Because of the limited capacity of the human brain to maintain full attention, an interpreter cannot work alone for more than 90 minutes; less so if he or she does it remotely. When a meeting is longer, two interpreters are needed, who take over every 20 to 30 minutes.
During his or her inactive shifts, the passive interpreter does not just rest: he or she constantly helps the active interpreter. He notes down and checks dates, figures, acronyms, looking up vocabulary and references during the speech, supervises the outgoing sound, and provides his colleague with everything he may need while working – water, light, heating o air conditioning, stationery… And above all, he is attentive and ready to take over in case the active interpreter encounters any difficulty (cough, distress, loss of concentration, technical problem).
SRI platforms allow for interpreters on the same team to work from different locations, and have developed a variety of notice systems to request a shift change (a «handover» function). But that functionality only allows for the organization of the relay between interpreters. True cooperation between them is only possible when they share the same physical space.
This is why Respaldo recommends the use of an interpretation hub, which offers soundproof and perfectly equipped interpreting booths, manned by professional sound technicians who supervise the service at all times.
Otherwise the interpreters must work together from an interpreting lab -a private and silent studio, properly equipped with the necessary sound material and with double independent and quality Internet connection (fiber optic + Ethernet).
To facilitate management and optimize costs, Respaldo has set up its own interpreting lab, with capacity for two interpreters.