VIDEO REMOTE INTERPRETING (VRI) & OVER-THE-PHONE INTERPRETING (OPI) PRESCHEDULED

Basically, the difference is that the Interpreter is not physically present in the session. The Interpreter is there virtually on a video screen. The parties involved can see and hear the Interpreter and the Interpreter and see and hear the other parties. (OPI is just audio-capable without visual capabilities, like on a phone call). What is the advantage over On-Site Interpreting? To be sure, most people requiring Interpreting services prefer an On-Site Interpreter. Nevertheless, there are times when VRI and OPI are preferable. For example:

• When there is no On-Site Interpreter available in the desired language within a reasonable distance
• When ECONOMY is an important factor (VRI and OPI are considerably more cost-effective)
• When the nature of the appointment requires greater privacy (such as certain OB/GYN appointments). The OPI Interpreter has no visual capability