General Questions
What's the difference between Convo for Zoom and Convo + Zoom?
What's the difference between Convo for Zoom and Convo + Zoom?
Convo for Zoom is a 2nd solution offered by Convo. In sum,
Convo For Zoom is best for:
A fully-interactive Zoom experience with visual engagement between you, your interpreter(s) and hearing participants.
Take a look at our Quick Start Guide for Convo for Zoom to learn how it works.
Convo + Zoom, on the other hand, is best for:
Simple, traditional access where visibility isn't needed between your interpreter(s) and hearing participants.
Find out how Convo + Zoom works here.
Can I use Convo for Zoom when outside the United States and its territories?
Can I use Convo for Zoom when outside the United States and its territories?
Yes, as long as you have a Convo Passport in place and you are using Zoom to meet with other participants, at least one of who is in the U.S.
Does Convo for Zoom work with Zoom webinars?
Does Convo for Zoom work with Zoom webinars?
No, Convo for Zoom supports Zoom meetings only. But you can use Convo + Zoom instead! Click here to learn more.
Can I use Convo for Zoom for regular VRS calls?
Can I use Convo for Zoom for regular VRS calls?
No. Please use a Convo VRS app or use our web-based ConvoLink for VRS calls that don't involve Zoom.
Do hearing people need to download Convo for Zoom?
Do hearing people need to download Convo for Zoom?
No. They should join Zoom rooms as they normally do.
Can I use Convo for Zoom in the same location as a hearing person?
Can I use Convo for Zoom in the same location as a hearing person?
If only one hearing participant is in the Zoom meeting, that person must be in a different location. If there are multiple hearing participants, the FCC requires that at least one be in a different location.
Who pays for Convo for Zoom?
Who pays for Convo for Zoom?
Like all VRS products and services, Convo for Zoom as a VRS service is paid for by contributions from telecommunications users to the TRS Fund.
Technical Questions
Can I use Convo for Zoom on multiple computers at the same time?
Can I use Convo for Zoom on multiple computers at the same time?
No. If you sign into Convo for Zoom on a second computer, you will automatically be logged out on the first computer.
Do I have to log out of my Convo VRS desktop app (for Mac or PC) before my Zoom meeting if I plan to use Convo for Zoom?
Do I have to log out of my Convo VRS desktop app (for Mac or PC) before my Zoom meeting if I plan to use Convo for Zoom?
No. You can leave your Convo VRS app running.
Does Convo for Zoom allow video privacy?
Does Convo for Zoom allow video privacy?
Yes, as long as you remain connected to the Zoom meeting.
Can I use captioning and/or Zoom's transcription features?
Can I use captioning and/or Zoom's transcription features?
Yes, you can!
Can I use VCO with Convo for Zoom?
Can I use VCO with Convo for Zoom?
Yes, you can! Please remember to unmute your microphone, though, so the hearing participants and interpreter(s) can hear you. If there are other Deaf people in the Zoom, the interpreter will sign for you.
Interpreter Questions
If the Zoom meeting becomes "idle" with no one talking, can the interpreter stay on?
If the Zoom meeting becomes "idle" with no one talking, can the interpreter stay on?
Yes, for up to 5 minutes. FCC regulations require that the interpreter disconnect after 5 minutes of no activity. Feel free to get an interpreter again once the meeting continues.
If my Zoom meeting ends, but I have another one starting in the same Zoom room soon, can I ask the interpreter to stay?
If my Zoom meeting ends, but I have another one starting in the same Zoom room soon, can I ask the interpreter to stay?
The interpreter is required to leave the Zoom room if there is no meeting happening. Please feel free to request an interpreter again when the next meeting starts, and we'll be there to interpret your next meeting.
If the original Convo VRS customer (who requested the interpreter for the Zoom meeting) leaves, can the interpreter stay for other Deaf participant(s) in the meeting?
If the original Convo VRS customer (who requested the interpreter for the Zoom meeting) leaves, can the interpreter stay for other Deaf participant(s) in the meeting?
Yes, as long as a Deaf participant immediately requests an interpreter through their Convo for Zoom app inside Zoom. We recommend that if there will be more than one Deaf participant, both (or all) download Convo for Zoom and login with their Convo VRS number before the meeting starts.
Can interpreters type information given out by hearing participants in Zoom chat?
Can interpreters type information given out by hearing participants in Zoom chat?
Unlike regular VRS calls, our interpreters are not able to pause conversations to type information into Chat. Instead, please ask participants to type in any needed information directly in chat.
Can I request an interpreter of a different gender?
Can I request an interpreter of a different gender?
Yes, you can! Please ask the interpreter for a different gender, and we'll be happy to accommodate your preference as fast as we can, depending on interpreter availability.
Can I ask the interpreter to stay for a full hour to prevent disruptions?
Can I ask the interpreter to stay for a full hour to prevent disruptions?
Yes, you can! Please ask the interpreter if they are able to. If they have a planned break or end of shift coming, they'll do their best to find an interpreter who can stay for a longer period of time.
What if my interpreter needs to bring in a team interpreter, for a more-complex type of meeting?
What if my interpreter needs to bring in a team interpreter, for a more-complex type of meeting?
They will let you know that they are requesting a team interpreter to assist with the call. No action is needed on your end.