Basic Flow Chart for Translation Equipment at a Simultaneous Interpretation Event - Click for Larger Image

When technicians or language companies start talking about translation equipment it can get really confusing, really fast.

Here’s a brief outline of what translation/interpretation equipment is and how to use it.

Transmitters: Transmitters broadcast the interpreter’s voice to receivers via and FM radio signal or infrared plates set up in an area where a conference, meeting, convention or event is taking place.

Receivers: Receivers receive information from the transmitters, allowing listeners to hear the live interpretation. Like transmitters, receivers typically work with either FM radio waves or infrared technology.

Note: While both FM and Infrared options allow for multiple languages to be simultaneously interpreted, FM radio waves can be set to various channels and the signal can be sent and received through walls. With Infrared equipment, plates are set up in strategic locations of a room and keep the interpreted material confined to the space the signal is occupying. Infrared waves won’t go through walls so if privacy is paramount, infrared is the best option.

Booths: Interpreters conduct their work from booths. Fully sound proof booths keep interpreters enclosed and avoid distracting audience members. Table top booths won’t keep an interpreters voice confined but still provide an excellent work space especially if the interpreters are set up in an adjacent room or have a barrier separating them from the audience.

Interpreter Control Units: These are a necessary piece of simultaneous interpretation equipment that acts as an interface for the interpreters to both receive the live feed from the speaker and send their interpreted voice to the transmitters so it can be broadcast to the audience. They allow the interpreter to manage information being transmitted, control volume, and toggle between interpreters if there are more than one.

Mic Headsets: These two-way mic headphones allow the interpreter to both hear the live feed from the main speaker through the headphones, while speaking into the mic which is plugged into the interpreter control unit.

Transport Cases: For safely transporting equipment to and from conferences.

For more information on translation equipment including rental, set up, and large event solutions, please visit: www.usinterpretation.com/translation_equipment.php