Distance Interpreting

Distance Interpreting Service

What Is Distance Interpreting?

Distance interpreting, also known as video remote interpreting, is a process that allows us to place sign language interpreters in your classrooms, meetings, or public events. Interpreters work from the SIUC campus and can be broadcast virtually anywhere in the nation and many places in the world!

A two-way internet video connection allows participants and especially deaf participants to see the interpreters. Interpreters, in turn, will be able to see deaf participants. The service will work in many settings where the procedings are in lecture or small group format.

Using our video remote interpreters means you'll have access to highly qualified and credentialed interpreters at a fraction of the cost of a commuting interpreter.

Who Can Utilize This Service?

SIUC Distance Interpreting Service is already technologically compatible with 200 schools (public schools, colleges, and universities all over Illinois). Schools, colleges, or universities anywhere in the nation or world that have video conferencing capabilitiy are also able to use this service. Services to public agencies or private corporations can be provided on an appointment basis.

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday 8:00am-9:00pm CST
Saturday and Sunday interpreters may be available upon request.
"Call-in" or "on-demand" services are not currently available. Services must be scheduled in advance. Start the process the minute you know you need an interpreter. First-time customers will need to request services a minimum of one working week in advance.

Contacts

Lisa Caringer Senior Interpreter, Disability Support Services

Testing Your Connection

Testing Your Connection

This guide is for those concerned about investing money just to test the viability of using this technology. While there are many ways to configure equipment, we share this example to show potential clients the ease of accessing this service.

Basically, distance interpreting is two computers equipped with off the shelf cameras/microphones communicating with each other through a high speed connection.

The connection software we recommend has a free trial download and with the software installed, you can connect to our office and see how effectively our video is arriving on your computer. After that, you would only need to invest in an off the shelf webcam for approximately $100 and software price at around $150.

If you are interested in the super-quick, "I can do it myself" process:

1. Go to www.polycom.com/pvxtrial, download and install the PVX software (with or without a camera).
2. Open the Polycom PVX program and dial 131.230.211.14
3. We are trying to keep the connection open (mic muted) pointed toward some type of activity.
4. If you want a person in front of the camera, call Lisa or Michael 8 - 4:30 (central) at 618-453-5738 and let us know you are attempting connection.
5. Evaluate the speed and clarity of connection.
6. If this speedy process doesn't work, read on for more details on how to configure and set-up your system.

Detailed Congfiguration and Set-up for Video Remote Interpreting

Background on fundamental pieces

Computer

For the most part, a decent windows based computer bought in the last couple of years should be able to handle the load. If your computer currently surfs the internet pretty fast then you shoud be okay. Suggested technical specifications are:

1. A PC with Intel Pentium IV 1.8 GHz or higher
2. 256 MB of RAM
3. 16 MB of Video Memory
4. 62 MB of Hard Drive Space
5. SVGA 800x600 Display Resolution
6. Broadband IP connection (LAN, DSL or Cable - minimum 128kbps upstream for internet connection)
7. Microsoft Windows XP or 2000
8. Internet Explorer® 6.0 or later
9. Microsoft Direct X 9.0b or later
10. Windows Media Player 9.0 or later

Camera

Note - you do not need a camera to test this software and connections. While SIUC has some high end cameras, we have found the Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 ($99) to be acceptable for desktops and the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro ($99) to work well with laptops. Both of these come with an integrated microphone and use a high speed USB 2 connection (your computer probably has one if your computer is somewhat new). For the most part, the software we promote supports Logitech Webcams and if you are considering something else, the software company has a "Selecting Audio and Video Devices for Use with Polycom PVX" pdf file. Most of these WebCams can be found at local shops such as Staples or BestBuy.

Connection

The software company states that you will need a broadband IP connection (LAN, DSL or Cable - minimum 128kbps upstream for internet connection). In easier terms, your computer must be able to access the internet without dialing a number. After the software is installed, you will have a chance to make a connection with our camera which will provide you with a feel for how fast your connection is working.

Software installation and setup

There are a multitude of choices for video conferencing. After testing many programs, we have found the most consistent, reliable, and easy to use program is Polycom PVX. This program automates the setup and tends to navigate through internet servers better than others. It also allows individuals to test the software for free in five minute increments. The following is the process to set up the software with explanations of the more confusing sections.

1. Go to www.polycom.com/pvxtrial, download, install, launch and start the configuration process.
2. Fill in basic things like name and e-mail address but if the program autofills a form, leave it be.
3. During the directoy setup window, just skip through with "next" without entering anything
   
   
   
   
4. On the VideoMail stage, a video should start playing. Go ahead and activate next.
5. The next stage tests sound with a ring type sound, activate next.
6. Leave everything on Auto for the Device selection stage and activate next.
7. The network stage looks tricky but it is not. The program wants to know if you have a specific address assigned to your computer or if it searches for one everytime your computer connects to the internet. The program should pick up on which one you use automatically. The same goes for the port question.
   
   
   
   
8. Activate Finish
9. At this point, you are ready to test your connection ability. For those wanting more detailed information on configurations, one can be found at Internet and Intranet Calling with Polycom

If you are interested in purchasing the software, CDW carries the product. It is listed on the CDW Industry site and their CDW government site. Last checked, they required interested parties to call (800.750.4239) for price and on 6-07-06 they quoted $125 for one government educational license.

Testing the connection

Our test connection computer is up and running with the auto answer feature turned on. The camera is pointed toward a window. The sound will be muted. If you run into any problems or you want to have someone in front of the camera, call 618.453.5738 and ask for Lisa or Michael. The following is a guide to help you connect to our camera.

1. Launch the Polycom PVX program.
2. The first time, Windows will give you a security message asking about the program. Click Unblock.
   
   
   
   
3. Enter 131.230.211.14 in the "Enter address and click Call to dial" box.
4. Click call to connect
5. You should receive an image in less than 20 seconds.

Problem Solving

1. If you start to receive video and then the screen goes blank or you receive a message that says something about being blocked or service such as:
   
   
   
   Try calling back a few times. The connection is not efficiently working and something is being dropped. This happens to about 75% of calls attempted that are not configured properly. This is OK because we are just testing. However, later on it will be necessary to do more work to ensure communication is not dropped during an interpreting session.
2. If you are still having difficulty, contact your IT department and let them know you are attempting to communicate with video from 131.230.211.14 using Port 1720 (TCP) for H.323 (media traffic for the layperson) with a media port range (UDP and TCP) of 3230-3237. This should provide them with to facilitate communication. If your IT department needs more, please have them e-mail Michael Whitney at DSSsiu@siu.edu
3. If there are still problems with connecting, please e-mail Lisa Caringer at LCare@siu.edu or Michael Whitney at DSSsiu@siu.edu and they will work with you and your IT department to make this service work for you.

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