Wow, when I first read this I thought it was a conspiracy theory but the UK Register report appears true. Some 55 seconds of fireworks during the opening ceremony were computer generated. The fireworks *really did happen* and presumably looked very similar to the clip, but fearing they could not film this in all it’s spectacle NBC spent about a year creating the fake clip.
Of course this would be crazy if the fireworks did NOT happen, but given that they did it clouds the issue of misrepresentation. ie they didn’t do this to “fake us out”, rather to better represent a reality that would have been hard to capture in real time. Still, I don’t like it. When you fake something like this it is incumbent to present it as a simulation or animation. Not doing so raises a lot of credibility questions, which are particularly unsavory for the main reporting agency in the world’s top sporting event.
Sheesh – I was prepared to be very complimentary of NBC ever since I heard their great presentation at CES Las Vegas where they talked about Beijing coverage. C’mon NBC – let’s provide transparency in coverage and distribution and everybody can be happy!
Joe Duck 
I’ve been reading this story, but the articles don’t mention that the NBC broadcasters informed viewers that it wasn’t real time. I heard them say that when it was played; I have it taped, but I’m too lazy to go look it up. Here’s a transcript I found online, not sure it is 100% accurate, but it must be close:
Lauer: “You’re looking at a cinematic device employed by Zhang Yimou here. This is actually almost animation. A footstep a second, 29 in all, to signify the 29 Olympiads.”
Costas: “We said earlier that aspects of this Opening Ceremony are almost like cinema in real time. Well this is quite literally cinematic.”
Olympix? One word: Corey. You know who I’m talking about. Corey, as in the one and only Ms. Shotgun herself, Ms. Corey Cogdell, Alaska homegrrl. Bronze for the US of A in an authentic sport, requiring mondo coordination not to say nerves of titanium: that’s right, gal’s trap-shooting.
Also note our Chairman, the Good King Bill and royal consort Ms. Melinda taking in some serious badminton action.
Maybe they can do this for all sporting events and we can all participate by playing with our wii’s at home!
LOL – what a fiasco!
I can’t wait until they have an animated event and then blame the winner in the animated series for doping!
I know this is only fireworks but where does it end?