Interpreters: Getting the Best Experience from Your Virtual Booth
- Posted by VoiceBoxer Team
- On 26 November 2015
At VoiceBoxer, we strive to give interpreters an intuitive and reliable platform, complete with an easy-to-use interpreter interface to make remote interpretation as convenient as possible. We also get a lot of questions from interpreters on what they can do to get the best experience from their virtual booths. There are many things speakers can do to ensure interpreters have the best sound quality possible, and these we discuss in another post. Here are a few things interpreters can keep in mind to ensure the best experience in remote interpretation, and it ultimately comes down to two things: IT equipment and basic IT Knowledge.
Modern and good IT equipment is essential for ensuring that you have a great experience. Saying “modern computer” can sound a bit vague, so let’s discuss a little more what we mean by that.
First, interpreters must use a computer (desktop or laptop) that is capable of web browsing, streaming of audio and video (e.g. from YouTube) without any issue. Second, a strong and reliable internet connection is essential to steady and fluid audio quality. To ensure an uninterrupted audio stream from the speaker and out to your audience, interpreters must rely on a strong wired (Ethernet) internet connection, as even the strongest wireless internet connection can cause occasional audio drop-outs. What we mean by strong is fiber or DSL connection, with a minimum download and upload speed of 500kbs. Don’t worry; as of today, this requirement is easily achieved on most connections. Third, interpreters should equip themselves with a comfortable headset with an integrated microphone. For the purposes of remote interpretation, most headsets that contain both earphones and a microphone provide excellent sound quality input and output (and jack input connection is preferred over USB input connection). Though we have our personal favorites, there are many high-quality options available, and it really comes down to personal preference and comfort.
Basic IT knowledge is also necessary to make sure that everything is kept under control. Although VoiceBoxer provides online and telephonic live support during any event, interpreters’ basic IT understanding gives assurance that any issues can be fixed immediately. What we mean by basic IT knowledge is really only being able to use a browser and its basic functionalities, knowing where computer’s audio and network settings are, and being able to troubleshoot basic issues. This, combined with VoiceBoxer live support, ensure that every event is a successful one, and that your experience is as professional and enjoyable as possible.
