Frequently Asked Questions
Remote Interpretation: RSI, MRSI, RSAI — Accessibility — Logistics & Technical — Booths & Bidule
Remote Interpretation: RSI, MRSI, RSAI
RSI stands for Remote Simultaneous Interpretation: simultaneous interpretation managed remotely. Interpreters connect from anywhere via a digital platform, and the audience listens to the translation in real time on their app or a dedicated receiver. It is the industry standard term, which Converso has been using since 2014.
In traditional interpretation, interpreters are physically present in an isolated booth in the venue. With RSI, the booth becomes virtual: interpreters work remotely, connected via the internet. The quality of the result is equivalent, but logistics are far more flexible and often less costly.
MRSI stands for Managed RSI. Converso adds to the software infrastructure a physical RSI Hub as control center, an RSI Bridge installed at the venue, and a specialized technician on-site. This eliminates the main failure points of full remote: unstable connections, lack of technical oversight, interpreter unfamiliarity with the setup. The result is reliability comparable to — often better than — a fully in-person event.
Pure RSI is suitable for small-scale events, limited budgets, or situations where the client already has a competent audio technician on-site. MRSI is the right choice when the event is critical, the audience is large, there are many languages, or you simply don't want to take risks.
RSAI is Converso's proprietary system that integrates artificial intelligence into simultaneous interpretation. Instead of human interpreters — or alongside them — an AI engine translates in real time with active human supervision. RSAI is not a separate service: it's a mode that can be applied in both RSI and MRSI configurations.
No, at least not in absolute terms. In RSAI, AI performs the translation, but a Converso operator supervises the flow in real time and intervenes if necessary. For highly technical content, delicate cultural nuances, or high-value sessions, we still recommend human interpreters. AI excels on structured, repetitive, or high-volume content.
It depends on the context. On structured speeches with predictable vocabulary, results are very good. On spontaneous debates, strong accents, or highly specialized terminology, the human interpreter maintains an advantage. Our recommendation is always based on analysis of your specific event content.
There is no strict technical limit. With our infrastructure, we manage events with 10, 15 or more simultaneous language channels. The number of languages obviously affects cost and organizational complexity.
Yes. It's a configuration we use often: human interpreters for the main languages or the most delicate sessions, AI for secondary languages or more standardized content.
With the Converso WebApp, the audience listens to the translation directly from their smartphone, without the need for physical receivers. The app is accessible via browser — no download required. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, we also provide dedicated receivers.
Accessibility & Subtitles
Yes. We provide live subtitles using advanced speech-to-text technologies, with human review where necessary. Subtitles can be projected on screen, integrated into the stream, or displayed on the audience's personal devices.
Yes. Our solutions are designed in compliance with the European Accessibility Act guidelines and international accessibility standards for events.
Yes, both on-site and remotely. The sign language interpreter can be integrated into the event's video production with a dedicated window, visible both in the venue and in the online stream.
Yes. In addition to real-time subtitles, we provide complete, reviewed transcriptions after the event, in one or more formats depending on your needs (text, SRT, DOCX, etc.).
In addition to real-time services, Converso translates and adapts written materials — presentations, programs, handouts — into accessible formats: simplified text, text alternatives for images, screen reader compatible formats. A truly accessible event starts before the audience enters the room.
We work with all configurations: fully in-person events, hybrid (physical + remote audience), and webinars or full online conferences. Accessibility is guaranteed in all formats.
Logistics & Technical
The sooner the better, especially for complex events or those with many languages. For standard events with few language channels, we can step in with just a few days' notice. For critical events with MRSI or many languages, we recommend at least 2-3 weeks.
Both. With MRSI, a Converso technician is always present at the venue. With pure RSI, management is remote but always supervised. In both cases, there is always a technical contact reachable during the event.
The minimum requirement is a stable internet connection and a floor audio feed from the venue. With MRSI, we install everything needed. With pure RSI, we guide you through the setup remotely or provide detailed technical specs to pass to your audio service provider.
Absolutely. Many of our clients are agencies that integrate our services into their offering. We have a dedicated program for partner agencies.
Converso is a full system integrator. In addition to interpretation, we manage streaming, connectivity, remote production and audio-video direction. We can be a partial supplier or take over the entire technical infrastructure of the event.
The fastest way is to fill out the contact form or write directly to verso@verso.it. Alternatively, call us at +39 02 8719 9864. We'll respond within a few hours with an initial estimate.
Traditional Interpretation — Booths & Bidule
Yes. We offer the full service: ISO-certified booths, infrared or radio frequency audio distribution systems, and receivers for the audience. It's the classic industry format for conferences and conventions, which we know inside out having worked with it for decades.
Bidule is a simultaneous interpretation technique without a booth. The interpreter uses a portable mobile kit: receives the speaker's audio through headphones and transmits the translation in real time to the audience's wireless receivers. It requires no fixed setup and is ideal for small groups, factory tours, workshops in unconventional spaces.
In traditional bidule, the interpreter listens to the speaker directly, with the limitations this entails in noisy environments or at a distance. Our system adds a dedicated audio loop: the interpreter receives the floor audio through headphones via a professional mobile kit, with clean and controlled listening regardless of room acoustics. The speaker-side signal can arrive via plug-on transmitter (connected to the existing audio system), handheld transmitter (for multiple speakers), or bodypack with clip microphone (for a single hands-free speaker).
In booth interpretation, interpreters work acoustically isolated in a fixed station: it's the standard format for formal conferences with many participants. With bidule, the interpreter is free to move with the group, without a booth or fixed equipment. The interpretation quality is equivalent, but the use context is completely different: bidule is not a simplified version of booth interpretation, it's a technique designed for mobility and informality.
Booths still make sense when the venue lacks adequate connectivity, when the institutional format requires it, or when the client already has their own audio service. Bidule is irreplaceable for events on the move. In all other cases, we tend to recommend digital solutions: more flexible, often less costly, with equivalent or superior reliability.
Both. We can provide the technical service alone if the client already has their own interpreters, or manage the entire turnkey service — interpreters included — for booths, receivers, and bidule.
Yes. With the Converso WebApp and Soft Console on a smartphone or tablet, interpreters work on the move just like in a virtual booth. Unlike the physical bidule, this setup supports multiple simultaneous languages and relay between interpreters — with no additional hardware. Ideal for multilingual groups that require maximum flexibility.
Yes, and it's one of our most advanced solutions. With MRSI Mobile, a Converso technician brings a compact RSI Bridge paired with bonding connectivity and stabilized video to the location. Interpreters work remotely from the Milan Hub. We managed an EWC this way with 11 languages among the machinery of industrial plants in Finland and Romania — with conference-hall quality.
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