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.

Originally published in Multilingual Computing Magazine