Video Remote Interpreting

Video Remote Interpreting, also known as VRI, is a video telecommunication service that uses devices such as web cameras or videophones to provide sign language or spoken language interpreting services. This is done through a remote or offsite interpreter in order to communicate with people that have a communication barrier.

VRI uses special video conferencing software, equipment, and a high-speed Internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to provide the services of a qualified interpreter, located in another location, or through an AI-powered interpretation platform. VRI is used in a wide variety of settings including businesses, hospitals, schools, financial institutions, and much more. The presenter is equipped with a headset and video camera to provide a high-quality interaction with the audience.

None of the participants need to be in the same location for VRI to work. VRI can be used for everything from employee interviews, company all-hands meetings, local government town halls, and large industry conferences.

Benefits of Video Remote Interpreting

There are many benefits to Video Remote Interpreting, including:

• Available on-demand, 24/7
• Works for a wide range of industries and use cases
• Highly cost-effective - Compared to other interpreting services, VRI is friendly on your budget. If you were setting up an in-person interpreting service, you would likely need to pay for an appointment charge, travel costs, and other fees for the language specialist to get to where they need to go. There’s also no need to buy or rent expensive equipment. A simultaneous interpreter who is at your event in person will need a soundproof booth and audio and visual links so they can see the main speaker. Plus, you will need headsets for every member of your audience who needs interpretation. When you use a remote interpreter, you will usually just need the audience to download an app to their smartphone and click “go”.
• Minimal equipment requirements - If you’ve got a device like a laptop, smartphone or tablet, you’ve got pretty much everything you need to set up video remote interpreting.
• Removes location barriers - Even before social distancing became a phrase in common usage, VRI was making it possible to facilitate communications without parties needing to be in the same space. With VRI, you can be in completely different cities, countries or even on the far side of the world from the person you want to communicate with.