Preparing for a video remote interpreting (VRI) session is easy and usually takes just a few minutes.
Prepare your equipment
Review your hardware and software using the specs in our Minimum Requirements article, and choose a computer with a webcam, speakers, and a microphone that meets them. If you're using an external webcam, install it with the drivers that came with it.
Test your speakers, camera, and microphone using these tools: Speaker test and Microphone and Camera Test.
There's no desktop application to download. Sign in to your account on our website using one of our supported browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox.
Check your connection speed at Speedtest.net (no plugins required), and review the Network Requirements section of our Minimum Requirements guidelines.
Set up your workspace with all the equipment you'll need, and test it before accepting calls.
Note: Boostlingo supports VRI on mobile apps, but accepting video calls on a mobile device isn't recommended. Being outside your professional workspace brings external factors (an unstable connection, background noise, moving the device) that can affect call quality.
Tips for better video quality
Make sure you have a good connection. Host your video calls on a personal, high-speed internet connection that isn't subject to other users' bandwidth usage, and close any other programs that might compete for bandwidth (avoid downloading files during a call, for example). Keep in mind that cable internet providers generally promise download speeds "up to" the level you're paying for: if you're paying for "up to" 10 Mbps, you may only get one or two Mbps during peak times, since cable lines are usually shared and everyone streaming video after work slows things down for the whole block. If you use cable internet, try scheduling video calls during non-peak times, or consider upgrading to a faster plan.
Use a wired internet connection. A wired connection is almost always faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, which can drop out without warning.
Use a computer that meets our recommended specifications. Older, low-end, or AMD all-in-one APU computers often don't have enough power to provide the best audio and video quality. If your self-view window shows choppy video during a call, or your CPU usage is very high or spiking, your computer's graphics processor may not be keeping up with the demands of real-time video. A computer with better graphics and processing power can resolve this. See the hardware requirements in our Minimum Requirements article.
Invest in an HD webcam. Built-in laptop and desktop webcams often lack the speed and quality needed for video remote interpreting, and their frame rates tend to drop unless the room is well-lit. This can cause video trailing, splotches and artifacts, and "yellowing" of your image. We recommend an external webcam with its own optimized drivers and software.
Pay attention to lighting. Sitting with your back to a window or a bright light makes you appear dark on camera, since the light shines toward the lens instead of you. Turn your setup so you're side-lit or front-lit instead. The best video comes from natural light that originates from behind the camera, such as an open, sunny window facing you. If you can't control the light where you are, you can create similar lighting artificially.
Give yourself a background. Leaning against a wall can feel comfortable, but it makes it harder for the other person to get a sense of depth. Choose a wall or background with some contrast that isn't too busy, and leave a few feet of space between yourself and it.
Don't overlook audio. Your voice needs to be as clear as your video. A headset with an external microphone improves your sound, cuts down on background noise, and reduces the feedback loop that can happen when your computer's microphone picks up the other person's voice from your speakers.