Rental of conference equipment

Light radio systems – also called guided tour systems, infoport or by the brand name Bidule – are less expensive than infrared digital interpreting systems. They are carried by the interpreter on the move, such as tour guides.

They can also be used in a booth, with the interpreter wearing a Lavalier microphone instead of using a microphone base and headphones that transmit the audio of speakers and questions from the audience. Light radio systems have the following disadvantages:

• Restricted number of listeners: the system efficiency can be compromised for audiences of more than 100 listeners.
• Limited signal transmission: this system requires an undisturbed signal transmission, so the listeners must be within 30-40 m of the interpreter and there must be no physical obstacles in the way, such as walls, or other transmissions on the same radio frequency. This means all the client’s radio microphones must be set to free channels.
• Only 1 secure channel: the system offers many channels but each transmitter only allows the simultaneous interpreting of 1 language at a time. Multiple interpreters may use multiple transmitters for different languages, but there is a risk of interference and the system does not have a relay function to create language bridges between multiple interpreters.
• Practical issues: although these radio systems for simultaneous interpreting are simple to use, they can pose the following problems
  • Transport of equipment: our suitcase systems are entrusted to an SMG interpreter or technician, who also explains how they work to the client. In the case of overnight stays, the suitcase must be stored securely; the client is liable in the event of theft or damage.
  • Inbound audio: The client must ensure that the interpreter can hear all the speakers at the event through their headset. In the event of lack of the necessary equipment or support, the client must contact SMG ahead of time so that we can assess the situation and provide suitable solutions. Where the audio cannot be transmitted directly to the interpreter headphones, the interpreter must be positioned close to a loudspeaker. In this case, the interpreting service is hampered by the difficulty of listening through a speaker and the fact that the audience will also be forced to listen to both the speaker and the interpreter, as it will all be heard through the interpreter’s microphone.
  • Distribution of receivers: the client is responsible for handing out the receivers to the audience and collecting them in at the end of the event and is liable for any loss or damage. We thus recommend that audience members who require a receiver be asked to leave an identity document as a guarantee, to be returned upon collection at the end. Receivers are numbered to help prevent loss or theft. If the suitcase is transported by the interpreter alone, once the event has started, no further receivers can be handed out (e.g. guests arriving late) because the interpreter cannot interrupt the translation. SMG UK can provide hostesses and stewards for the separate job of greeting guests and handing out and collecting in headsets.
  • Technical malfunction: the radio system for simultaneous interpreting is simple to use and it is a relatively robust technology, however, we recommend the use of technical support, especially for interpreting in official events. SMG UK can provide a support technician, who can explain how the system works, prevent potential technical glitches and solve any issues that do arise during the event.
  • Low battery: the suitcases must be charged for at least 2 days before use.

The remote simultaneous interpreting system is less expensive than the infrared digital interpreting system and transmits the translation to the listeners’ mobile devices (e.g. smartphones). It allows interpreters to work remotely, using a relay function, and the audience can listen to all the different translation languages (several channels). This remote system provides high-quality audio and can transmit the signal to an unlimited number of listeners provided there is good technical support for the conference and adequate connectivity.

SMG UK can use the client’s Teams, GoToWebinar and Cisco Webex web conferencing platforms to provide the interpreting service alone, or use our own Zoom platform to manage the whole event, including interpreting.

Our Zoom platform can create Webinars for up to 100 participants with our standard license or we can purchase a license upgrade for even larger events.

SMG UK uses the Cisco WebEx system, with which interpreters provide consecutive translation remotely from our SMG UK offices or from home. We use the Cisco WebEx system for consecutive commercial or non-conference interpreting (e.g. telephone interpreting).

This Voice over IP (VoIP) system has no interpreter travel costs but participants must have good internet connection.

This service involves the following stages:

This service involves the following stages:

• SMG checks that the participants have adequate internet connection and that the client is authorized to use external web systems (many public bodies are not);
• SMG creates a work session from its account once the client has ordered the service;
• the interpreter, the client and the interlocutor receive instructions from SMG on how to use the system before the event begins;
• SMG invites the interpreter, the client and the interlocutor to the conference and sends them the session access code, the usernames and passwords (more than 3 participants can be organized for an additional fee);
• SMG remains available during the service to offer technical support, activate the session and close it at the end of the event.