Questions fréquemment posées
Here are answers to some common questions. For additional resources, visit the product pages.
Do you offer a free trial?
We offer a comprehensive, unlimited-time trial of Scribe, allowing you to experience its full range of features. You can upload source files and download accessible formats just like a paid account. The trial includes up to 100 pages, with additional pages available upon request. Click here or call 612-246-4818 to begin your free trial and explore the benefits of Scribe.
At the end of your Scribe trial, you’ll be notified when the page limit is reached, and the account administrator will receive an email. After experiencing Scribe’s cost-saving benefits, we’re happy to help you seamlessly transition to one of our active plans tailored to your organization’s needs.
Does Scribe produce fully remediated documents?
Scribe uses its Augmented Document Remediation technology to deliver highly accurate accessible documents with a 96% average accuracy, eliminating the need for human remediation in most cases. Print-disabled individuals can access information in seconds. For those aiming for 99% accuracy, certified human remediation is available for under $10 per page, reducing both cost and time when using Scribe-generated documents as the source.
What is Augmented Document Remediation?
Scribe’s Augmented Document Remediation combines automated efficiency with human expertise to tackle complex documents. Our proprietary pipeline blends machine learning and heuristics to significantly reduce the need for manual intervention. When human remediation is necessary, it’s focused on refining output, creating a powerful solution for a wide range of materials.
What do you consider a print disability?
Pneuma Solutions defines a print disability as a legally or medically documented condition that prevents effective reading of printed materials. This includes blindness, visual impairment, physical disabilities, cognitive or developmental conditions, and learning disabilities. Individuals with print disabilities rely on adaptive equipment like screen readers, magnification software, Braille devices, and other assistive technologies to access printed or digital information.
Why does the remediated .PDF look like the original but all the other formats look different visually?
If your document looks different after being processed by Scribe, it’s because Scribe optimizes the layout for accessibility, allowing users to adjust font styles, sizes, and colors for better readability. However, Scribe’s PDF output aims to preserve the document’s original appearance while meeting accessibility standards. If you notice discrepancies in the PDF, please let us know so we can improve its accuracy and consistency.
How do print disabled individuals read documents made accessible with Scribe?
Scribe generates accessible documents compatible with a wide range of assistive technologies, including screen readers, magnification software, Braille notetakers, displays, printers, and more. This ensures print-disabled individuals can access information using the tools that best fit their needs and preferences.
Why should I choose Scribe over a certified document remediation service?
Choosing Scribe over certified document remediation services offers multiple advantages beyond cost savings:
- Efficiency and Savings: Scribe’s ADR technology reduces the need for costly human remediation, providing fast, affordable access to documents.
- Tackling Backlogs: Scribe helps address the global backlog of inaccessible documents, offering swift access for print-disabled individuals.
- Collaboration: Scribe works seamlessly with manual remediation when needed, complementing human efforts.
- Affordable Human Remediation: Scribe offers certified human remediation for under $10 per page, a cost-effective option.
- Speed and Accuracy: Scribe delivers accurate, fast remediation, reducing wait times for users.
- Budget Savings: Scribe minimizes costs associated with manual remediation and potential litigation.
- High-Quality Source Documents: Even when full remediation is required, Scribe provides high-quality source files to streamline the process.
What if we are requested to provide a fully remediated document?
Scribe’s Augmented Document Remediation (ADR) technology delivers 96% accuracy on average, with ongoing improvements toward 100% automation. When certified human remediation is needed, we offer it for under $10 per page, providing a cost-effective solution that aligns with your organization’s budget and goals.
Is Scribe a document remediation product?
Scribe is a fully automated, cloud-based document remediation service powered by ADR technology, achieving 96% accuracy on average. It reduces the need for costly human remediation, but when required, certified human remediation is available for under $10 per page. Scribe offers a cost-effective, efficient solution for document accessibility, with ongoing improvements toward 100% automation.
Why should I choose Scribe over a certified document remediation service?
We offer a comprehensive, unlimited-time trial of Scribe, allowing you to experience its full range of features. You can upload source files and download accessible formats just like a paid account. The trial includes up to 100 pages, with additional pages available upon request. Click here or call 612-246-4818 to begin your free trial and explore the benefits of Scribe.
At the end of your Scribe trial, you’ll be notified when the page limit is reached, and the account administrator will receive an email. After experiencing Scribe’s cost-saving benefits, we’re happy to help you seamlessly transition to one of our active plans tailored to your organization’s needs.
Are there any on-going maintenance requirements?
With Scribe’s cloud-based service, no maintenance is required on your end—everything is securely managed off-site, ensuring uninterrupted operations. For the on-premises option, we handle updates through your maintenance plan. Either way, we ensure a seamless experience, so you can focus on delivering accessible documents without ongoing upkeep.
Is Scribe available in languages other than English?
Scribe supports over 140 languages, offering text-to-speech in a dozen languages and braille in 30+ formats. While it’s not a translation service, it converts documents in their original language, preserving formatting and accessibility features. Contact us to confirm if your language is supported.
How will documents be available to my end-users?
To make your documents accessible, simply embed a dynamic link from Scribe into your website. When end-users click the link, they can choose from eight accessible formats that suit their assistive technology, such as screen readers, magnification software, or Braille devices. This ensures a seamless, personalized experience for all users.
How long does it take to Scribe a document?
Scribe conversion times vary by scenario:
- On-Demand (Cloud): Documents convert in seconds with a single click.
- Library Conversion: Thousands of documents can be converted in a few hours using Scribe’s Super Compute cloud.
- On-Premises: Conversion speed depends on your network performance.
What is the difference between dynamic and static accessible documents?
TDynamic accessible documents are converted on demand, ensuring they are always up-to-date with changes to the source file. In contrast, static accessible documents are pre-converted and stored on your network for immediate access, but may need periodic updates if the source changes. The choice depends on your organization’s preference for real-time updates or faster user access.
Are documents safe to process in the cloud?
At Pneuma Solutions, security is a top priority. We ensure your documents are safe with high-grade end-to-end encryption, trusted by banks and government institutions, and VPN technology to secure all data transfers. These measures guarantee the protection of your documents throughout the processing and delivery process.
Our organization complies with HIPAA and client privacy standards. Is there an option to provide this service in-house?
To meet HIPAA and privacy standards, Scribe offers an On-Premises or desktop option, allowing you to:
- Restrict access to in-house networks.
- Control when updates are applied.
Does Pneuma Solutions keep any source or alternative format documents processed by Scribe?
Pneuma Solutions does not store source or alternative format documents long-term. However, we temporarily cache encrypted versions for 72 hours during processing. You can adjust or disable this caching period in your account settings for added flexibility.
Is Scribe only for blind and visually impaired people?
Scribe is designed to assist anyone with a print disability, not just those who are blind or visually impaired. A print-disabled person is defined as someone who cannot effectively read print due to visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive, or learning disabilities. Scribe ensures information is accessible to a broad range of users with diverse needs.
Does Scribe help people with dyslexia?
Yes, Scribe is beneficial for individuals with dyslexia. It offers formats like DAISY, EPUB, and audio, which help improve content accessibility. For example, the DAISY format allows users to listen to the document while following along in print. Scribe’s natural-sounding text-to-speech also provides an alternative way for individuals with dyslexia to access and understand written information.
How are Scribe updates delivered?
Scribe updates are automatic when using Pneuma Solutions’ cloud infrastructure, with no action required on your part. If you opt for Scribe’s on-premises software, you can download updates, or we can send them if your organization has a firewall. Either way, your maintenance plan ensures access to the latest features and advancements Scribe offers.
What are Scribe’s limitations?
Scribe’s Augmented Document Remediation (ADR) technology transforms inaccessible documents into highly usable formats, but it has a few limitations:
- Images without alt tags: Scribe adds automatic descriptions, which may be generic.
- Multilingual documents: Language detection can be inaccurate, especially with mixed languages.
- Uncommon formatting: May miss or misidentify headings and complex tables.
- OCR on scans: Accuracy is around 95%.
- Visual format: Scribe prioritizes accessibility over preserving fine visual details like margins or page breaks.
Despite these limitations, Scribe continually improves with machine learning. For perfect formatting, retain the original document. If needed, certified human remediation is available. Scribe’s mission is to ensure print-disabled individuals have full access to information.
Why should I choose Scribe for Meetings over other products?
We’re confident that nothing else matches what we offer with Scribe for Meetings. It’s the first technology of its kind to synchronize with meeting platforms in real time. While competitors may introduce imitations, we welcome the competition. However, unless they compete on price, we’re sure you’ll find everything you need right here.
How difficult is it to install Scribe for Meetings?
Scribe for Meetings is a cloud-based service, so no installation is required—just a web browser. Presenters only need to upload their content before the meeting, making the process simple and hassle-free. There’s nothing to install beyond your meeting platform, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Enterprise customers can also host Scribe for Meetings on their own servers. Contact us for more details.
I see an attendee named “Scribe for Meetings” trying to join my meeting.
Meet the Scribe bot. It monitors your meeting’s screen to identify the current slide and provides an accessible version in real time for print-impaired attendees. The Scribe bot operates quietly in the background, without disrupting the meeting or collecting any data beyond the shared content. If your meeting has a waiting room, be sure to admit the Scribe bot promptly, or Scribe for Meetings will not function properly.
How do I know if I’m joining a Scribe for Meetings empowered meeting?
Go to ScribeForMeetings.com, paste in the Zoom or Microsoft Teams invite link for your meeting, and press “Go”. If the meeting has been registered with Scribe for Meetings, then you’re ready to follow along with accessible slides. If not, you can sign up to be notified by email when the meeting has been registered with Scribe for Meetings.
How do I request that a meeting host use Scribe for Meetings?
Check out our Scribe for Meetings Self-Advocacy Kit where you’ll find a variety of pre-written content that you can personalize.
Can Scribe for Meetings convert a presentation to accessible file formats for offline viewing?
Yes, presenters can allow attendees to download their presentation in accessible formats, such as:
- Accessible web page
- Tagged PDF
- MP3 (text-to-speech)
- DAISY
- EPUB
- Microsoft Word
- Braille (multiple languages)
The PDF and Word options support large print, and attendees can adjust settings like speaking rate for audio. This feature must be enabled by the presenter during meeting setup by selecting “Allow attendees to download accessible versions of slides.” Once enabled, attendees can click “Download Slides” on the presentation page, choose a format, customize settings, and receive a download link via email.
As a host, can I allow my attendees to download the slides by default?
Yes. Follow these steps:
- Go to ScribeForMeetings.com
- If there’s a “Log In” link at the top of the page, click it, enter your email address, and follow the instructions to log into Scribe for Meetings.
- Click “Settings”, then “Meeting Defaults”.
- Check the checkbox called “Allow attendees to download accessible versions of slides”, then click “Save”.
Can I protect my slides from unauthorized copying and distribution?
Unfortunately, Scribe for Meetings cannot prevent attendees from copying the text of your slides. However, if you disable slide downloads, copying becomes more difficult as attendees would need to copy slides one at a time. Keep in mind, this is similar to what anyone could do by simply taking screenshots of your slides.
Is Scribe for Meetings multilingual?
Yes. Scribe for Meetings can render content in any of 140 languages, again with no extra effort from the presenter.
Do I need to slow down my presentation to make sure that print-impaired attendees can keep up?
No, Scribe for Meetings offers Dynamic Visual Representation (DVR) mode, allowing print-impaired attendees to control slide pacing. Attendees can pause, go back to previous slides, or move forward at their own speed, then resume the live presentation when ready. DVR mode only allows review of slides shown after the attendee joins the presentation.
What if the print-impaired attendee doesn’t use a screen reader?
Our Read Aloud feature reads your slides using the voices available on the user’s device and browser, highlighting each word as it’s spoken to help with visual tracking. For Windows users, we recommend Microsoft Edge, which offers excellent free voices in multiple languages, though the feature works on all major platforms and browsers, including mobile devices.
Can Scribe for Meetings help with magnification?
Yes, Scribe for Meetings adapts your slides to meet the needs of attendees with various content requirements. Attendees can use their browser’s zoom feature to adjust the font size without needing to scroll. Scribe for Meetings also automatically applies the user’s preferred color scheme, whether it’s dark-on-light, light-on-dark (dark mode), or a custom setup.
Why do my slides look so different in Scribe for Meetings than they do in my presentation?
Every aspect of how Scribe for Meetings displays your slides is optimized for accessibility, for attendees with all types of print impairments. Since Scribe for Meetings is meant to be used alongside your existing meeting platform, attendees are always free to flip back to the main meeting window to see the slides as they’re displayed in your presentation without accessibility.
I don’t use PowerPoint. Can I still make my presentation accessible for Scribe for Meetings?
Scribe for Meetings can make your screen-shared slides accessible no matter what app you use to present them, as long as you can provide your slide deck in PowerPoint format. Other presentation apps such as Keynote and Google Slides can convert their slide decks to PowerPoint format, so you can use these with Scribe for Meetings.
Scribe for Meetings isn’t showing the accessible versions of my slides during the presentation, or it’s skipping some slides.
Scribe for Meetings isn’t showing the accessible versions of my slides during the presentation, or it’s skipping some slides.
Learn more about how to use Zoom screen sharing with PowerPoint.
Learn how to use Microsoft Teams screen sharing with PowerPoint.
How does Scribe for Meetings handle pictures and graphics in my slides?
If you already wrote descriptions (also known as alt tags or captions) for the graphical content in your slides, Scribe for Meetings will use those. Otherwise, Scribe for Meetings will use a cloud-based image description service powered by machine learning to automatically add alt tags for your graphics. If those pictures contain text, Scribe for Meetings will also use optical character recognition (OCR) to make that text accessible.
My slides have charts, diagrams, or other complex graphics. Can Scribe for Meetings handle them?
The short answer is, not for the most part. We’re still working on this. Because the Scribe Augmented Document Remediation platform is powered by machine learning, as we receive more documents and slide decks with complex graphics, we’ll be able to train our model to make those graphics accessible. But, for now, you’ll just have to try it and see.
How do people log into Scribe for Meetings?
Scribe for Meetings currently supports two options for authentication. The simplest option is our email-based login process. Just enter your email address, and we’ll send a link that you can use to log in; no password is needed. For organizations with more stringent security requirements, we can also integrate with single sign-on (SSO) systems that implement the SAML standard, either via the InCommon federation or using bilateral metadata exchange. Our SAML service provider uses the open-source Shibboleth SP package and was implemented in partnership with Signet, Inc., an identity management and access control firm founded by an architect of Shibboleth. Note that we support SSO through a variety of identity providers; in addition to Shibboleth IdP, we’ve tested with Azure Active Directory. When your organization signs up with Scribe for Meetings, we’ll offer SSO onboarding, covered by the setup fee.
What Windows versions are supported?
We support Windows10 and above, as well as Windows Server2016 and up.
What Mac OS versions are supported?
RIM supports all builds of Mac OS Ventura and Sonoma, be they Intel or Apple Silicon. You as a Mac user can provide support to Windows targets, and Windows users can provide support to your Mac.
What about Mac OS versions before Ventura?
Some features of RIM depend on functionality newly introduced in Ventura, making compatibility with previous versions difficult to implement.
Why so many permissions requests on Mac OS?
This is unfortunately beyond our control, as Mac OS requires that we use their avenues for requesting the necessary permissions needed for RIM. We have no control over the UX, so can only go as far as providing as much instruction as we can.
How responsive is RIM?
The roundtrip latency during an RIM session is extremely minimal. Because we don’t rely on a central service, most of the time your connections are direct from one computer to another – this is what is known as peer-to-peer. If your network configuration doesn’t allow for peer-to-peer connections, we fall back to any number of relays located around the world rather than relying on one central server. Thus, even then your latency will still be farely minimal.
Where are your relays located?
Currently, we offer relays in the following locations:
- US
- Virginia
- California
- Toronto, Canada
- London
- Warsaw, Poland
- Bangalore, India
- Singapore
- Sidney, Australia
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
The target machine to which I am connected doesn’t respond properly to keyboard commands that work fine on my keyboard. What’s going on?
This could be due to either one of these possibilities:
- A conflict in keyboard layouts: On rare occasions, if a keyboard layout is different enough from your own it may confuse RIM. Should that occur, please contact us with a report containing information about the keyboard layout of both machines.
- If the target machine is using JAWS 2024, its unified keyboard processing sometimes interferes with use of the CTRL key for silencing speech. Although we deployed a fix for this, issues sometimes may still arise.
- This issue can be resolved by disabling unified keyboard processing in the JAWS settings center.
- Unified keyboard processing is not necessary if the target user is not also using ZoomText or Fusion.
- If the target machine is using NVDA and has “Handle keys from other applications” unchecked, RIM will not be able to process keyboard input from the controller.
- Note that this setting is on by default, and in most cases it is advisable to leave it on.
When starting a voice conversation on Windows, RIM uses the internal microphone no matter which microphone I select in sound settings.
This may be due to the Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones on some newer Intel processors. Disabling this should fix the issue. In order to disable Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones, do the following:
- Go to the run box (Windows+R).
- Type devmgmt.msc
- In the devices tree, expand “Sound, Video and Game Controllers.”
- Right click on “Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones.” Choose “Disable Device” from the context menu.
The target is using Zoom Text. How do I experience the visual output as rendered by this magnification?
This is accomplished by switching ZoomText to compatibility mode. This mode allows screen enhancements to be shared via tools like Teams or Zoom, as well as RIM. You can activate it via the ZoomText menu: Help > Advance > Display adapter. In the open dialog, select compatibility mode, and ZoomText will restart. We recommend switching the Display adapter back to its regular mode after the RIM session is complete for optimal performance and magnification quality.
After a computer is reimaged and has been reconfigured with the same computer name, is there anything that needs to be done to get RIM up and running again?
Simply remove the machine from your account, reinstall RIM, then add the machine back into your account.
Can I use RIM without a subscription?
- Anyone can assist a user over RIM for free for up to 30 minutes a day. So if you need to help someone install some software, fix a problem real quick, or send over a few files, we’ve got you covered. These minutes don’t have to be used in one sitting.
- There are, of course, going to be situations where a particular issue requires a little more time. Or maybe you’re assisting someone learning a new piece of software and might be connecting on and off over the next few days or weeks. That’s where our passes come in.
- Incident passes allow you to connect to a single target as many times as is needed over a 24 hour period.
- Day passes allow you to connect to multiple targets over a 24 hour period.
- Pro passes allow you to leverage all of RIM’s pro capabilities with non-recurring 1 week, 2 week, or month-long terms.
- Packages of prepaid hours allow you to have a set number of hours available to be used entirely on your own time.
- You can accumulate several of these passes and hourly packages and use them whenever the time calls for them. If you have multiple day passes, for instance, you do not need to use them consecutively. Similarly, You don’t need to use your prepaid hours in one session or 24 hour period.
I purchased a package of prepaid hours. What happens to my free daily allotment?
Good news: Your free 30 minute daily allotment is not going anywhere! When you start a keyword-based session, RIM will start off by using your free 30 minute daily allotment. Your prepaid time will be used after your free 30 minutes is up.
How long will my prepaid hours last? Are they tied in with my subscription?
Prepaid hours are entirely separate from your subscription. That being said, your prepaid hours will remain in your account for one (1) year past the date they were first used.
How do I go about bringing RIM to the attention of my place of work?
We’ve assembled a Self-Advocacy Kit (SAK). A packet of e-mail formatted letters you can send to appropriate individuals on behalf of yourself or an employee. For the record, RIM provides the same functionality as less accessible mainstream solutions. As such, RIM can replace an existing infrastructure, rather than be used alongside one. It is therefore considered a reasonable accessibility accommodation and should be provided to you by your organization. Accessibility isn’t a favor, it’s a right to inclusivity.
How do passes work? Does the clock start immediately upon payment, or on the day I initiate the session? Do the passes expire?
Passes only begin when the controller initiates the session. So if the target’s machine fails on them requiring a trip to the shop and a same-day turnaround is not possible, you can simply hold off until the machine is back in good shape and your day pass will still be waiting for you. Accumulation of day passes do not expire and you can activate them whenever you’re ready.
What happens if I connect to another machine on the day an incident pass has been used?
That depends. If the machine is within your subscription, I.E. if you’re accessing your home machine while on the road, then it’s business as usual. Any other connections that aren’t the initial target you connected to will work under the usual 30 minute allotment.
Are RIM sessions encrypted?
Yes. All sessions across all platforms, be they direct peer-to-peer connections or connections using a relay, are encrypted end to end using Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS). This is the same technology seen in the HTTPS protocol that modern websites implement for security.
Can Pneuma Solutions eavesdrop on sessions relayed by the public cloud?
No. Session key negotiation and encryption are performed end to end between the controller and the target. In other words, everything is encrypted before it even leaves your device. That way, the cloud service merely relays the data as is, making it impossible for the service to decipher the data.
What measures have been taken to prevent remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities?
All RIM code which is exposed to input from the network is written in memory-safe programming languages including Rust and JavaScript.
Is RIM HIPAA-compliant?
Yes. The best configuration in this case would be an on-premises deployment, so please get in touch with us if your use case depends on this.
What connections would need to be allowed on a network in order for RIM to function?
When utilizing the public cloud, an https connection to getrim.app is required. In optimal cases this is enough for RIM to establish a peer-to-peer connection between the controller and the target. However, it helps to allow UDP connections through ports 19302 and 3478 (the standard STUN and TURN ports). This ensures that if a relay is being utilized, RIM will not have to fall back to a tcp connection on port 443.
Is there anything the target machine needs to configure for first-time use of the Remote Accessibility Module?
Not at all! There are no dialogue boxes, permission request screens or anything of the sort.
Does the Remote Accessibility Module work on secure screens such as the lock screen?
Yes! Since the RIM host runs with elevated privileges, this allows us to leverage the Remote Accessibility Module for secure screens. The only exception to this is FileVault’s logon window.
Are voice conversations supported during unattended sessions?
Yes. However, they cannot be initiated unless the end user is physically present to accept a permission request. This allows for voice conversations while ensuring maximum privacy and security.
If I delete an unattended machine from my controller account, will it automatically revoke permission on the target?
Yes. Once an unattended target is removed, the change will be effective immediately. If the target machine is powered down or otherwise not connected to the internet, the change will be effective as soon as an internet connection is established on their machine.
The target machine rebooted after installing updates and drivers, and it requires a password to log in. How does the session continue from here?
In most instances, particularly when FileVault disk encryption is enabled, the target user will need to manually enter the password. RIM cannot start on an encrypted Mac before it has been fully logged in.
I have multiple machines playing the part of the controller. Will the list of machines set up for unattended access populate across all machines?
Yes. The list of machines configured for unattended access is stored within your account, so it will populate automatically.
Why am I prompted for user confirmation after a one-click install on the Pro plan, whereas the Enterprise plan allows for unattended installs?
he key difference lies in the ownership and control of the machines being managed.
- Enterprise Plan
- It is assumed that the organization owns the machines being managed.
- As such, the enterprise plan allows for mass deployment of RIM without requiring interaction from individual users. This is because the organization has full control over these devices, eliminating the need for user confirmation.
- Pro Plan
- It is assumed that the machines being controlled belong to individual end users.
- We prioritize transparency and user consent. After a one-click install, the end user is prompted to confirm the installation of RIM. This ensures that they are aware of the software being installed on their device and provides an opportunity for them to agree to it.
- This approach helps maintain trust and compliance with privacy standards, respecting the ownership and autonomy of the end user’s machine.
After a computer is reimaged and has been reconfigured with the same computer name, is there anything that needs to be done to get RIM up and running again?
Simply remove the machine from your account, reinstall RIM, then add the machine back into your account.
Welcome to the Tips and Tricks section of our FAQ! We’re thrilled to share some handy insights and nuggets of wisdom to enhance your RIM experience. That said, as with all great adventures, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
- The tech world is like a box of chocolates – always full of surprises. Our tips are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to the version of RIM and operating system version used by the creator of the tip. As RIM evolves, some of these tips might become less relevant. Stay updated with the latest version for the best experience!
- One Size Doesn’t Fit All. Our software is designed to cater to a diverse range of needs, but every user’s journey is unique. What works like a charm for one might be less enchanting for another. Feel free to adapt these tips to your specific needs and preferences.
- While some of these tips may come from us, many of these tips come straight from our vibrant community of users (like you!). While we celebrate this shared knowledge, remember that these suggestions are based on personal experiences and might not have been vetted by our tech wizards.
If you’re ever in doubt or have questions, our support team is just a message away. We don’t bite, we promise!
By using these tips, you acknowledge and agree to the above disclaimer. Now, go forth and explore the potential of RIM with these tricks up your sleeve!
Listening to the microphone audio of one of your personal machines (Windows)
In the interest of ensuring maximum privacy, RIM does not support voice conversations during fully unattended sessions. There however may be times where you may want to hear audio coming from a device near one of your remote computers. For example, you may have a clock radio near your desktop, and you may be using your laptop on the porch. While the quality may not be the greatest, RIM can make for an excellent makeshift wireless audio solution!
Setting up your target machine to listen to its microphone audio will involve piping the microphone audio through to its speakers. As you’re aiming to hear the microphone from within a remote session, we first need to lower your speaker volume to avoid a feedback loop. In order to do that:
- Open the run box (Windows+R).
- Type sndvol, then press enter.
- Press the end key to reach 0%, then press up arrow once to reach 1%. As you can see, RIM does not take the actual volume of the target machine into consideration when outputting its audio.
- Exit out of volume mixer.
With your volume now lowered, it’s time to enable your microphone’s listen function.
- Open Windows Settings (Windows+I). Search for microphone. Locate Microphone Privacy in the list and press Enter. Make sure that “Microphone Access” and “Let apps Access your microphone” are both toggled on.
- Press Windows+R again, and this time, type mmsys.cpl to open the sound settings.
- Once in sound settings, access the recording tab (Ctrl+Tab).
- Select the microphone or line-in device you want to listen to, then access the properties with Alt+P.
- Once in the properties, CTRL+Tab to the listen tab, and check the “Listen to this Device” checkbox.
- CTRL+Tab one more time to the Levels section, and adjust the gain of the microphone to a level that will be sufficient for you. Press enter when done.
That’s it! You should now hear the microphone’s audio along with the rest of the remote machine’s output.