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10 Things to Consider When Buying simultaneous interpretation

Author: wenzhang1

Jun. 16, 2025

13 0

What to Look for in a Simultaneous Interpretation Solution?

Simultaneous interpretation (SI) is a special technique where a speaker’s words are translated into another language in real time so that multiple languages can communicate seamlessly. This real time interpretation is key for conferences, live events and multilingual meetings so that people from different linguistic backgrounds can participate and understand what’s going on without language barriers.

For more information, please visit VISSONIC.

The importance of SI cannot be overstated in this globalized world. It enables cross cultural dialogue, international cooperation and ensures valuable information and ideas are shared with a wider audience. Whether it’s a high stakes business negotiation, a prestigious academic conference or a diplomatic summit, SI is the key to clear and accurate communication, preventing misunderstandings and promoting understanding.

Traditional vs Remote Simultaneous Interpretation

Traditional simultaneous interpretation has been the norm for multilingual conferences and events. Interpreters work on-site in soundproof booths, listening to the speaker through headphones and simultaneously interpreting into a microphone for audience members wearing receivers. But this has its limitations – it requires a lot of equipment setup, travel costs for interpreters and logistical challenges for multiple languages.

Remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) is the modern alternative. With RSI, interpreters can work from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating travel costs and more flexibility. The interpreted audio is streamed to audience members through a cloud-based platform on computers, tablets or smartphones. This reduces the need for on-site equipment and scalability for multilingual events.

Key Features of an RSI Platform

A good remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) platform should have several key components to facilitate multilingual communication. At its core, an RSI solution needs high quality audio and video streaming so interpreters can hear and see the speaker clearly. And a user-friendly interface for participants to select their language channel easily.

Compared to traditional on-site interpretation methods, RSI has many advantages. No need for interpreters to be physically present, reducing travel costs and logistical headaches. RSI also gives more flexibility, interpreters can work from anywhere in the world, making it easier to get the best linguistic talent for your event.

And RSI is often more cost-effective than traditional setup which requires renting equipment and hiring on-site technicians. With an RSI platform, you can scale your interpretation needs according to your event size, without incurring extra hardware or personnel costs.

Flexibility is another key benefit of RSI platforms. They can accommodate events of all sizes, from small meetings to large conferences and can be integrated with existing virtual event platforms or video conferencing tools. This versatility allows organizations to provide interpretation services across many settings, whatever the event format or location.

How to Choose the Best Remote Simultaneous Interpretation Platform for Your Event?

When choosing a remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) platform for your event, you need to consider several key factors for a smooth and efficient experience. First and foremost, multi-language support is a must, so participants from different linguistic backgrounds can fully engage. The platform should have many language options and be able to add or remove languages as needed.

Good audio and video are crucial for communication. Look for platforms that prioritise crystal clear sound and video, no lag or distortion that can hinder understanding. And a user-friendly interface is essential, so attendees and interpreters can navigate the platform easily without unnecessary complexity.

Reliable connectivity is non-negotiable, any disruptions or lags can severely impact the interpretation experience. Look for platforms that have stable and secure connections even in areas with limited internet. And security and privacy should be top priority, with robust encryption and data protection measures in place to protect sensitive information.

Integration with existing tools like video conferencing platforms or event management software can streamline the process and increase efficiency. Customized options are also valuable so you can tailor the platform to your brand and event requirements.

Recording and playback features can be super useful, so attendees can revisit sessions or share content with those who can’t attend live. And reliable technical support should be available to help with any issues or questions that may arise before, during or after the event.

By evaluating these factors you can choose an RSI platform that meets your event’s unique needs and provides a seamless multilingual experience for all participants.

Translation Earbuds as a Tool for Remote Simultaneous Interpretation

Translation earbuds are changing the way we experience multilingual communication – especially in remote or hybrid settings. As an alternative to traditional interpretation platforms like Interprefy, modern translation earbuds offer real-time language interpretation in a compact, user-friendly form.

Features and Benefits

Translation earbuds provide instant, high-quality interpretation directly into the listener’s ears, no need for bulky headsets, on-site booths or complex setup. They support multiple languages and allow users to switch between them easily. Perfect for conferences, webinars, international meetings and online events. With noise-cancellation and clear audio transmission, translation earbuds ensure every word is heard correctly. They are powered by AI, fast and precise. Users simply connect the earbuds to their device, join the event and listen in their preferred language – no extra apps or complicated logins required.

Flexible for All Event Sizes

Whether you're hosting a global summit, a company-wide Zoom call, or a small multilingual workshop, translation earbuds scale with your needs. Participants from different countries can join remotely and instantly understand the speaker, regardless of the language spoken. This makes communication more inclusive and efficient.

Easy to Use

Translation earbuds can be used with most video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. No technical knowledge required - just plug in, connect and start interpreting. Event organizers don’t have to coordinate separate interpretation platforms or hire extra tech teams.

Cost Effective and Convenient

Compared to traditional interpretation services, translation earbuds are much more cost effective. No need to rent interpretation booths or fly interpreters to event locations. Everything happens remotely and users can join from anywhere in the world. Lower costs and less logistics and still professional grade interpretation.

Conclusion

As the need for seamless multilingual communication continues to grow in our global world, remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) has become a practical and scalable solution. While traditional platforms have set the bar for remote interpretation, the arrival of translation earbuds marks a new era of convenience, accessibility and affordability.

Translation earbuds bring real-time interpretation and modern wearable technology together. By getting rid of bulky equipment and complex setups, they enable event organizers and participants to communicate smoothly and inclusively – anytime, anywhere. Whether for high stakes business meetings or casual international webinars, translation earbuds offer a user-friendly and cost effective solution for the hybrid events of today and tomorrow.

Choosing the right interpretation solution ultimately depends on your event's specific needs, but translation earbuds stand out as a flexible, forward-thinking option that aligns with the evolving landscape of global communication.

Simultaneous Interpretation and Translation Equipment 101

Simultaneous Interpretation and Translation Equipment 101

Hello –

I have no idea how you got to this website.

Maybe a colleague referred you. Maybe you came from an online search. Or maybe you’re already a customer.

But I’ll bet someone has asked you to research buying language translation equipment for your office, church, school district, etc.

Two years ago, I was in your shoes. My boss in a previous job decided that we needed to buy translation equipment for some conferences that we were running, so she put me in charge of researching what to buy and who to buy it from.

I was nervous.

This was a big purchase and I wasn’t exactly an AV “genius” at the time. So I did what you’re probably doing right now. I fired up Google and started calling around. Everyone had their own systems they wanted to sell me, but it was hard to find out the pros and cons of each, and what was right for our needs.

I ended up wasting a lot of my own time, and the time of sales reps at other companies, who put together quotes for equipment that just wasn’t the right fit for our needs.

For more Videowall Controllerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

You see, translation/interpretation equipment isn’t “one-size-fits-all.”

It all boils down to getting the right gear for your audience, space, event, and budget.

If you’re not careful, you could end up paying for much more than you need, or buying a system that won’t work in your setting.

So that’s why I launched Translation Equipment HQ – to help my customers avoid the same mistakes I once made.

That’s why I put together this guide that has all the info I wish I’d had, all on a single page.

So whether you choose to buy from our company or not, I hope this resource saves you some time in your search and makes your life a bit easier.

If you ever have any questions, or want to develop a custom package (we also carry a lot of gear that’s not on the site yet), just drop me a line here or call Will or Craig at 877-817-.

Key Terms

Translation vs Interpretation:  Translation generally means converting from one language to another, be it in oral or written form. Interpretation is a very specific type of translation that only deals with the spoken word, that happens on the spot, at a conference, meeting, worship service, and so on.

Consecutive Interpretation: Imagine you are in a meeting with some Japanese business associates. You speak a few sentences in English, then you stop and your interpreter repeats those sentences in Japanese so that your colleagues can understand.

This is what’s known as consecutive interpretation. The advantage of consecutive is that it no special equipment is required.  The disadvantage is that it interrupts the natural flow and back and forth of the event.

Simultaneous Interpretation: Imagine you are in a conference and the speaker is talking in French. Using a special set of headphones, you and other audience members are able to listen to a feed of an interpreter who is listening to the French being spoken (this is known as the floor language) and interpreting it into English. This has the advantage of not interrupting the flow of speech, but it requires a specialized set of equipment and a highly skilled interpreter (or pair of interpreters).

Floor Language: This is the language that your presenter or main speaker is talking in. The language that is being translated into is called the “target language” or “translation feed.”  There can be more than one target language depending on the complexity of your setup.

How Simultaneous Interpretation Works

Step 1: The speaker of the floor language talks into a microphone (this is called the floor mic or the floor feed).

Step 2: The floor feed is broadcast (usually wirelessly) to the interpreter, who listens through headphones in a separate location – this is usually in a soundproof booth at the back of the room, or sometimes in a separate room.

Step 3: The interpreter listens to the floor feed and simultaneously speaks into a microphone, which is broadcast wirelessly to the audience, who wear specialized headphones so they can hear the proceedings in their native language.

System Types and the Pros and Cons of Each

Infrared Systems

Members of the audience listen to the audio feed in their native language using  specialized multi-channel receivers with  headphones.

Some key points about Infrared systems:

  • Infrared signals require a clear line of sight to the audience
  • Emitters must typically be installed above the audience level and cannot be covered with curtains, drapes, etc
  • For larger facilities, several infrared emitters can be used in sequence to increase the range
  • Infrared systems are immune to radio interference but sensitive to light interference (eg from very bright or flashing lights)

Medium Range Handheld Digital Systems

FM interpretation systems use radio waves to send the translation feed to the audience.  Members of the audience use multi-channel receivers equipped with headphones so they can listen to the speaker in their native language.

Some key points about these systems:

  • The short and medium range systems are light and portable, so you can easily throw the right number of receivers into a suitcase to transport to your next event.
  • Transmitters and receivers are sleek and discreet, and won’t interfere with movement – perfect for tour guide or other on-the-go situations
  • The multi-channel configuration allows you to easily customize your system to support multiple languages at the same time
  • More advanced DigiWave systems from Williams Sound feature interference-cancelling and encryption technology, so that your audio comes through clearly (and privately)
  • Their smaller size means that short and medium-range FM systems will have a more limited range (around 250 feet)
  • FM signals penetrate walls, and other obstacles so do not require a clear line of sight
  • FM systems are immune to light interference so are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use

Longer Range Portable FM Systems

Key considerations:
  • The more powerful FM systems are better at canceling out radio interference and offer very high sound quality
  • Longer-range FM systems are more component-based meaning they are more flexible and customizable
  • Like all FM systems, they are immune from light interference
  • Most cost-effective for larger groups
  • These systems tend to be portable (you can take them from venue to venue) but not mobile while you are using them (speakers and audience members cannot get too far from the transmitters, which are usually fixed)

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy Interpretation Gear

Audience Size: How many audience members require language support? This will determine the number of primary and backup receivers to purchase. Languages: How many languages do I need simultaneous interpretation for? This will have an impact on the type and number of transmitters you will need. Interpreter Location: Where will the interpreter be set up?  At the back of the room?  In a separete room or in a soundproof booth? Portability: How portable do I need my system to be?  All systems are portable, but there is a general trade off between power (ie range) and the degree of portability and ease of setup and take down. Venue: Is there a clear line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver?  If there is no line of sight, then you will need an FM system, as infrared signals cannot penetrate walls or other opaque objects.

Other Helpful Resources

Williams Sound: One of the premier U.S. manufacturers of professional language, assisted listening and other audio equipment. Their site contains a huge assortment of product manuals, how to videos and more.

Interpretation Equipment on Ebay: If we don’t have what you’re looking for your first step should be to contact us directly. Chances are we can get it for you on special order.  But if it’s a piece of equipment that’s out of stock or no longer being manufactured, I’d recommend checking out the listings on Ebay to see if you can find it there.

Language Interpretation on Wikipedia: For a comprehensive overview about live language interpretation, information on new and emerging technologies, and other useful background information, see this article on Wikipedia.

Conference Microphone Systems: The Ultimate Guide: Our primer on push-to-talk microphones for around the table conference settings. Includes key questions to ask yourself, equipment options and more.

Other Questions?

Finally, if you have any questions, if you are looking for a product you don’t see listed here, or if you want to discuss putting together a custom package for your business, please don’t hesitate to call or .

Contact Will or Craig at (877) 817 or

By Will Ward

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