Many of you were intrigued when we shared the news that language channels can be accessed by calling in or calling out of a Zoom meeting when using what we refer to as a “bridging device” that physically connects a phone and a computer connected to a Zoom meeting. Being that we are in 2020 – landlines are not as common as they once were. Courts and businesses may find the use of external adapters and landlines a viable solution, but fortunately, it isn’t the only option.
Thanks in large part to our experience in live streaming and dealing with connecting audio from different sources, we can share a one-device, digital solution to connect a VoIP phone connection like Google Voice or Skype to Zoom. To be clear, this bridging device cannot be used by a participant in addition to callers – it is only used to connect the phone user(s) to the Zoom meeting so that they can access the language channels and interact with all of the Zoom meeting participants when they do not have access to internet or when they do not have a device that can access the Zoom client.
Step 1 – Download Virtual Audio Cables. https://vb-audio.com/Cable/
For this to work, you only need the VB audio virtual cable. This website does ask for a donation. The suggested donation is 15 euros, but it really is up to you. If you are wondering if it is worth it, we can assure you, it is worth every penny and works like a charm.
Step 2 – Once you have downloaded the VB Audio Virtual Cable according to the instructions on the website, you will now have additional options in Google Voice, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Jabber, CourtSmart, or whichever VoIP system you use. This VB-Audio Virtual Cable will appear on every single video conferencing app you use as an additional option for both microphone and speaker. Simply choose the same cable for microphone and speakers in both platforms you wish to connect. You have now connected audio streams to send and receive between the two programs/platforms.
That’s really are there is to it. Now when you dial out to an individual or to a conference call number, the bridging device can connect those listeners to any channel that is needed. This allows multiple people who may be watching the same video feed to be able to call in to get interpretation. This also allows people who would otherwise be unable to access Zoom interpretation access over the phone without the interpreter serving as the bridge or sole point of connection. This means the interpreter can use Zoom interpretation as intended and simply toggles between languages as needed without juggling multiple devices. This provides another option for access where internet connectivity no longer matters. Of course, in an ideal world, everyone would be connected on their own computer with headphones and a microphone, but for situations where access matters and ideal circumstances may not exist, this is a very exciting solution.
For questions or to receive a quote for live streaming of bilingual and multilingual events as well as other Language Solutions – contact us at info@tealanguagesolutions.com
