Seeking refuge from the incessantly depressing news of the attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, Americans have hit their neighborhood video rental outlets in unusual numbers recently.

First we had Dolby Digital with 5.1 channels (five speakers plus one subwoofer) for DVDs, then the THX and Dolby Digital <A HREF="http://www.guidetohometheater.com/shownews.cgi?277">Surround EX</A> 6.1 format, which added a center channel in the rear. Now comes word that <A HREF="http://www.thx.com">THX</A> is ready to start certifying 7.1 channels with their new Ultra2 format.

High-definition television will get a big push from at least two major networks this fall. Both <A HREF="http://www.abc.com">ABC</A> and <A HREF="http://www.cbs.com">CBS</A> have announced extensive programming in the format, which almost certainly will improve the awareness of the format among viewers.