Peacock network takes on its biggest TV broadcast everSusan Ashworth, July 23, 2008

Before a single Chinese pasi gong has sounded on the opening ceremonies on August 8, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games is already proving to be groundbreaking television.

The games have inspired riots around the world, set off political infighting, led to broadcast equipment delays, promised to pull in a record-breaking financial windfall for the International Olympic Committee, and cost broadcasters $2.5 billion in the three years leading up to this year's event. All before a single competition has gotten underway.

The physical broadcast of the world's most famous sporting event is expected to be groundbreaking as well. For the first time for viewers here in the United States, the Olympic Games will be produced and broadcast as an all-HD affair. That leaves a monumental task in the hands of the host broadcaster, Beijing Olympic Broadcasting, and to NBC, the U.S. broadcast rights holder of the Olympics through 2012.

To cover the 302 Olympic events"”including nine new disciplines, such as marathon swimming and the aforementioned BMX competition"”BOB will use more than 60 OB units and NBC will use all-HD mobile video control rooms, known as flypacks, as well as mobile units to cover athletics, gymnastics, aquatics, beach and indoor volleyball, boxing, basketball and more from NEP Visions in the UK, NEP Pittsburgh, Bexel Broadcast Services, Chinese-based Xaitong, and from Chinese firm CNC, which will supply two SNG trucks. Five venues will have just a commentator system on site for announcers.

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Susan Ashworth is a News Correspondent for TV Technology Magazine.