New unconsolidated figures, which relate to digital satellite only, show that 6.13 million people have used the service for more than one minute since the opening ceremony on 13 August. The figures mean that over half the available audience have pressed the red button at some point during the blanket coverage.
The previous highest figure was during this year's Wimbledon when 4.1 million people went interactive for one minute or more. During the Commonwealth Games in 2002, 3.4 million viewers pressed the red button.
The Olympic service allows digital satellite or cable viewers to choose what sport they want to watch from four mini-screens. Freeview viewers have two extra options.
BBC Sport head of new media, sports news and development Andrew Thompson said: "The Olympics are perfect for interactive television because there are so many events happening at the same time. Before we had the interactive option, hundreds of hours of footage disappeared down a black hole."
The BBC's Olympic television coverage has also proved a hit. More than 10 million viewers tuned in for the opening ceremony while 6.2 million people tuned in for the gymnastics.
Broadcast will be staging The Interactive Television Conference on 30th September 2004 in London. See www.broadcastnow.co.uk/interactivefor more details.
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