Remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) is the process of remotely interpreting speech from one language to another in real time. Using cloud-based technology, RSI connects interpreters, speakers, and participants from anywhere in the world. It reduces costs, increases flexibility, and makes multilingual communication accessible for events and meetings of any size - from small business meetings to large international conferences.
In this guide, we want to provide you with an overview of what these three words stand for, how does remote simultaneous interpretation work, and how you can use it to bridge the language gap and connect people in their own language.
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According to ISO, the International Standards Organisation, the definition of simultaneous interpretation is "the process of rendering a spoken or signed message into another spoken or signed language, preserving the register and meaning of the source language, performed while a speaker is still speaking or signing".
Add "remote" to the equation and it is possible for interpreters, speakers, and participants to interact from anywhere on the planet.
Having interpreters work remotely reduces costs, increases flexibility, offers more job opportunities for interpreters, and gives event organisers access to a broader pool of talent. When done right, Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (or RSI) is a modern solution for making your next event multilingual.
Simultaneous interpretation is the process of translating speech from one language to another in real-time. To read more about simultaneous interpretation, check out our simultaneous interpretation guide.
Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) eliminates the need for on-site interpreters and equipment—reducing costs, carbon emissions, and the burden on event organisers.
Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) works off the back of cloud technology and smart devices to create a frictionless experience for attendees/delegates.
RSI is still a relatively young field, having only emerged in the mid-2010's. Interprefy is part of a wider group of industry experts to define ISO standards for Remote Simultaneous Interpretation. However, you'll still often come across various terminologies, essentially describing the same methodology.
Synonyms for RSI include online interpreting, remote interpreting, distance interpretation, real-time interpretation, live event interpretation, online conference interpretation, live translation, or video interpreting.
These terms aren't interchangeable by accident — most emphasise a different aspect of the same underlying service. "Online interpreting" and "video interpreting" point to the medium (a web-based platform); "remote interpreting" and "distance interpretation" emphasise that the interpreter is working away from the event venue; and "real-time interpretation" and "live event interpretation" highlight that the interpreting happens as the speaker talks, with no delay. "Online conference interpretation" and "live translation" are also commonly used in conference and broadcasting contexts, even though, strictly speaking, "translation" refers to written text rather than spoken language.
Which term you'll encounter often depends on the audience: conference organisers, agencies, and Language Service Providers tend to use precise industry language like "remote interpreting" or "remote simultaneous interpretation," while general audiences searching online more often reach for everyday phrases like "live translation" or "online interpreting." Recognising these synonyms is useful whether you're researching providers, briefing colleagues, or simply trying to describe what you need for your event — they all point to the same core idea: professional interpreters delivering real-time language interpretation from a remote location, via cloud-based technology.
Language interpretation is about conveying the meaning of spoken or signed words from one language to another, so that audiences can understand what's being said.
Compared to translation, interpretation is a much more immediate process with no time for second-guessing or wordsmithing. Interpreters must understand, digest, and relay messages to audiences in another language in spoken or signed form. Two main modes of interpretation exist today:
Simultaneous interpretation takes place in real-time, with the interpreter converting a speaker's words and meaning into another language as that speaker is talking. The interpreter will be listening to the speaker via headphones and interpreting into a microphone for the audience. This method of interpretation is indispensable when a delay in the delivery of the speech could disrupt the experience of the event. Simultaneous interpretation really shines in situations where one person (or a panel) is speaking to an audience — think diplomatic conferences, international conventions, courtrooms, lectures and presentations, press conferences, and so on.
Consecutive interpretation takes place when a speaker makes a speech or says a few sentences and pauses to allow the interpreter to convey their most recent statement to the target audience before proceeding. The interpreter usually sits or stands next to the speaker — taking notes as the speaker talks — to help relay everything clearly. This method is typically used for small meetings/events, one-to-one conversations, court depositions, and much more as it has the advantage of being more like a conversation, with both parties being able to speak uninterrupted.
To learn more about the differences between interpretation and translation, read our detail comparison.
Understanding how remote simultaneous interpretation works starts with four key components working together:
Speaker— a presenter speaks in one language. Their voice and image are streamed live to a remote interpreter, typically through a web browser on a laptop or desktop computer.
Interpreter(s) — an interpreter hears and sees the speaker on their device. Using a quality headset and microphone, they translate the speaker's language into another language, in real-time.
RSI Platform — the interpreter's speech is transmitted to a cloud-based Remote Simultaneous Interpretation platform through their laptop or desktop computer. Good broadband is essential! Platforms like Interprefy integrate with popular teleconferencing products like Skype, WebEx, and Zoom, as well as offer a standalone web conferencing service.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our guide on how to set up Interprefy for virtual and hybrid conferences.
Audience — attendees and/or delegates can connect to the RSI platform via a computer or mobile device, seeing and hearing the speaker in the language of their choice.
RSI started emerging in the mid-2010s as a cost-efficient alternative to traditional interpretation setups at in-person conferences, congresses, and tradeshows. Through RSI technology, interpreters were no longer required to be present on-site, and delegates could access interpretation through a mobile app on their smartphones.
While the pandemic has shifted conferencing into the virtual space, in-person events have started adopting a hybrid approach, allowing online event access for delegates or attendees who are not travelling to the conference venue. In this scenario, remote participants join the event on their computer, through web conferencing software with integrated interpretation channels. Learn more about remote interpreting for on-site events.
Before we dive into the benefits of remote simultaneous interpretation, let's first take a look at the limitations of traditional modes of delivering conference interpretation:
Cost - Delivering traditional conference interpretation comes with several layers of cost - from travel and accommodation costs for interpreters to renting interpreter booths and radio receivers for listeners.
Attainability - Due to the complexity and cost associated with traditional conference interpretation, this used to be a service only available to governments, large NGOs, and large multinationals.
Floor space & scalability - Conferencing venues only have so much space that can be used for setting up interpreter booths. That also meant the number of languages for a conference was limited by the available floor space.
Technical complexity - AV and conferencing systems, booths, hard consoles, and radio receivers - setting up an on-site interpretation installation is far from easy.
Sustainability - Travel, lodging, food and beverage, and energy are the biggest factors in any events' carbon footprint.
Remote Simultaneous Interpretation has managed to successfully solve all of the above issues by taking interpretation into the cloud.
RSI platforms enable easily accessible multilingual events, both online and offline. At the same time, RSI increases flexibility and scalability by enabling entirely virtual or hybrid setups, with some interpreters working on-site from booths and remotely at the same time.
RSI brings many advantages for multilingual events and meetings:
RSI can be scaled to accommodate thousands of listeners, unlimited language requirements, and multiple access points.
How much does remote simultaneous interpretation cost? The answer to this question will depend on the size of your event, number of languages, and amount of interpretation hours, among other factors. However, one thing is clear; RSI can help in reducing layers of the cost associated with conference interpreting, from no booth to rent, to no interpreter travel and accommodation costs.
RSI can help to connect listeners and speakers in their own language, no matter where they are located. When people are forced to listen and respond in a second language, part of their mental energy is spent translating rather than engaging with the content. RSI removes this cognitive tax of English-only events by allowing attendees to participate in the language where they think best.
Eliminating travel requirements can support event organisers in their efforts to reduce their event's carbon footprint.
Making interpreting available anywhere and on any platform.
RSI providers like Interprefy provide ISO 27001-compliant information security standards and enterprise-grade security features to govern access.
Through RSI technology, multilingual captions, as well as event recordings for post-event usage, can be provided.
Live statistics of interpretation usage can be made available by the RSI provider.
Dedicated support technicians can support interpreters and event organisers to ensure a flawless setup and seamless experience.
RSI platforms like Interprefy support interpreters every step of the way, from platform training to setup and sound checks before the event starts. During the event, dedicated support technicians maintain a direct line with interpreters to assist with technical difficulties.
For a detailed overview, see the technical requirements for interpreters performing on Interprefy.
Instead of spending time booking tickets, finding housing, and travelling between countries, remote work allows for more flexibility in choosing assignments, attending more events, and finding more time to connect with family and friends.
Remote simultaneous interpretation can be used almost anywhere multilingual communication is needed, making simultaneous interpretation available for any type of professional gathering.
At Interprefy, the scope of opportunities for multilingual meetings is endless. Business meetings, webinars, hybrid events, press conferences, multilingual conferences of any scale, governmental sessions - the sky is the limit.
Inteprefy has seen many extraordinary remote simultaneous interpretation use cases. We've connected arctic expeditions, connected 40 world leaders, we even connected an astronaut on the International Space Station ISS to Dubai Expo.
Interested in learning more? Explore our use cases here.
Because Interprefy partners with the leading virtual event and web conferencing platforms, Interprefy can be used to integrate simultaneous interpretation in the videoconferencing platform of your choice. Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, ON24, Hopin, and many, many more!
RSI platforms like Interprefy can also be flexibly combined with on-site AV hardware and conferencing systems.
Interested to learn more? Explore our integrations here.
When compared to traditional interpreting setups, RSI is very cost-efficient. In multilingual meetings with RSI there are essentially two main cost items to keep in mind: technology and professional services.
RSI technology is cloud-based, and pricing models between providers vary — usually based on factors like usage volume, service hours, number of languages, and whether a subscription or pay-as-you-go model is offered. See Interprefy's pricing approach for an example based on actual usage and service hours.
When combining RSI platforms like Interprefy with AV installations at an event venue, no big investments are necessary. Audio and video feeds can simply be plugged into a computer to feed to the cloud-based RSI platform and back.
When combining RSI with the videoconferencing platform of your choice, the only additional thing to consider is the subscription to that specific platform, if needed.
Professional services are the other major cost factor, typically covering interpreter fees, project management, and technical support. Pricing for these varies by provider — some charge purely for service hours, others fold it into a broader plan. See Interprefy's professional services for an example.
Additional services such as live captions, glossary and terminology support, or media services may also be available depending on the provider, and can add to the overall cost.
Three services are generally key to a well-run RSI event:
The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to booking interpreters is that they always work in pairs. The cognitive load during the performance of RSI is immense, therefore interpreters always work with a (virtual) booth partner to take turns in interpreting.
The second thing to remember is that the better you prepare your interpreters, the better the quality will be. Professional conference interpreters will take the time to study the presentations and documentation you're providing beforehand and will also log in early to the event to check the setup and perform a sound-check.
Depending on the RSI provider or Language Service Providers you work with, interpreter fees may vary. The availability of the required language combinations and level of their subject expertise may also be factors affecting fees.
But essentially, what does an interpreter do? Interpreters will connect to our platform and provide real-time interpretation that will get to your audience with the highest quality. Therefore, interpreter fees are always time-based and charged by the hour.
A dedicated project manager will support your requirements from planning through delivery. Before the event, this usually means coordinating technical requirements with your IT/AV specialist or video conferencing platform, supporting platform setup, and helping source the right interpreters for your language combinations and subject area. During the event, the project manager coordinates between all parties involved — interpreters, technical support, and the client — to keep the multilingual experience running smoothly. Interprefy, for example, assigns a dedicated, enterprise-level project manager to oversee this process from planning through execution.
Experienced remote support technicians aren't always required, but having them on hand can make a meaningful difference to consistent quality and reliability — helping set up sessions and monitor interpretation, audio, and video throughout the event.
For quality assurance, support technicians typically monitor interpreter performance and maintain a direct line throughout, including monitoring every language channel in real time via the provider's remote support interface.
Interprefy's unique and stringent quality control, remote interpretation support, and technical expertise mean that your event will go smoothly from beginning to end.
Looking to maximise your interpretation budget? Explore our proven tips for saving money when booking interpretation services.
The new norm of global web conferencing has made it as easy as never before to connect with global peers and audiences. But when it comes to hosting multilingual conferences onsite or online, there are a few common rookie mistakes, that can stand in the way of your success.
Making your multilingual event a seamless experience for everyone can be a complex objective that requires more than just having the content in multiple languages. Anticipation and teamwork are key to avoiding common pitfalls.
For small and medium-sized businesses, many of the current cloud-based conferencing/meeting tools will suffice; they’re robust, easy to use and quick to deploy. But hosting large-scale events for thousands of people across several regions sets the bar higher.
An RSI partner like Interprefy can provide an ISO 27001-compliant platform with redundant servers across the globe, offers proven experience in delivering interpretation in a myriad of setups, integrates with your event tech stack and provides hands-on support at any point.
When evaluating an RSI provider, key questions to ask include whether they can support both one-off events and ongoing multilingual programmes, whether they offer human interpreters, AI speech translation, or both, and what proof of delivery quality they can provide. Read more on choosing a language interpretation partner.
At Interprefy, we work with leading Language Service Providers (LSP's) to find the right match of experienced conference interpreters for your required language combination and subject expertise. That means we can source interpreters for even the rarest languages and at short notice.
For a comprehensive breakdown of platform selection criteria, see what to look for in a simultaneous interpretation service.
The behaviour of a speaker has a huge impact on the working conditions and ultimately on the performance of interpreters. Making sure speakers use quality microphones, have no background noise and speak paced and clearly is key.