FearNet will offer Comcast digital customers horror shorts and trailers and about 70 hours of movies a month from the studios' combined libraries, which include Poltergeist, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Carrie, Ghoulies, Night of the Living Dead, The Howling and the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Sony and Lionsgate have more than 1,000 horror titles, about half of the total from major studios.

Comcast won't charge for the films. They'll be supported by ads appearing from time to time on part of the screen during the movie and during intermissions that may feature interviews with directors and stars.

Comcast also will offer FearNet to other cable operators, for a fee.