FEARnet HD channel launches with little promotion

Horror video-on-demand service FEARnet has launched a new high-definition channel, but it hasn’t picked up by a cable or satellite provider. The new channel launched on Halloween, but was a quiet launch that most FEARnet fans likely missed.

No TV provider currently has stepped up to say they want to offer the channel, which makes a public launch even more difficult. The ability to sign on a VOD service is cheaper than acquring an entire channel — and could help bring it to streaming services — but nothing has been rumored as of late. Perhaps the channel will make it’s way to Roku at some point.

“Unfortunately too few of our friends and fans were able to see the birth,” it was written on the FEARnet blog. “We hope to bring you good news on that front soon, but until then this website will have to serve as a window into what so many of us are missing.”

The standard definition FEARnet channel is currently available through Comcast — which co-owns the company alongside Sony, Lionsgate and others — making it likely Comcast will pick up FEARnet HD at some point. Other providers may not be as keen to sign on a horror movie channel that features both cult classics and low budget, B-level movies.

When I was a Comcast subscriber (recently switched to AT&T) I enjoyed watching FEARnet movies. The channel offers a nice variety of horror and slasher films from the 1970s to 2010, including its own FEARnet-branded content.

As even more streaming solutions enter the living room, it is an interesting time for cable and satellite providers, content makers, and subscribers. Millions of Cablevision Fox viewers missed out on the World Series, while Dish Network and Fox were able to reach an agreement.

It’s this current uncertainty and nervousness that will keep both providers and consumers on their toes in 2011.  FEARnet and other channel launches in the future need strong support from providers, but this could be a gauge to predict how other channels will fare during this struggling economy — and a changing TV industry landscape.