Here you can learn about translation equipment:
What is simultaneous interpretation, what type of equipment you need and how to configure a simultaneous interpretation system meeting your needs and budget. Simply click on the question of your interest to view the answer. The first question is already displayed.
When an audience (be it at a congress, meeting or conference) is composed of a group of people speaking two or more different languages, professional interpreters may be required to assist in communication across languages.
With the assistance of special equipment, the interpreter listens to the speaker express the original message (source language) and immediately renders the translation in the language required by the audience (target language), with very little delay. The interpreter speaks into a microphone that is either plugged into an interpreter console or connected directly to a wireless FM or infrared transmitter. Each language interpreted is transmitted through a different channel. Each participant in the audience uses a wireless receiver with headphones that is tuned into the appropriate channel for the language they choose.
This work demands a big mental effort and for this reason simultaneous interpreters usually work in pairs and switch every 20 minutes or so.
There are three kinds of systems:
1. FM systems are the most popular equipment for simultaneous interpretation since they require minimum installation procedures and are also the most affordable. Both, transmitters and receivers use a frequency range of 72-76 Mhz. in most of the Americas. These frequencies are out of the range of commercial FM stations, therefore, requiring special FM equipment. The transmitting range is between 150 and 1500 feet depending on the transmitters and antennas. These simultaneous interpretation systems are easily expandable by adding as many receivers as needed, the only limitation being the coverage area of the transmitter. FM systems have the ability to pass through walls. Another characteristic of FM systems is that one transmitter per language is required. Within FM systems, you can find portable transmitters (also called tour-guide transmitters) that run on batteries and table transmitters that are mostly used for events where the interpreter does not need to move around. Table transmitters allow for up to eight simultaneous languages in one room in the frequency range of 72-76 Mhz.
2. Infrared systems (IR) are frequently used for confidential meetings since IR signals don’t pass through walls, and/or when there is a need to use more than 6-8 channels in one room. This technology is similar to the one used with remote controls. The transmitter panel and the receiver should be in the line of sight. This means that you need to carefully mount enough panels in the room to cover the whole area. Larger areas require more panels. Some infrared systems require additional panels according to the total amount of channels (languages) to be used. In the case of infrared systems, generally only one multi-channel transmitter (modulator) is required per system.
3. Wired systems are suitable for permanent installations like parliaments, where other features are required such as voting, microphones, attendance registration, etc.
By answering the questions below you will be able to decide on the best system for your needs:
The difference between stationary and portable transmitters is that portable transmitters use batteries, while stationary transmitters are plugged into an electrical outlet. Both can be transported easily, but portable transmitters allow you to work in environments where the interpreter must move around, for example, guided tours of a facility, sightseeing tours, etc. On the other hand, stationary transmitters are generally more powerful and have better and larger coverage compared to portable transmitters. Portable transmitters typically have a range of up to 150’ (45 m) while stationary transmitters have a range of up to 500 or 1500’ feet (150 - 450 m) depending on the antenna. Stationary transmitters are ideal for auditoriums, stadiums, theaters, churches, conference rooms or other large venues where superior coverage is essential.
Two-way interpretation is used when the language spoken in the room changes and interpretation must be carried out to and from a language. If the audience is made up of both English and Spanish speakers, the Spanish speakers will need translation when a speaker speaks in English, and the English speakers will need translation when a speaker speaks in Spanish. If you use two-way interpretation, you will first need multi-channel receivers. There can be just one interpreter, but it is advisable to use two transmitters, one for each language. Most of the times, the same interpreter translates to and from the foreign language. In order to facilitate the interpreters’ job, it’s advisable to use an interpreter console.
If it is into only one, which means you answered “no” to the previous question, then you can consider using a single transmitter but it is always advisable to utilize multi-channel receivers to have the opportunity to easily select any frequency in case you have the need to change the selected frequency. Multi-channel receivers also allow you to expand the system in the future if you need to incorporate more languages. As a general rule, you need as many transmitters as languages per system. In addition, multi-channel receivers can be used for assistive listening in compliance with ADA (American with Disabilities Act).
If you are using three rooms with two target languages per room utilizing FM technology, then you need to count on a system with multi-channel receivers (with 6 channels minimum). On the other hand, if you are using two rooms with 5 target languages per room utilizing this same FM technology, then make sure that the rooms are at least 100-150 feet apart depending on the power and type of transmitters and use a multi-channel receiver with at least 10 channels.
An interpreter console is the control center. The interpreter uses it to adjust the volume and tone of the sound he/she hears, as well as to control the audio of the outgoing channel. The interpreter console has controls that allow the interpreter to activate or deactivate the output from his or her microphone and select the input and output channels. On professional systems, the interpreter console also interacts with the central control unit to allow the use of the relay function between different booths and the routing of the floor signals when the interpreter’s microphone is deactivated.
Now, to respond to the question as to whether or not I need an interpreter console, most professional interpreters consider it a must. Nevertheless, sometimes when budget is limited, as is the case of some small houses of worship or for very small set-ups without the need of relay capabilities, a small table transmitter can be used directly without an interpreter console.
Multi-channel receivers have the ability to change frequencies (channels) by simply pressing a button or rotating a knob. Some have an LCD screen and they are very simple to use. For simultaneous interpretation applications, we always recommend using multi-channel receivers for the following reasons:
a) Since each language needs a different channel, in any situation requiring interpretation you will have at least two languages.
b) By having a receiver with multiple channels, the system can be upgraded easily when more languages are needed without having to change the receivers.
c) The same multi-channel receiver can be used both for assistive listening in compliance with ADA (American with Disabilities Act) as well as for simultaneous translation.
d) By having a receiver with multiple channels, you can easily change the frequency in case of issues with a specific frequency.
On the other hand, the only advantage of single-channel receivers is its low cost.