The ATA Chronicle - November/December 2020 - 16

SIX REMOTE SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING PLATFORMS AND ZOOM continued
Onboarding Process: The onboarding
process (e.g., training and adding
interpreters to the database) is really well
thought out. There's a dedicated training
module on the website complete with
text descriptions and video guidelines on
how to work with the KUDO platform.
After training (or what KUDO refers to as
the " interpreter's journey " ), interpreters
complete their profiles on the website and
can receive assignments from their own
clients using the platform.
Technical Requirements:

Figure 3: Handover function in KUDO
(60 seconds). During this time, the
active interpreter should conclude
their interpreting segment and find
an appropriate moment to switch the
microphone over to the other interpreter.
■	

Next, the active interpreter clicks the " Go "
button to switch off their microphone.

■	

The " Your turn " message will pop up on
the passive interpreter's screen close to
the microphone button, which means
it's time for them to switch on their
microphone and take over.

Kudo's very elaborate handover
process is designed for situations when
interpreting partners are working
from different locations and cannot
communicate in person. However, it's
been my experience that the handover
16

The ATA Chronicle | November/December 2020

process is one of the bottlenecks for RSI
in Kudo. I think the entire process is too
complicated and that all the buttons and
multiple stages required to request and
confirm handover is really distracting
when interpreting.
Is it possible to listen to the floor
speaker and your interpreting partner
simultaneously? Kudo did not allow for
this option until recently. You could only
choose one audio channel. As a result,
many interpreters were using another
device to call each other via a second
application such as Messenger to ensure
a seamless handover. But KUDO has
recently rolled out a new release with this
function enabled so that you can listen to
your partner.

■	

8GB RAM, Intel i7 Core Processor, 15inch monitor, and cordless mouse

■	

Dedicated sound card and graphics card

■	

One additional LCD monitor
(minimum size: 20 inches)

■	

Two professional-grade USB headsets
for backup (Suggested models: KOSS
CS300 and Logitech H540)

■	

One APC Smart UPC unit as a power
backup for all networking devices

■	

Google Chrome or Firefox web browsers

■	

Stable, wired connection for all
computers in use by interpreters

■	

Upload and download network speed
of at least 5 Mbps

■	

Room-wide wireless for redundancy

Technical Support: Technical support
is provided by the moderator on the RSI
platform. I have to say that KUDO replies
very quickly to all questions.
Mobile App: There's a mobile app for
participants but not for interpreters.
An app would be useful for emergency
situations when an interpreter cannot
connect to the conference via computer.

INTERPREFY
www.interprefy.com
Interprefy is both an event and RSI
platform. Online events can be held either
directly on the Interprefy platform or you
can use Interprefy to connect to external
programs such as Zoom, Skype, Webex,
or Microsoft Teams. Figure 4 on page 17
shows an example of Interprefy's interface.
Interface: The interface seems simpler
than some of the other platforms out
www.atanet.org
http://www.interprefy.com http://www.atanet.org
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