Delays

This paper discusses delays in audio and video data:

Delays occur at every point of signal conversion and transmission (keyword lip synchronicity).


In the past, sound conversion and transmission quickly experienced delays of 80 to 130 ms, and video transmission also experienced delays of more than 160 ms.

For orientation: 8 ms are imperceptible – to 160 ms are tolerable.

Special feature: For interpreting, this offset between audio and video should be as small as possible, because already from a few milliseconds offset (30 ms was once a guideline, source n.n.) the interpreter's work is impaired.

The technology manufacturers are constantly optimizing these times on their technology. However, your own computer system can itself cause additional latencies, e.g. due to too little RAM, fragmented hard disks, running background processes, outdated and inappropriate drivers and firmware.

The transmission from you to other participants takes a blink of an eye longer than if you were on site. The work in the remote situation has a different speed, a different rhythm for technical reasons. This technical beat is not always the same, try to sense this anew each time. If you can get involved, the remote situation will be much more pleasant and stress-free for all participants.