ZOOM supports multiple sound channels in its current software: The so-called “Interpretation Feature”. A translator can listen to the original sound channel and simultaneously speak into a channel B, i.e. translate.
This feature is primarily intended to translate long presentations, e.g. in a webinar, into different languages. However, conversations between people speaking different languages can be a challenge for viewers and translators, because ZOOM does not provide a so-called switchable feed-through of the original sound into the translation soundtrack.
Before the virtual event, please decide which of the following you would like to choose for your event. Please send us your choice at least one week before the event to support@easylivestream.de and also inform speakers and translators about your decision.
(In all of the following scenarios, it’s always just about the sound! No matter which audio tracks your speakers choose, everyone can always see each other!)
== SCENARIO A ==
All speakers are together in one room and speak their languages (original sound).
⚫ OPTION A1
The translators translate only the parts that are in the foreign language. The viewers then have to jump back and forth between the original sound and the translation using a button in ZOOM.
⚠️ For an additional live stream with translation sound only suitable with additional staff!
⚫ OPTION A2
> The translators have a special hardware device with a switch. This allows the translator:in to switch between “pass through original sound” and “your translation”. (Attention: This hardware is expensive and cannot be purchased at the “Mediamarkt next door” or similar. Furthermore, the configuration requires a lot of knowledge about audio routing within computers).
✅ Suitable for additional live stream with translation sound: Yes!
⚫ OPTION A3
> Instead of the translator, we at the EasyLivestream team send the audio from the original track to the translation channel. For each translation channel, one sound technician and extensive sound equipment is required (costs: 300 euros / translation channel + personnel costs).
⚠️ For additional live stream with translation sound only suitable with additional staff!
== SCENARIO B ==
All speakers are together in one room and speak one language (e.g. English).
⚫ OPTION B1
> The translator(s) “continuously” translate the audio into a foreign language (e.g. German). – Attention: This can be translators only for a certain length. I.d.R. 30 minutes. Then they have to take turns.
✅ Suitable for additional live stream with translation sound: Yes!
For your information: The viewers of the ZOOM webinar have the option to listen to the original track with 20% volume in the background of the translation channels. Unfortunately, this volume is not sufficient to follow the conversation permanently. The volume from the original sound is unfortunately too low at 20% and cannot be dynamically adjusted by the viewers.
