So, the PlayStation is to broadcast a show "devoted to gaming coverage" via the PlayStation. The broadcast is entitled Qore and will begin airing on June 5th. It's going to be hosted by Veronica Belmont - who currently hosts a show entitled Tekzilla.

From the 5th "Qore episodes will be available the first Thursday of every month in coordination with the weekly PS Store update. Customers can purchase the first episode of Qore through the PlayStation Store for an introductory price of $2.99 (£1.50 )(MSRP) , or through an annual subscription for $24.99 (£12.70) (MSRP).

"Annual subscribers will receive thirteen episodes of Qore. In addition, for a limited-time-only, annual subscribers will also receive the hit PS Network game, Calling All Cars, for free".

"Qore" is the first indication that PlayStation is moving beyond video game and film trailers into original video on the console, as rival Xbox Live Marketplace has already done. Sony, however, has yet to make good on its intent to turn the console into an outlet for programming from established content partners, an area where Xbox has moved much more aggressively.

Advertising Week magazine also points out that "Qore will also include sponsors, with Universal Pictures, Burger King, Activision and Codemasters already on board."

So, there we have then. A 'TV show' made by a company in order to talk about the company's own product. Let's be honest with ourselves - the chances of non-Sony (or third-party partners) getting a look-in on Qore are, well, roughly the same as George W Bush winning the Nobel prize for physics. SPOnG remembers when these kind of shows were called 'Adverts' or, at best, 'Soap Operas'.