Handbook for Sound Engineers

Interpretation and Tour Group Systems 1533

• In the event the interpreter cannot understand the
  floor language, the console must have a relay facility
  so the interpreter can select one of the interpreted
  channels that she can understand, and make an indi-
  rect interpretation of that language into the booth
  designated language.


• It is advisable to have some degree of flexibility and

control over the output channel of the booth to make

fullest use of the capabilities of the team of inter-

preters in the booth. There must also be a means to

prevent inadvertent interference with an engaged

channel by another booth.

• When necessary, the output of any or all channels
  must be available for recording, and/or connecting to
  other feeds for transmission elsewhere.


• A final important accessory to the system is visual
  indicators on the console to identify engaged chan-
  nels, and a two-way visual/audio system between the
  system operator and the interpreters’ booth to
  summon the operator for assistance or alert the inter-
  preter of a problem.

Figure 41-5 is an interpreter terminal for two inter-

preters according to ISO 4043. The unit is a double

interpreter terminal for alternating operation and

includes two microphone/headphone combinations. The

two output channels are directly selectable by the inter-

preter and relay translations are possible from all

languages. The listening area contains volume, bass,

treble controls, an incoming channel selector, and an

original/relay lever switch. It also has extra communica-

tion channels to and from the system operator and status

information lights.

Once the language has been interpreted and sent to

the master station, it must be routed to the listeners.

There are three basic systems of transmitting the signal;

the hardwired system, the multichannel FM inductive

loop, and the infrared transmission system.

41.1.3. Hard Wired Systems

Hardwired systems are primarily used to transmit inter-

preted language channels to delegate stations on the

conference hall floor. They are most useful in areas such

as the United Nations building where the listeners are

always seated in the same place and can tolerate the

cable to the earphones. A hardwired system is the most

reliable, has the best security against eavesdropping and

has the best audio performance. As a rule, hardwired

systems are cheaper in hardware costs but more expen-

sive in installation costs. In multiconductor cable

systems, each channel is amplified and transmitted on a

pair of conductors. Each listener usually has a panel

located at his or her seat that includes a language

selecting switch, a volume control, and an earphone

jack. If the conductors are a twisted pair, there is little

crosstalk in lines in excess of 1000 m (3280 ft), and

farther with shielded cable. Hardwired systems are not

particularly good for portable systems as it is not easy

or physically safe to lay out cables on the floor to the

various listeners. It is important that the user does not

place the earphones next to a microphone, unless it is

Figure 41-3. A fully digital two outgoing A/B channels and
four input relay buttons. Courtesy Listen Technologies
Corporation.

Figure 41-4. A portable or fixed installation interpreter’s
booth for two interpreters. Courtesy Listen Technologies
Corporation.