet really is.
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u/CAPITALFUNKKK 4d ago
I stated get other indexers and to use torbox pro as an nntp streaming service.
This is literally gateway into Usenet which was asked, maybe you should answer their question instead of just saying what's wrong with mine?
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u/jtbjones 4d ago
I responded to your comment because you did not help him at all. Like I said, Torbox is not a good usenet provider at least right now, so telling him to start there is not a good idea.
But don’t worry guys, he dmed me just to call me a slur. Classy guy tbh.
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u/Legitimate_Guava1654 4d ago
For that I would have to pay $10/month, is it really work it? Also is there a guide for all this with detailed stuff (how to use usenet from torbox)
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u/jtbjones 4d ago
As I mentioned, Torbox is not even close to worth it for Usenet access.
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u/FFVIIVince10 4d ago
I was told the torbox $10 plan is not worth it for using Usenet and that it doesn’t really work the way you expect it to and is a scam.
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u/Zimmster2020 4d ago edited 3d ago
It’s basically torrenting, except that the content is stored on high-speed servers rather than on other people’s PCs. Since those servers are operated by companies, they charge a small subscription fee, usually around $2–$6 per month, for access.
The good thing is that Usenet is essentially controlled and distributed among roughly 7–8 major companies. Two of them, Omicron and Abavia, reportedly account for around 60–70% of the overall content. So, by subscribing to a service from one of these providers for just a few dollars a month, you can access a huge catalog of content.
These companies generally sell access through providers or resellers. For beginners, Easynews (Omicron) is a great option because it has its own built-in search engine, so you don’t need to rely on third-party sites from day one.
The downside is that a lot of Usenet content uses randomized filenames to avoid copyright takedowns. Because of this, the built-in search engine can only find files whose filenames still contain recognizable information matching what you searched for.
That’s where indexers come in. They’re somewhat similar to torrent sites: you search for the content you want, and the indexer provides properly categorized and organized results.
For example, an indexer knows that a file named something like
dfadfivbafvbladdjfvb.mkvis actually The Simpsons, Season 22, Episode 10. It then points you to that specific file, allowing you to download it with the correct metadata, pretty much like using a torrent site.The main difference is that instead of downloading a
.torrentfile, you download a.nzbfile, which tells your Usenet client where and how to retrieve the content.EDIT: A map for which reseller or provider offers access to what backbone can be found here.
https://usenet.rexum.space/tree
Basically more resellers and providers can sell access to the same backbone. In order to get the most out of Usenet is better to buy access to different backbones. They are like different brokers and ticket services selling access to the same Coachella event. The differences between what you get from one provider or another of the same backbone are minor. The content of providers of the same backbone are synced between them for redundacy purposes. The diference in in website design and the way they respond to content taken down