E-ging Solutions is a world-leading Shanghai translation company with specialties in interpretation.

       Until very recently, conference interpreters worked exclusively in conventional settings, such as meeting rooms and convention halls,and all participants (client, audience,and interpreters) were in the same venue. However, with improved and more reliable high-speed Internet and the development of telephone conferencing centers and web conference applications, we are now at a turning point where conference interpreting is feasible remotely from just about anywhere via webcast interpreting.
　　A webcast is a multimedia presentation streamed over the Internet, broadcasting audio and video content to many simultaneous listeners/viewers. Webcasts can be streamed live (simulcasts) or be available ondemand. Webcasts are made possible because of web conferencing services,which allow conference events to be shared. These events are called webinars when referring to more interactive presentations and online workshops.Oftentimes, webinars and webcasts also include a telephone component inwhich listeners can access the presentation by dialing into a local number and listening to the audio feed from the event. This is made possible by telephone conferencing systems. Close proximity to speakers is not necessary in order to interpret for these events because they make use of Internet protocol-based technology.
　　Webcast interpreting is slightly different from video remote interpreting (VRI), a video telecommunication service that uses devices such as web cameras or videophones to provide sign language or spoken language interpreting services. In traditional VRI, interpreters are seen,whereas in webcast interpreting theyare mostly heard.

　　Best practices in webcast interpreting events call for two interpreters per language and one project coordinator/manager. Just like at face-to-face events, conference interpreters working simultaneously will take turns and have rest periods. The difference here is that the interpreters are generally physically remote to the event and to each other, so the fact that the interpreters are not in the same booth will require more coordination between them in order to achieve seamless turn-taking.
　　Many web conferencing systems,such as Adobe Connect3 and Webex,4 have a chat window in which interpreters can communicate with each other regarding terminology questions, sound quality and volume checks, and the coordination of breaks and turn-taking. For example,this technology allows me to work from Colorado, whereas my booth mate is in Texas, and our project coordinator/manager is in New Jersey.
　　The project coordinator/manager should not only interface with the client and request materials in advance,5 but also monitor the incoming and outgoing sound, sound quality, and volume in a conference,just as a sound technician would. Similarly to the interpreters, the project coordinator/manager can also be remote to the client site and use the chat window to send instant messages to the interpreters.