Interpretation Equipment is used in a broad spectrum of different conferences. Interpretation Systems consist of different components like the Interpretation Booth, Interpretation Console, Transmitters / Radiators, and wireless receivers.

Types of Interpretation

Consecutive Interpretation

In consecutive interpreting (CI), the speaker is required to pause to allow interpretation. Therefore, the time needed is much greater (possibly double the time needed). Traditionally, the interpreter will sit or stand near the speaker.

Consecutive interpretation can be conducted in a pattern of short or long segments according to the interpreter’s preference. In short CI, the interpreter relies mostly on memory whereas, in long CI, most interpreters will rely on note-taking. The notes must be clear and legible in order to not waste time reading them. Consecutive interpreting of whole thoughts, rather than in small pieces, is desirable so that the interpreter has the whole meaning before rendering it in the target language. This affords a truer, more accurate, and more accessible interpretation than where short CI or simultaneous interpretation is used.

An attempt at a consensus about lengths of segments may be reached prior to commencement, depending upon the complexity of the subject matter and purpose of the interpretation, though speakers generally face difficulty adjusting to unnatural speech patterns. On occasion, document sight translation is required of the interpreter during consecutive interpretation work. Sight translation combines interpretation and translation; the interpreter must render the source-language document to the target language as if it were written in the target language. Sight translation occurs usually, but not exclusively, in judicial and medical work.

Consecutive Interpretation

Consecutive interpretation may be the chosen mode when bilingual listeners are present who wish to hear both the original and interpreted speech or where, as in a court setting, a record must be kept of both. When no interpreter is available to interpret directly from source to target, an intermediate interpreter will be inserted in a relay mode, e.g. a Greek source language could be interpreted into English and then from English to another language. This is also commonly known as double interpretation. Triple interpretation may even be needed, particularly where rare languages or dialects are involved. Such interpretation can only be effectively conducted using consecutive interpretation.

Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation (SI) suffers the disadvantage that if a person is performing the service the interpreter must do the best he or she can within the time permitted by the pace of source speech and the advantages of time-saving and not disturbing the natural flow of the speaker. SI can also be accomplished by software where the program can simultaneously listen to incoming speech and speech the associated interpretation. With a software-based interpretation system, the speaker does not have to pause or wait for the interpreter before speaking additional sentences. The most common form is extempore SI, where the interpreter does not know the message until he or she hears it.

Simultaneous interpretation using electronic equipment where the interpreter can hear the speaker’s voice, as well as the interpreter’s own voice, was introduced in the Nuremberg trials in 1945. In the Nuremberg trials, the languages of interpretation are French, Russian, German, and English. As it proved successful, IBM was able to sell the equipment to the United Nations. SI using software-based systems was introduced by SpeechGear in 2004.

Simultaneous Interpretation

In the ideal setting for oral language, the interpreter sits in a sound-proof booth and speaks into a microphone, while clearly seeing and hearing the source-language speaker via earphones. The simultaneous interpretation is rendered to the target-language listeners via their earphones.

The first introduction and employment of extempore simultaneous interpretation using electronic equipment that could facilitate large numbers of listeners were the Nuremberg Trials of 1945–1946, with four official working languages. The technology arose in the 1920s and 1930s when American businessman Edward Filene and British engineer Alan Gordon Finlay developed simultaneous interpretation equipment with IBM.

Whispered Interpretation

Since time immemorial, whispering interpretation has been used, known in the trade by the French term chuchotage. To avoid disturbing the original speaker and those present listening to the original speaker, the interpreter’s voice is kept at a low volume. To do this, the interpreter and the person requiring interpretation must sit or stand in close proximity to one another. No actual whispering is involved as this is difficult to decipher as well as being too much of a strain on the voice: the interpreter uses normal ‘voiced’ speech at a low volume. Only one or at the most two people in need of interpretation can be accommodated unless portable electronic equipment is used.

This form of interpretation falls under simultaneous interpretation and puts a strain on the interpreter who has to sit for long periods leaning towards the person in need of interpretation.

Interpretation Equipment Components

Interpretation Booths

The interpretation booth is used to provide a working environment for the interpreter without audio and physical interference.  Interpretation Booth can be permanently inbuilt into the venue or a mobile interpretation booth can be set up for conferences or events. The following mobile booths are commonly used:

• 1-person Booth
• 2-person Booth
• 3-person Booth
• Table-top booth

2 international standards exist for Interpretation Booths in general and especially Mobile Interpretation Booths (ISO-4043).

Detailed Information on Interpretation Booth

Interpretation Consoles

Single vs Dual Interpreter Console

Digital vs Analogue Interpreter Console

Detailed information on Interpreter Consoles

Interpretation Receivers & Transmitters

Infrared:  Infrared is a wireless transmission frequency that is used in common consumer electronics like the TV remote control. Infrared interpretation systems transmit the audio feed to the receivers using invisible pulses of light and require a line of sight between the transmitter and receiver.

FM: FM is a signal using radio waves to transmit the audio feed to receivers. Those radio waves are similar to the technology used in normal public radio. Similar to IR, FM signals can use different frequencies and emission power to cover different ranges.

Remote Interpretation

Remote Interpretation is a type of Interpretation that takes place remotely through video or audio conferencing. The process of Interpretation remains the same. The interpreter is present remotely or offsite through video or audio mode. The interpreter interprets the source language into the target language or vice versa through the help of remote interpretation software.

Both Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpretation can take place remotely.  The client himself can choose between Audio or Video mode of remote Interpretation. The software supports both.
Detailed information on Remote Interpretation

Interpretation Equipment Manufacturers

There are various interpretation equipment manufacturers offering a wide range of products and services. Some specialize in interpretation equipment, while others diversified into this industry. Some specialize in providing interpreters while renting equipment from others. Do take note of these details when sourcing for something that suits your criteria.

AudiPak: Interpreter and commentary booths

Website: https://www.audipack.com/home.html

The Silent Series consists of three versions, the Silent 6300, the Silent 9300, and the 9500. All versions are fully transportable. The Silent 6000 series has a perfect performance in sound-insulating and is a good build. The Silent 9300 and 9500 comply with the ISO 4043/2016 norm. Click Here for more information

Bosch: Interpreter Consoles, Transmitters & Receivers

Website :

General Information: https://eventtechnology.org/bosch-audio-systems/

A Wireless Language Distribution System. The Bosch Integrus system is an infra-red language and audio distribution system that provides users with versatile language and audio distribution. Click Here for more information

Bosch Transmitters and Interface Modules Features

• Excellent audio quality
• Advanced digital technology
• Infra-red for freedom of movement for delegates
• Simultaneous interpretation
• User-friendly channel selection

Click Here for more information

Bosch Integrus Radiators

LBB 451x/00 Integrus Radiators

• LBB 4512/00 covers up to 2600 m2 (one carrier, 4 standard quality channels)
• Automatic gain control ensures the IREDs (infrared emitting diodes) function with maximum efficiency
  Power output selection for efficiency and economy
• Safety eye

Click Here for more information

Bosch Integrus Receivers, Charging Units, and Accessories

LBB 4540 Integrus Pocket Receivers

• Specially-designed IC for maximum performance and a long battery lifetime
• Recharging electronics integrated into the chip, ensuring optimum charging performance
• 2-digit LCD display with battery and reception status indication
• The number of available channels is always the same as the number of channels in use by the system, eliminating the need to scroll through unused channels.

Click Here for more information

Bosch Headphones

HDP-LWN Lightweight neckband headphones

• Comfortable neckband stereo headphone
• Lightweight with high-quality sound reproduction
• Replaceable ear pads
• Right‑angled stereo gold‑plated jack plug

LBB 3443 Lightweight Headphones

• Lightweight with high-quality sound reproduction
• Replaceable ear pads
• Available with a normal or durable cable
• Separate available solid washable ear pads
• Right‑angled gold‑plated jack plug

LBB3441/10 Under the chin headphones

• Lightweight stereo headphones
• Ergonomic design for use under the chin
• Replaceable ear tips
• Right-angled, gold-plated stereo jack plug

LBB3442/00 Single ear headphone

• Lightweight single earphone
• Left or right ear use
• Right‑angled gold‑plated jack plug

HDP-ILN Induction loop neckband

• Lightweight
• Used with ‘T-coil hearing aids
• Gold-plated jack plug

Click Here for more information

Bosch Interpreter Desk and Accessories

LBB3222/04 Interpreter desk:

• Accommodates 6 different language channels plus the original floor language.
• The incoming channel pre-selector key eliminates the need to manually search through all available language channels.
• Quick switching between the floor language and the channel set on the channel selector reduces the chance of operator errors.
• The electronic channel interlock function prevents interpreters in different booths from using the same output channel.

Click Here for more information

Taiden

Website: http://www.taiden.com/

Info: https://eventtechnology.org/taiden-conference-systems/

Taiden Radiators

Digital Infrared Radiator

• HCS-5100T/15B – (15 W, delay compensation function, 75 Ω, switching power supply, without fan)
• HCS-5100T/25B – (25 W, delay compensation function, 75 Ω, switching power supply, without fan))
• HCS-5100T/35B – (35 W, delay compensation function, 75 Ω, switching power supply, without fan)

Taiden Receivers

New Generation Digital Infrared Receiver

• HCS-5100R/40F – (40 CHs, LCD, language display, optional rechargeable battery pack or 2xAA alkaline cells, excl. battery)
• HCS-5100RA/F – (4 CHs, 8 CHs, 16 CHs, 32 CHs, 40 CHs, LCD, language display, 2xAA alkaline cells)
• HCS-5100R – (4 CHs, 8 CHs, 16 CHs, 32 CHs, LCD, language display, optional rechargeable battery pack or 2xAA alkaline cells, excl. battery)

Taiden Transmitters

• 4 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MA/FS/04F
  (compatible with interpreter unit or HCS-4100M/HCS-8300M, single-mode optical fiber interface)
• 8 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MA/FS/08F (compatible with interpreter unit or HCS-4100M/HCS-8300M, single-mode optical fiber interface)
• 16 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MA/FS/16F (compatible with interpreter unit or HCS-4100M/HCS-8300M, single-mode optical fiber interface)
• 4 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MA/04 (compatible with interpreter unit or HCS-4100M/HCS-8300M)
• 8 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MA/08F (compatible with interpreter unit or HCS-4100M/HCS-8300M)
  

  Taiden Transmitters

• 16 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MA/16F (compatible with interpreter unit or HCS-4100M/HCS-8300M)
• 4 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MC/04FD (Dante interface)
• 8 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MC/08FD (Dante interface)
• 16 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MC/16FD (Dante interface)
• 4 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MC/04F
• 8 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MC/08F
• 16 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MC/16F
• 32 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MC/32F
• 40 CHs Digital Infrared Transmitter – HCS-5100MC/40F

Click Here for more information

WilliamSound

Website: William Sound Website

Williams Sound offers communication technology to help meet the challenges of your language interpretation application – whether at school, at a conference, in a house of worship, or in a courtroom.

DWS INT 5 300 – DIGI-WAVE LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION SYSTEM

The DWS INT 5 300 is a completely portable, wireless, single-speaker, 4-language interpretation system. Ideal for up to four languages, plus floor. Up to 50 listeners. Space for up to 70 receivers per tray. Ideal when security, sound quality, and flexibility are critical. Designed for small – to medium-size conferences, meetings, or other events where one language is shared by four interpreters. The system can serve up to 50 listeners. Additional DLT 300’s can be purchased separately to accommodate up to 14 additional languages. Additional DLR 360’s can be purchased separately to accommodate additional listeners. Can serve an unlimited number of listeners within the recommended range.

DWS INT 3 300 – DIGI-WAVE LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION SYSTEM

The DWS INT 3 300 is a completely portable, wireless, single-speaker (floor), single-language interpretation system. Ideal when security, sound quality, and flexibility are critical. Designed for small- to medium-sized venues such as presentation-style conferences, meetings, or worship services where up to 20 audience members need language interpretation in one or two languages.
Additional DLT 300’s can be purchased separately to accommodate additional interpreters. Additional DLR 360’s can be purchased separately to accommodate additional listeners.

Click Here for more information

DWS INT 4 300 – DIGI-WAVE LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION SYSTEM

The DWS INT 4 300 is a completely portable, wireless, single-speaker (floor) plus a 2-language interpretation system. Ideal when security, sound quality, and flexibility are critical. Designed for small – to medium-size conferences, meetings, or other events where one language is shared by two interpreters. The system can serve up to 25 listeners. Additional DLT 300’s can be purchased separately to accommodate up to 14 additional languages. Additional DLR 360’s can be purchased separately to accommodate additional listeners. Can serve an unlimited number of listeners within the recommended range.

WIR SYS 7522 PRO – MID-RANGE INFRARED SYSTEM

The WIR SYS 7522 PRO system – now with Phoenix Contact® audio input connectors on the WIR TX 75 Infrared Transmitter – ensures participants in a conference room, courtroom, classroom, or other mid-sized venue receive direct, clear communication of your message without sacrificing security. Includes WIR RX22-4 receivers–ideal for single-or two-channel applications. The sleek and stylish WIR TX75 is designed to maximize coverage area up to 12,000 square feet in single-channel mode. Two additional slaves (sold separately) can be added for additional coverage of up to 12,000 square feet each (for total coverage of up to 36,000 square feet). Placing additional slaves in the same room increases coverage and enhances the freedom of movement. A single CAT-5 cable carries both power and signal to slaves–truly a one-cable connection. The mounting bracket and power supply are included.

IC-2 INTERPRETER CONTROL CONSOLE

The Williams Sound IC-2 is an audio control center for the simultaneous interpretation of one or more languages. As a stand-alone unit, it allows one or two interpreters to monitor floor or relay sources, activate microphone inputs, and route the interpretation signal to one of two language groups. Ideal for presentation-style conferences of up to 14 languages, where a floor and a single relay language are used. Can be used with Williams Sound FM, infrared and Digi-Wave™ transmitters for portable or fixed installations. Designed to meet international standards for portable interpretation consoles.

Click Here for more information.

Braehler :

Website: www.braehler.com