CGTN has closed its standard definition news and factual channels on Astra following the launch of its HD service earlier this year.
After a short period of dual transmission lasting three months, the Chinese state broadcaster is no longer broadcasting SD versions of CGTN News and CGTN Documentary from Astra 19.2E. CGTN News SD was notoriously transmitted using a non-standard aspect ratio, resulting in many satellite receivers displaying a 16:9 image in a 4:3 frame.
The switch to HD was confirmed by Globecast and satellite operator SES in September, but both companies were unable to confirm the exact date for the SD signal switch off. In the end, broadcasts ceased at the end of last week.
Both channels, plus CGTN’s French language service can be found on the frequency listed below. They are being uplinked through Globecast via France.
CGTN transferred its legal base to France earlier this year following the revocation of its Ofcom broadcast licence. Under the terms of its new broadcast licence, it needs to be uplinked to satellite from France. Despite indications earlier this year, the broadcaster has so far failed to return widely to UK screens, It is not resumed broadcasting from Astra 28.2E. In the UK, CGTN can be received online and through the Vision TV portal on Freeview channel 264.
Manual tuning details
CGTN HD channels
- Astra 19.2 E,
- 12.522 GHz, vertical polarisation
- Symbol Rate 22000, FEC 2/3.