Sorenson Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)™ is a fee-based service used when hearing and deaf people are together at the same location (for example, at a business meeting). In this situation, an interpreter at a remote location may be used via a video connection. Sorenson VRI is another solution for your on-site interpreting needs. The interpreter is paid by the organization requesting the interpreter.

By contrast, Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS)® is a free service, overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), that enables deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals to place video relay calls through an interpreter to a hearing individual who is in another location. Sorenson VRS can be used to replace other relay call methods such as TTY. The VRS service is compensated from the Interstate TRS fund and is a means of giving access to the telephone system.

In short, VRI is used for face-to-face meetings, and VRS is used for phone calls.

Note: Video Relay Services (VRS) cannot be used to as a substitute for Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). In circumstances where a deaf individual desires to communicate with hearing individual at the same location, VRS cannot be used. Rather, they must use an on-site interpreter or a VRI service. Sorenson Communications fully supports the FCC rulings on VRS issues.