Sound Advice: A smaller soundbar option and streaming TV choices

Don Lindich, Tribune News Service on Sep 24, 2025

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New ZVOX AV835 has smaller size, smaller price: The ZVOX AV855 soundbar was probably the most popular product I have written about this year. The AV855 integrates ZVOX's dialogue-clarifying AccuVoice feature and a built-in subwoofer into an aluminum-bodied soundbar with hi-fi sound quality, controlled with your television's remote control over an HDMI-ARC connection. It was just what a lot of people were looking for and critical acclaim led to the AV855 selling out very quickly. When it was finally available again, ZVOX generously honored the introductory pricing despite tariffs that were put in place since introduction.

Following on the success of the AV855, the ZVOX AV835 brings the goodness of the AV855 into a smaller, more affordable package. The AV835 also has a built-in subwoofer, a brushed-finish black aluminum body and HDMI-ARC, but is under 18 inches long. It sounds a lot like an AV855 but with less bass and lower maximum volume, and that is a good thing. It's a great option for bedrooms and smaller TVs, for those on a budget and anyone who wants to upgrade an older ZVOX model to a better-sounding soundbar with the convenience of HDMI volume control with the TV remote. Regularly $269.99, using the code Z70 on zvox.com saves $70, reducing the price to $199.99. Shipping is free and there is a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

Q. Does Nomorobo block spam texts as well as spam calls?

—L.S., Milwaukee

A. Nomorobo blocks spam texts, but you must enable spam text blocking in your phone settings as it is not on by default. The Nomorobo app will guide you through the process. I blocked spam texts with Nomorobo and it works great. Good riddance, spam texts!

Q. I read about your experience with YouTube TV and how pleased you are with it. My question regards sports content. I follow the Pittsburgh Pirates and watch them via the SportsNet Pittsburgh regional sports network through my Xfinity cable subscription. I don’t believe YouTube offers this network, but Fubo does. How does YouTube TV compare to Fubo? What sports selections do you get with YouTube TV and do you get all the local stations? My cable bill including internet service is $370 a month, but I have the top-tier Xfinity package. I watch a lot of baseball and football.

—J.J., Lock Haven, Pennsylvania

A. Fubo is more sports-focused than YouTube TV, but YouTube TV offers NFL Sunday Ticket for an extra charge. While YouTube TV does not offer the regional sports networks, you can directly subscribe to SportsNet Pittsburgh for $17.99/month so no matter what service you choose you can still access the channel. YouTube TV has a reputation for reliability and excellent technical quality, which guided my decision. I did some research on the audio/video forums and found people were not quite as enthused with the other services. Still, if Fubo has the content you want it is probably the way to go if you are committed to making a change.

You can check local channel availability by entering your ZIP code at tv.youtube.com. I would investigate Sling as well as it is a nice compromise between YouTube TV and Fubo if you are a sports fan. Sling packages start at $55/month. sling.com

Definitely proceed with caution before making a change. It is obvious how important sports programming is to you, and cable may well be the best way to receive it all. There is also a big adjustment going from a cable box to an app, and I find a set-top box to be more intuitive and easier to use.

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