Here’s a brief 1 minute video where you can see our services in action.
What equipment is needed for simultaneous interpretation?
When you choose Lighthouse Translations, you are partnering with a company that has the best interpretation equipment for your event and an experienced, supportive, proactive and friendly technical support team.
We really strive to become another member of your team!
We work hard to anticipate any of your needs and will more than glad work with you to resolve any last minute issues, even if they are not interpretation related. for the truly curious, we have put together a brief introduction to the different types of interpretation equipment and how they work.
If you need simultaneous interpretation services for more than 1 person, chances are that you will need simultaneous interpretation equipment.
Common simultaneous interpretation equipment consists of:
- Booth (Either table top or Full-size)
- Interpreter Console
- Interpreter Microphone
- Wireless Audience Headsets
- Wireless Transmitters
Learn more about our interpretation equipment, including interpretation equipment rental.
NOTE: For consecutive interpretation, the equipment listed above is not needed.
In addition to the interpretation equipment listed above, you will need a sound system for your event. We work everyday with many audiovisual companies, from in-house hotel audiovisual companies to equipment owned by the client themselves. We will always touch base with your AV person to ensure that we are able to plug in to their sound system to ensure the best possible interpretation.
Depending on the size of your meeting, you will need a combination of the following audiovisual equipment:
- amplifiers
- loudspeakers
- PA Systems
- handheld microphones
- lapel microhpones
- microphone stands
- push-to-talk microphones
- speaker stands
- projection screen
- projector
We will be more than glad to refer you to reliable audiovisal professionals should you need us to recommend one for you. For the majority of events, we do not provide audiovisual equipment. Feel free to contact us for a consultation on any audiovisual needs you may have.
How much advance notice do you need to service my request for an interpreter?
Advance notification isn’t always necessary but keep in mind that the more time we are given, the better we can fulfill the task, especially since want to make sure to select the most-suitable interpreter and depending on your industry they can be in high demand. Feel free to contact us today, even if you don’t have all of the details for your project (conference, meeting, workshop, seminar, etc) and let us work with you to make sure that we have the right interpretation team in place for your meeting or event.
Are your interpreters trained in the terminology of my industry?
Our interpreters are professionals and as such possess a broad experience in making their interpretations tailored-made to our clients’ requirements.
Lighthouse Translations only hires experienced interpreters who have past experience in such fields as:
- Law
- Medicine
- Insurance
- Finance
- Sciences (biology and physical sciences)
- Business
- and many other industries that require specialized terminologies from our interpreters.
If your project requires specialized terminology for your industry, discuss it with one of our customer service representatives. Based on your needs, we may request for further information that would enable our interpreters to effectively do their job, including:
- Reviewing beforehand any materials made available (Presentations, speech notes, meeting or company website, etc.)
- Direct communication with the speaker(s) or presenters
- Research into the topics to be discussed
- Preparation of a term glossary
What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpretation?
Consecutive Interpretation
As the name implies, the speaker of the source language and the interpreter take turns when speaking in consecutive interpreting. Consecutive interpretation is used in telephone interpretation, in small meetings, as well as in official settings. One of it’s main drawbacks, when compared to simultaneous interpretation, is that it takes additional time for the message to be said twice, first in the original language and then into the interpreted language. It also breaks the rhythm and flow of the presentation, since the speaker needs to pause frequently to allow the interpreter to render the message in the other language.
In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter listens and then takes down notes while the speaker delivers his message. When the speaker makes a pause or is done speaking, the interpreter delivers the message in the target language. Learn more about our consecutive interpretation services here and here.
Simultaneous Interpretation
On the other hand, simultaneous interpreting is used when there are people who speak different languages. As the source-language speaker talks, the interpreter works inside a a sound proofed booth and delivers the message through a microphone connected to a wireless transmitter, speaking at the same time as the presenter, in the target language. Learn more about our simultaneous interpretation services.
How do you ensure that the translated documents are error-free?
Through our quality assurance processes, we can guarantee that each document translation project meets the following three criteria:
- Precision
- Accuracy
- Cultural appropriateness
A team composed of three translation professionals is always assigned to each project- translator, editor, and proofreader. The members work together to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the document translation.
We review and revise all translation work done to ensure grammatical correctness, context, localized word use, style, intended meaning, and overall message.
To learn more about how we ensure the quality of your translated document, visit our quality assurance section.
How can you assure the confidentiality of my documents?
We understand the importance of security and confidentiality and take it very seriously.
We adhere to professionalism and a strict code of ethics to uphold confidentiality for every document translation project we undertake. Lighthouse Translations can provide non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements to clients who request it for additional security measures.
As corporate members of the American Translators Association since 2004, we fully comply with the ATA’s Code of Ethics as well as the ATA Code of Business Ethics.
Do you offer certified translation services for documents?
Yes, we offer extensive translation and certification services for a variety of documents that includes birth certificate, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees among others.
Documents that need to be certified are mostly personal documents. These include:
School diplomas
Certificates (Marriage, Death, Birth)
Transcripts
and legal other documents for individuals (for legal, university or immigration purposes).
Lighthouse Translations has cloe to 10 years of experience translating and certifying documents. Delivery speed may be classified as regular or urgent. Certified translations are usually mailed via FedEx, USPS or certified mail.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accepts payments for most translation projects through the following:
(1) Checks
(2) Major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard / American Express)
(3) PayPal
(4) Wire transfers
(5) Purchase orders
How much time is needed to translate my documents?
Each document translation project is one of a kind. Various factors need to be considered to estimate the time it will take to complete the translations.
To be able to estimate how much time will be needed to finish your translation project, please fill in our request form for a free quote. Our costumer service representatives will take a look at your document(s), assess the length of time needed for translation, and communicate the results back to you via email or telephone.
What file formats do you accept documents for translation?
We can work with almost any type of electronic file, including: text, Tiff, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, InDesign, Publisher, Acrobat and most other DTP software applications.
Feel free to contact us should you want to verify if your file is in a format from which we can work your translation from.
How do I send you my documents for translation?
We accept hard copies and digital formats of documents. Hard copies may be sent through the mail or personally dropped off at our offices. For files that are in digital format, they may be sent to us by email or sent to us through our document quote request form. For extra-large digital files we can send you information so that you can send them through our FTP service.
How is the cost of a translation determined?
Each document is one of a kind, so the most convenient means of determining the price of your document translation project is to fill in the request form for a free translation quote. This will enable a customer service representative from our team to look at your project, make an assessment, and personally communicate back to you. To determine the cost of each translation project, several factors are considered. These include:
(1) The type of document for translation (legal, technical, financial)
(2) How many words does the document to be translated contain
(3) Whether the translatino need to be certified or not
(4) The number of documents to be translated
(5) Into or from what languages is the document going to be translated from or into
(6) By when is the translation needed?
(7) The format in which the document will be sent: (Word, PDF, Powerpoint, HTML,Faxed, Scanned Image)
Do let us know if you need us to send you a signed confidentiality agreement before you are able to send us your document so that we can prepare the quote. Many of our first time clients feel very reassured to know that we will protect the confidential nature of their document with the utmost care.
An Introduction to Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment
by Rafael Morel
Lighthouse Translations
www.lighthousetranslationsonline.com
US toll-free 1.877.261.2495, Outside US 1.787.239.0462
Language interpretation equipment is used to facilitate simultaneous oral interpretation from one language into another without interrupting the speakers or the listeners. This is achieved using a wireless signal, either FM or infrared, to transmit the interpreter’s voice to headphones worn by those that do not understand the main language spoken. The key advantage of simultaneous interpretation over consecutive interpretation is that the interpretation is performed real-time, hence it does not extend the time of the presentation or event. The other form of interpretation, Consecutive interpretation, can almost double the length of a presentation or speech. FM wireless interpretation is by far the widest used technology and the easiest to set-up and operate. Since interpretation equipment transmits wirelessly, it can be used in large venues, both indoor and outdoor, as well as in very small settings, like boardrooms or conference rooms. Other types of technology used are Infrared and DSSS. Typically, interpretation equipment consists of two main components: the transmitter and the receiver. The receiver is wireless, battery operated, about the size of a small pocket radio, and will work on an FM frequency range specially designated for Assistive Listening Devices (ALD). Therefore, interference on the interpretation equipment from other FM frequencies is minimal.
Portable or Stationary Interpretation Equipment
For interpretation transmitters, the type of event and the size of the venue will determine if a stationary or portable interpretation transmitter is more suitable. Stationary transmitters have a larger coverage area than portable transmitters. The wireless receivers worn by the audience will work with either a portable or stationary transmitter since it is the transmitter that determines how far the signal travels.
Portable Interpretation Transmitters
Portable interpretation transmitters usually cover a radius of only 100-250 ft, but provide two advantages. The first one is the flexibility that the interpretation can take place on the move. Like at a museum, factory tour, courtroom, exposition hall, etc. or at a setting where the interpreter needs mobility. The interpreter can move about with or around the audience as they continue to listen to the interpretation. The second advantage is ease of setup. Since a portable transmitter operates on batteries, all that is needed is to turn it on, plug in the interpreter’s microphone and begin interpreting. In such a setting, the interpreter usually listens directly to what the speaker is saying, although there are ways in which the speaker’s voice can be fed to a wireless interpreter’s headphone as well.
Stationary Interpretation Transmitters
Stationary interpretation transmitters provide a larger coverage area, with coverage area from 500 to 3,000ft, ideal for convention centers, auditoriums, parks, ballrooms or any other kind of large spaces. When stationary equipment is used, it’s plugged into an outlet and a portable interpreter’s cabin or booth (fully-enclosed or table-top) is frequently set up to reduce ambience noise for the interpreter and to isolate the interpreter’s voice so that it does not spill over into the audience.
Interpreter Booths
Interpreter’s booths can be fully or partially enclosed to reduce noise accordingly. Inside the cabin, an interpreter’s console is set up to be used by the interpreter’s working the event. The console enables interpreters to alternate who is interpreting without having to move. For the console to work it has to be connected to the sound system being utilized so that the interpreters can listen to the speakers and/or presentations. It should be noted that, if an area is small, a portable transmitter can be utilized in combination with an interpreter’s booth and console. An experienced technician is usually needed to setup a stationary transmitter and/or booth. Interpretation equipment can facilitate language interpretation up to a dozen languages in the same room or in adjacent rooms at the same time, depending on how it is setup and the frequencies used. Interpretation transmitters are capable of transmitting in several frequencies while receivers vary in the number of different frequencies that they will easily pick up by pushing a button or turning a knob. They vary from 1 to 8 frequencies that can be pre-selected, while the newer digital receivers can pick up all of the FM frequencies used within each range (72Mhz or 216Mhz) with the simple push of a button.
Lighthouse Translations has been providing interpretation services and equipment for large and small events since 2003. Give us a call today at US Toll Free 877-261-2495 or at 787-239-0462 (International and Puerto Rico), and we would be more than glad to discuss your meeting or event interpretation needs. Lighthouse Translations provides meeting and conference interpretation services and equipment rental across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?
Watch this brief video to hear a detailed explanation of a day in the life of an interpreter and a translator. You will hear first hand from two language professionals as they describe a typical workday and will help you understand the differences between these terms.
Interpreter vs. Translator
It will also give you a better idea between the different kinds of interpretations (consecutive, simultaneous, escort) and translations.