Short definition
Video Conference Interpreting refers to interpreting within a video conference, where participants and usually the interpreter are connected via both video and audio.
Detailed explanation
In VCI, communication takes place within a video conference – with the decisive advantage over purely audio-based formats: the interpreter sees facial expressions, gestures, and often slides. This visual context significantly eases understanding and notably improves quality compared to ACI/TCI.
VCI tends to describe the conference situation itself (everyone in a video conference), while VRI emphasizes the interpreter's remote location; in practice, the terms overlap. What matters for good VCI is a stable connection, low latency, clean audio separation, and a usable camera image of speakers and presentation. For simultaneous work, platforms with an interpreting function or dedicated RSI solutions are used; ISO 24019 and 20108 set the quality benchmarks.
Relevance in this subject area
VCI is today's standard format for multilingual online meetings. Video makes it superior to purely audio-based variants – but it remains dependent on connection quality.
Practical example
An international body meets via video conference in three languages. Interpreters see the speakers and their slides and interpret simultaneously via the platform's interpreting function.
Related terms
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), Video conferencing, Remote interpreting, ISO 24019, ISO 20108