Translation is written; interpretation is oral. Simultaneous translation and simultaneous translation equipment are common misnomers used by substandard interpretation providers and are among those red flag terms that serve as warning that the provider using them is not as knowledgeable about the profession as he should be.
How many different kinds of simultaneous interpretation equipment are there?
This chart gives an overview of the different types of simultaneous interpretation equipment, with their recommended uses:
FM or Infrared
FM
IR
Use FM systems for ease of operation, flexibility, and transportability.
Use IR systems for confidentiality and sound reliability.
FM systems can transmit through solid objects
IR systems cannot transmit thought solid objects
FM systems operate indoors or outdoors
IR systems operate indoors only
FM systems are user-friendly and can be installed easily by almost anyone.
IR is complex to install and requires precise and painstaking positioning.
FM transmitters can be positioned anywhere and hidden from view.
IR emitters must be within a direct line of sight of the receivers and can be unsightly.
FM systems can suffer from radio interference.
IR systems are immune to radio interference.
FM Wideband or Narrowband
WIDEBAND
NARROWBAND
Use wideband for economical, reliable transmission in most environments
Use narrowband in high radio traffic environments or when you need up to 40 simultaneous channels
Wideband channels have less noise
Narrowband channels have more noise
Wideband channels have better frequency response
Narrowband channels have poorer frequency response
Wideband receivers cost less
Narrowband receivers cost more
72 MHz or 216 MHz?
72 MHz
216 MHz
72 MHz has a transmission range of up to 1,500 feet
216 MHz has a transmission range of up to 3,000 feet
72 MHz has exceptional sound quality
216 MHz has good sound quality
2 MHz is compatible with existing FM assistive listening equipment
216 MHz avoids interference from existing FM listening equipment
72 MHz can operate in up to 8 simultaneous channels.
216 MHz can operate in up to 3 simultaneous channels
What is RF equipment?
RF stands for "radio frequency" and refers to equipment that transmits sound over radio waves. It uses the same frequency spectrum as ordinary radios, except that interpretation equipment transmits over specific assigned frequencies.
Is RF the same as FM?
In the context of interpretation equipment, the two terms are used interchangeably, since all radio frequency equipment approved for interpretation is FM.
As you know from your radio, radio waves are classified by type of modulation into AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation). RF means "radio frequency" and FM stands for "frequency modulation". Therefore, all FM is RF, but not all RF is FM.
What is an IR system?
IR stands for infrared and, in the context of interpretation, refers to equipment that conveys sound over infrared emissions, as opposed to RF systems than transmit sound over radio waves.
Our AV company told us that infrared is better than radio frequency. Is that true?
No. Whether infrared or radio frequency is better for you, depends on how, why, and where you'll be using the equipment. While infrared can be better in some environments, in others it simply will not work at all, or perform very poorly.
How do I make sure I have the right equipment configuration? The company we hired keeps talking about it, but I'm not even sure what it means.
All it means is the types of equipment used and the way the equipment is wired, which should be a function of the number of languages and needs of your meeting.
Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment FAQ's
