4. Biggest TV audience ever

A record 4 billion people are set to watch the Beijing Games.

Beijing Olympic Broadcasting (BOB), the official broadcaster of the Games, will produce about 5,400 hours of programs during the 17-day gala, 2,000 more than in Athens four years ago.

5. Multimedia for the first time

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has, for the first time, separately sold broadcasting rights for television and new media such as Internet and mobile networks.

CCTV acquired the TV rights for the Beijing Games, while CCTV.com was awarded the domestic Internet and mobile platform license. CCTV.com recently signed an agreement with Sohu.com, the Games' Internet content services sponsor, to share content.

6. Biggest media contingent ever

About 40,000 journalists will cover the Games, including 21,600 accredited media workers in press, broadcasting and television.

The Beijing International Media Center will also provide some 10,000 non-accredited journalists work areas and accommodation, among other services.