Short definition
A video conference connects participants in different locations in real time via audio and video – increasingly with integrated interpreting as well.
Detailed explanation
Video conferences are everyday reality today – from small team meetings to major international events. Once multiple languages come into play, interpretation becomes a challenge: standard platforms aren't automatically suited for it. Stable latency, good audio quality, and separate language channels are essential for interpreters to work cleanly.
For multilingual video conferences, either platforms with a built-in interpreting function (language channels, relay, interpreter console) or specialized remote simultaneous interpreting platforms (RSI) are used. ISO 24019 defines requirements for such platforms, while ISO 20108 covers video and audio quality for interpreters. A clean image of speakers and slides also matters – interpreters need visual information to render content precisely.
Relevance in this subject area
The video conference is the technical framework for remote and hybrid formats. Whether interpretation succeeds depends on audio quality, channel separation, and platform choice.
Practical example
An international project team meets via video conference in three languages. Using the platform's interpreting function, each participant selects their language channel – interpreters are connected remotely from a hub.
Related terms
Remote interpreting, Video conference interpreting (VCI), ISO 24019, Transmission technology, Remote hub