FTI Best Practices

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

FTI recommends the following:

  • Windows or Mac operating system. The Zoom application through the web browser or on other operating systems such as Google/Chrome OS do not support all functions (e.g. interpretation and breakout rooms).
  • Computer audio instead of phone audio.
  • Headset or dedicated microphone. Often, built in computer or web camera microphones are typically low quality and provide inadequate audio, particularly for court reporters and interpreters.
  • Two or three computer screens. Having two or three screens (e.g. laptop with one external monitor or laptop with two external monitors) connected to your computer will allow you to see participants and screen share well and participate efficiently in the remote proceeding. You can use the third screen to access the court reporter real-time feed, file repository, outlines, etc.
  • Updated Zoom application. Instructions to update Zoom can be found here. This will ensure full Zoom compatibility with the FTI host, latest software bug fixes and updated security patches.

ZOOM VIEW

We recommend the use of GALLERY VIEW instead of SPEAKER VIEW you can access the view settings by clicking on the upper righthand corner of the video screen:

MUTE AND TURN OFF CAMERA

It’s extremely important that all non-speaking participants turn off their video and mute their microphone. The video and audio controls are on the bottom left of the main Zoom meeting screen. Your microphone and video are off when there is a red line drawn through it. Both of these settings are toggled by simply clicking on their prospective icons.

DUAL MONITORS

During the remote proceeding, screen share will be utilized to display exhibits and demonstratives. The screen shares are best viewed on a computer that is outfitted with dual monitors. Zoom does not use both monitors by default. It is important to configure select dual monitors from the video settings menu.

Click the up arrow shape next to the video icon at the bottom of the main screen, then select video settings.

Once you’ve clicked the video settings menu, click on GENERAL. Place a check mark next to USE DUAL MONITORS.

Once you have selected DUAL MONITORS, click the X icon to close settings. You will now need to disconnect from the meeting and reconnect to use dual monitors.

HIDE NON-VIDEO PARTICIPANTS

During the remote proceeding, we recommend that you hide non-video participants. This will prevent you from seeing a bunch of black boxes for those participants that do not have their camera turned on and will make the video size large for those participants that have their camera on.

Click the up arrow shape next to the video icon at the bottom of the main screen, then select video settings.

Once you’ve clicked the video settings menu, scroll down on the right side. Place a check mark next to HIDE NON-VIDEO PARTICIPANTS. Click the X button to close the settings window.