• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, January 15, 2007

NBC Universal wants to instill some fear in the competition--at least Comcast--with a new network focusing on the horror genre, called Chiller. NBCU has already secured carriage on DirecTV.

The prospects for launching a linear channel have arguably never been tougher, but in a nod to the new, wider definition of a channel, Chiller won't be limited to the 24-hour network, but will include a VOD offering and a broadband outlet. It will also include a simulcast HD channel.

"We continually look at our options for launching new networks," says NBCU Cable executive Jeff Gaspin. "Horror is one of the most reliably successful genres in entertainment today, and Chiller seems like a well-timed addition to our portfolio."

NBCU's entrance into the horror-channel arena comes three months after Comcast launched Fear Net, a similar multi-platform venture.

Chiller's launch programming will include the TV series "Friday the 13th," "Twin Peaks," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "Tales from the Crypt." Hitchcock films and Stephen King mini-series are also on tap.