Simultaneous Interpretation
For international conferences with multiple languages, it is obviously of utmost importance that all participants can understand what is being said. That is why a system which enables interpreters to simultaneously interpret the speaker's language is almost indispensable. The interpretations created are then distributed throughout the conference venue, so delegates can select the language of their choice and listen to it through headphones.
Infra-Red Distribution
The most effective method of distributing the interpretations is by using an infra-red language distribution system. Infra-red means wireless, so delegates have total freedom of movement. It means information integrity, because distributed signals cannot pass beyond the conference hall. The audio quality is independent from hall lighting.
In simple terms, an infra-red distribution system consists of a transmitter, one or more radiators and a number of receivers. Various accessories are also available, such as headphones, cables and battery chargers.
The transmitter is the central element in the Integrus system. It accepts inputs from either analog or digital sources, modulates these signals on to carrier waves, and then transmits the waves to infra-red radiators located elsewhere in the room. The transmitter accommodates special interface modules to ensure compatibility with these external signal sources. Depending on the transmitter model, up to 32 separate channels can be transmitted simultaneously. The output of the infra-red radiators is intensity-modulated infra-red radiation. Each delegate is supplied with a pocket receiver, which has a lens to collect the infra-red signal and direct it to a sensor. These signals are then decoded back into interpretation languages, which are chosen by delegates using a channel selector and passed to the delegate's headphones.
Conference Hall Privacy
Conferences can often involve discussion of sensitive information, where it is important that any audio distribution does not compromise security. As infra-red radiation is unable to pass through opaque structures such as walls, the congress venue itself acts as a barrier to infra-red radiation escaping and being overheard.
Audio Quality
The system offers greatly improved audio quality. Better compression techniques and a higher signal-tonoise ratio means that the received signal is much clearer, and, as mentioned above, there is no interference from lighting systems. Greater intelligibility makes the system less tiring to use over extended periods. Delegates can therefore maintain their concentration more easily throughout a long conference session.
Freedom of Movement for Delegates
With an infra-red system, delegates have great freedom in movement throughout the conference room. As the interpretations are transmitted through the air, there is no physical connection to the system, so the only limitations are the walls of the venue itself. The receivers used by delegates to pick up interpretations are lightweight, portable and unobtrusive, and can be easily by slipped into a shirt or jacket pocket.
