1、Computer Configurations
- Regarding computer configuration, it is recommended that translators use a dual-core processor with a clock of 2GB or more, such as an intel i3 processor or higher, or an AMD Razorback processor. A computer with 8GB or more of RAM and MacOS 10.7 or later, Windows 7 or later (8, 8.1, 10) is also required. Zoom supports all major browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
- In addition, since interpreters interpreting on online meeting platforms often need to handle multi-threaded tasks such as information on the meeting site, electronic materials sent by users, and searching for information and terminology, we suggest that interpreters connect another screen in addition to the main screen of the computer. Multiple screens can display multiple interfaces at the same time, ensuring that the interpreter can see clear images of the meeting site and relevant textual materials at the same time, and avoiding mistakes, stagnation or delays caused by switching interfaces in the course of work, which may affect the quality of interpretation.
2、Internet Connection
- Before simultaneous interpretation, interpreters should test the speed of their network devices using an Internet speed test site to ensure that the broadband of the network meets the minimum hourly speed for uploading or downloading at the same time. The reference standard for broadband is at least 1.5Mbps for uploading and downloading HD videos with a resolution of 720p, and at least 3.0 Mbps for uploading and downloading HD videos with a resolution of 1080p. It is recommended to use a wired network for a more stable network environment if conditions permit.
- To ensure that simultaneous interpretation in meetings is not interrupted by unexpected network conditions, it is recommended that interpreters have a network backup plan in place, such as having both wired and wireless broadband (3G, 4G or 5G) available. In the event of an outage or slowdown in either network, Zoom can automatically switch connections based on the participant's network status, providing the best possible experience online.
3、Earphone
- In view of the fact that interpreters need to receive and input audio information for a long period of time, the choice of loudspeakers and microphones may, to a certain extent, also have an impact on the quality of simultaneous interpretation. Therefore, as far as headphones are concerned, we suggest that interpreters use adjustable active ambient noise-cancelling over-head headphones. In the process of interpreting, as the microphones of many participants are on, and the environment may produce noise or equipment noise, which may have an impact on the interpreter's working state, the selection of this type of headset can effectively reduce the background noise, and at the same time, avoid the phenomenon of delayed sound (the so-called audio-visual asynchrony phenomenon), so as to ensure that the interpreter receives clear and high-quality audio instantly. In addition, compared with in-ear headphones, over-ear headphones are more suitable for interpreters who need to work for a long time and are prone to fatigue, and in the process of simultaneous interpreting, the undesirable conditions caused by improper choice of equipments should be reduced as much as possible.
4、Microphone
- We recommend the use of an omnidirectional microphone with a built-in speaker, active noise cancellation and echo cancellation. Traditional conferences use gooseneck microphones, which have low sensitivity, are highly directional, and require close proximity to the speaker's mouth in order to pick up sound. In contrast, omnidirectional microphone built-in multiple microphones, support 360 ° omni-directional pickup, active noise reduction and can eliminate echo, effectively avoid the occurrence of whistling and other phenomena. Different models of omnidirectional microphones can pick up sound clearly at different distances from one metre to tens of metres. When interpreters conduct long-distance online interpretation, they often need to face multiple computer equipments and written materials, and their activity space is more flexible compared with that in the interpreting booth. Omni-directional microphones ensure that the interpreter can stably transmit uncompromised sound quality even when the interpreter's position moves.
5、Mobile Devices
- Users and interpreters with tablets and mobile devices may use Surface PRO 2 running Win 8.1, Surface PRO 3 running Win 10, iOS devices with iOS 7.0 or later, or Android devices. The above devices require a wireless broadband environment that caters for the same internet connection as mentioned above. Users can use the built-in speaker and microphone on the mobile device or choose to connect a wired or Bluetooth wireless speaker and microphone.
6、Testing
- The moderator and interpreters must ensure that they test the simultaneous interpretation function before the start of the meeting and allow the platform to obtain access to the camera and microphone before testing the function, so as to avoid unexpected situations such as mute or microphone being switched off, as well as updating the browser to the latest version. At the same time, the interpreter must draw up a back-up plan to ensure that the back-up computer, headset and microphone can be put into operation at any time, and that the back-up network is unobstructed.