In many parts of the U.S. the displays would be prohibitively expensive: they would be shot at. In this case, shitty governmental subservience to the telcoms would be neutralized by shitty governmental subservience to the gun lobby.

"Welcome. Welcome, to [Manchester]. You have chosen, or been chosen, to relocate to one of our finest remaining urban centres. I thought so much of [Manchester], that I elected to establish my administration, here, in the citadel, so thoughtfully provided by our benefactors. I am proud to call [Manchester] my home. And so, whether you are here to stay, or passing through to parts unknown, welcome, to [Manchester]. It's safer here. "

Good old Breen...

Can we have these in Canada too for the 2010 olympics? :)

What happens if one of those people drinkin' in the streets makes a urine on one of the 60 big screens? I know it's probably illegal, but are they liquidproof? 
Also, isn't that one internationally famous streaker guy from Britain? If I recall, he was banned from traveling out of the country during the last World Cup. If he can get to one of the live broadcasts at the right time, he can show his bum on 60 REALLY Big TV's in 60 different cities at the same time! People could be standing in the street, enjoying a pint and catch him in the nude running by the torch ceremony!

I can just see it now - my 'Breencasts' all over the post apocalyptic UK. I will ensure my image will be visible all over for all to see.

I will use the combine police to ensure my comand of power is there for all to see.

LOL.. City 17.. Nice :)

Actually I wonder if having the 60 400" televisions will result in having 600 40" televisions turned off?

Probably more...
Where is the unfounded carbon footprint arguement.

I have to agree, City 17!

Oddly I've heard also that Libraries across Scotland are shortly to get installed 40" LCD TVs to give adverts and 'community messages' to its patrons.

Where is the money coming from I have to ask for this stupid idea?

Will we shortly have to take a programmable TV Remote with us to have some measure of control when we go out?

How about someone making a infra-red device that fires off MUTE or SWITCH OFF in 40+ different manufacturer id codes.

That'd be useful.... ;-)

Whats the issue? really? come to Brisbane, Australia and you will find a huge screen at southbank where regular sporting events are shown (and alcohol can be taken as its usually policed) go down the Gold Coast to Surfers Paradise ad theres one near Strike bowling bar near the Chevron rennaisance buildings.

Never seen any problems or issues around any of them and the one at Surfers plays music all day when no international events are on. It never seems to bother anybody and goes largley ignored

-and after the olympics are over heir furer can transmit his global orders to the serfs and command them from his headquarters. Soon to be followed by small tvs with cameras in every room of every house in the UK, but only for those that pass the dhs inspections and background checks and are allowed to actually touch and kiss thier children. The rest go to rehabilitation camps. Orson Wells warned us his movie was truly a warning. Wake up to the New World Order!

What will be the total carbon footprint for the whole Olympics? And does it matter?

The taxi drivers will love it, so will hotels, restaurants etc. And terrorists.

Global warming what a joke, does anyone remember the y2k bug

What's to come may be smashing!

I shall be taking advantage of the cheap empty flights leave the UK as it starts, and the cheap empty flights returning to the UK as it ends.

Love the point that they will probably make it into an Orwellian big brother overlooking things, except the part that the joke will be on those that laugh now and find it's actually true later on :/
Still, amusing for now.

Incidentally, won't everybody have TV on their damn cellphones and PMP's already by 2012?

Woo hoo, just in time for proclamations and exaltations from Big Brother.

I can just picture his benevolent face beaming down on us from these monstrosities...

That Athletics fans are big drinkers! Thats why its always on in the pub.....

if there are giant tvs all over the country showing the olympics, will it be the bbc(govement paid via tv licence) coverage? 

if it displays coverage on or near the time of transmission then it will qualify for a TV licence.
just a thought

That sounds like awesome fun to me. I hope they stick one up in Bristol and leave it up for forthcoming events such as international rugby and football matches. The atmosphere will be great.

I'll watch the Olympics and I'm pretty sure a rather large portion of the population will care too.

Cheer up Emma. This will be fun. I wish they had done it earlier (and that we had actually made the Euro cup).

City 17 anyone?