ISO 20108 – Simultaneous Interpretation – Audio Transmission Quality

This ISO 20108 specifies the elementary parameters for the quality of audio and video input signals for simultaneous interpretation.
In addition, for the first time, it contains requirements for simultaneous interpreting in settings where the interpreter, the audience and the speaker are not present in the same room (Distance Interpreting/Remote Interpreting). This is to ensure the signal quality required for simultaneous interpreting even when transmitting over longer distances.

The parameters relevant for presence interpreting have already been researched to a large extent in recent years. The results of this research form the basis of the parameters that have now also been formulated as requirements in the standard. These include, for example, certain requirements for microphones and microphone management, the switching characteristics of sound input and output signals, speech intelligibility, image quality, image projection and lip synchronicity. 

Background info: From 2020 onwards, in particular, there will be many hybrid mixed forms and digital forms of events in addition to face-to-face events. If the interpreters are not present at these events but are connected remotely, a certain quality of audio and video must be guaranteed for the interpreters so that they have a professional working basis with which they can interpret.