Remote interpreting
Remote interpreting means that our interpreter is not physically in the same space as the person he or she is interpreting for.


What is remote interpreting?
Remote interpreting means that the interpreter is not physically in the same space as the person he or she is interpreting for. This may be required for a number of reasons:
- There are no interpreters who are able to come to the venue or there are mobility problems (travel or weather issues, for example).
- A lack of suitable resources at the venue (it is not possible to set up a portable booth in the same room).
- Public health recommendations.
Remote interpreting can be either consecutive or simultaneous. Depending on the type of interpreting you choose, a particular platform may be required. Consecutive interpreting can be performed using almost any platform available on the market, but simultaneous interpreting requires a platform that supports that particular technique.
Types of remote interpreting
Remote simultaneous Interpreters in a hub. Online event
This type of remote interpreting involves the interpreter being located in a physical studio known as a hub, while the rest of the participants are online. From the hub, the interpreting is carried out with the usual technical means for simultaneous interpreting (an ISO-compliant booth), under the technical supervision of a professional.
The client’s signal is received via video-conferencing software and event attendees can be participating from different locations.
Advantages
- The interpreter can perform his or her work in a controlled and familiar environment.
- It enables cost reductions for events with more than two languages, by being able to work in relays.
- There are savings on travel costs.
- It enables standard work with a partner in the booth.
- It involves use of professional platforms with lower related costs.
Disadvantages
- There is no opportunity for direct and immediate contact with the client in order to resolve any queries about terminology, etc.
- Clear reception of the language transmission will be dependent on the quality of each user’s connection.
Remote simultaneous Interpreters in any location. Online event
All event attendees participate online through their own computers and they may be located in different parts of the world. The speakers, audience and interpreters are in different physical locations. A platform with specific simultaneous interpreting software (e.g. Zoom) must be used to carry out the interpreting. The interpreter works with a virtual console, and the technical aspects, signal quality and control over transmissions are dependent on the platform providing the service.
Advantages
- The interpreter does not have to go anywhere, which saves on travel and expenses.
- Everything is done in a single platform environment.
Disadvantages:
- The interpreter has to work alone and, if he or she does not have the necessary technical knowledge, may face a number of problems that he or she will not be able to solve.
Remote simultaneous Semi face-to-face interpreting. Hybrid event
In this case, the speakers and attendees are all in the same physical venue. The interpreter or interpreting team (multiple interpreters) is in the studio or hub. The hub manages the audio transmissions to the event venue and the venue receives the interpreting via traditional audio receivers.
Advantages
- The interpreter works in a controlled and familiar environment.
- Technical support can be provided immediately, so that technical problem solving is not the responsibility of the interpreter.
- It enables cost reductions for meetings with more than two languages, by being able to work in relays.
- There are savings on travel costs.
- It enables standard work with a partner in the booth.
- It involves use of professional platforms with lower related costs. Using receivers contributes greater security is provided for the transmissions.
Disadvantages
- There is no opportunity for direct and immediate contact with the client in order to resolve any queries about terminology, etc.
- We depend on a telecommunications infrastructure over which we have no control, so we cannot be 100% assured of the highest quality. This lack of control does not apply to traditional face-to-face interpreting.
