BEIJING — The Beijing Olympics may not look much different from previous games on TV.

Behind the studio sets, however, world broadcasters have been squaring off for months with Chinese officials over censorship. Among the issues: what they'll be allowed to get on video, where they can work and whether they can broadcast live. They've faced red tape, intimidation and restrictions on coverage, which might make it difficult to cover unexpected events away from the venues.

Broadcast officials recount months of delays applying for permits amid changing rules. They've been questioned about coverage plans by everyone from policemen to local bureaucrats. Several broadcasters spoke of ordeals just to rent office space, and one said a Chinese homeowner made an offer to locate a satellite dish on his property.

"We have no idea at the moment whether we will be able to operate freely and without severe restrictions," said John Barton, director of sport for the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, which represents broadcasters in 57 countries.

"We've been given the commitment we can, but it remains to be seen whether we'll be able to do that. Until it begins we will not know how the officials and police will react."

There are two classes of broadcasters. Rights holders like NBC pay for coverage at the venues: NBC has paid about $900 million. Non-rights holders can't film the venues, but can cover athletes and stories away from the venues. Their ranks include Associated Press Television News.

Time is running out to get things settled, as the Aug. 8 opening ceremonybears.

Countless hassles and restrictive rules are likely to dampen coverage away from the venues, particularly if protests break out. Several scenarios could worsen the situation: if athletes wear pro-Tibet T-shirts, if they speak out on China's policies in Darfur, or criticize treatment of the nation's Muslim minority.

"We already have to tell the Chinese everywhere we want to be in August, and what time," said one TV broadcaster, asking not to be identified for fear of having permits rescinded. "We have to provide a list of the guests who will be interviewed and the content of the interview.

"My office asked about reporting on the street, and I said: 'No way, no way, no way.' I've told my headquarters that is fantasy."

Chinese organizers list necessary security measures as reasons for the delays and restrictions on broadcasters. But for broadcasters the strategy seems aimed at producing sanitized, positive images of the Beijing Olympics and China's rise as a 21st century economic and political power.