| Translation Equipment (or to use its more correct | | | | The other main kind of translation equipment is FM |
| names: simultaneous interpreting equipment or | | | | radio-based. Here, a low-power radio signal on a |
| simultaneous interpretation equipment) is used in | | | | specific frequency is broadcast through the room. |
| conferences and meetings to convey the voice of an | | | | If more than one language is being interpreted, then |
| interpreter to the listeners. You've probably seen | | | | each one is on a separate frequency or channel, and |
| pictures of the United Nations where the delegates | | | | the listeners select the language they want to hear |
| each have a little earpiece – that's translation | | | | on their receiver. |
| equipment. Specifically, that's the earpiece attached | | | | Some tips for making sure your simultaneous |
| to the receiver. | | | | interpretation goes smoothly: |
| Here's how it works: | | | | 1) Make sure your interpreters can see the people |
| At the back of the room (or in an adjacent room) a | | | | who are speaking - position them so they have a |
| team of interpreters sits in a sound-dampening booth, | | | | good view of the stage or podium, or set up video |
| listening to the presenter through headphones. They | | | | monitors for them instead. |
| do the hard part: they simultaneously listen and | | | | 2) Put the booths on risers if you can –- this |
| interpret what they hear into another language. Their | | | | helps to make sure their view is not obstructed by |
| voice is picked up by a microphone, which distributes | | | | the audience. |
| the sound through an interpreter console to a | | | | 3) Use a full booth whenever your budget will allow |
| transmitter. | | | | –- it makes life easier for both the interpreters |
| The transmitter acts like a miniature radio station | | | | and the audience. |
| – it sends a signal out to the room. Each listener | | | | 4) Don't try to get by without a technician! Good |
| then hears the interpreter's voice on a small receiver, | | | | interpreting technicians are a crucial ingredient in the |
| through an earpiece. Some transmitters are infrared | | | | success of your meeting. We have found that regular |
| – they use invisible light waves to distribute the | | | | AV technicians and well-meaning volunteers cannot |
| signal throughout the room. The main use of infrared | | | | take the place of an interpretation technician without |
| equipment is in top-secret conferences such as | | | | thorough training. |
| government and UN meetings, where even the | | | | 5) Choose a company that specializes in translation |
| slightest chance of eavesdropping cannot be | | | | equipment. More generalized translation agencies will |
| tolerated. Since light cannot pass through opaque | | | | often purchase a small amount of translation |
| walls, infrared interpreting equipment is considered | | | | equipment, but they often don't have the expertise |
| absolutely private (as long as you remember to close | | | | and experience to do a good job in a wide variety of |
| the drapes!) | | | | events. |