Remote Services
Frequently Asked Questions

A host is a Zoom user that controls the technical aspects of a meeting.

A host controls who can join a Zoom meeting and who can record a Zoom meeting. A host can also mute the microphone or turn off the camera of any user in the meeting. The host can also eject participants from the meeting. Without a host, there is no meeting. Some meetings may use unmonitored accounts as hosts. But at Visual Evidence, we believe that a host should be a live technician.

Having a live technician as the host means we can monitor the meeting, offer live tech support on the fly, keep the meeting secure, display exhibits and record the meeting.

We find that connecting to the deposition with a computer (laptop or desktop) is the most versatile option.

Visual Evidence is shipping laptops nationwide to conduct remote depositions and interviews. We can ship your witness/client a laptop and guide them through setting it up. Our laptops are equipped with independent cellular internet connections and HD recording software. They are also remote-controlled, so your witness/client won’t even have to do any clicking!

Absolutely. There are several very simple things they can do. First, do not sit with a light source, i.e. window, lamp, behind them. It is best to sit at a table with the camera at approximately eye height to the witness. Ideally, a lamp placed on the table directly behind the laptop is the best light source. Facing a window is also usually good. Sit approximately three feet from the laptop. Wear a solid color shirt. Minimal jewelry and makeup.

This will vary based on many factors, including but not limited to the witness’ camera quality, internet connection speed, network usage, and traffic on Zoom’s servers.

A headset with an integrated microphone can improve audio quality for all parties. Zoom also offers the option to route all your audio through a telephone. This can also improve audio in some cases. However, we do not recommend the use of a speakerphone. If you have any concerns about audio during your deposition, be sure to let your Visual Evidence technician know.

Having a live technician as the host means we can monitor the meeting, offer live tech support on the fly, keep the meeting secure, display exhibits and record the meeting.

Yes! Our Zoom video depos will only show the witness unless someone is screen-sharing exhibits.

When someone screen-shares an exhibit during a Zoom depo, the exhibit and the witness will appear side-by-side.

Absolutely. Your Visual Evidence technician will prepare your exhibits, share them when requested, and record the depo.

Yes! Zoom offers you the ability to mute your microphone at any time during a deposition. In fact, muting your microphone when you do not need to speak can greatly improve the audio quality of a Zoom video deposition. Here’s a tip: if you are using a laptop or desktop computer to connect to the deposition, you can stay muted and use your space bar as a “push to talk” button!

Absolutely. If you are unsure of how to do that, ask your Visual Evidence technician.

To prevent crosstalk between participants, Zoom chooses only one person as the “speaker” at any given time. The speaker is given audio priority while they are speaking. Everyone else’s microphone signals are lowered, but not silenced. This is known as “ducking”, where audio signals automatically duck under one signal that is given priority. There is no way to turn this feature off, so we recommend trying to avoid crosstalk as much as possible.

We find that connecting to the deposition with a computer (laptop or desktop) is the most versatile option.

Visual Evidence is shipping laptops nationwide to conduct remote depositions and interviews. We can ship your witness/client a laptop and guide them through setting it up. Our laptops are equipped with independent cellular internet connections and HD recording software. They are also remote-controlled, so your witness/client won’t even have to do any clicking!

Many attorneys are sending their pre-marked exhibits in PDF format to opposing counsel and the court reporter prior to the deposition. But if you wish to have an exhibit on-screen during your deposition, you will also need to use Zoom's Screen Sharing feature.

Yes! We request that you send us digital copies of your exhibits at least 24 hours prior to the start of the deposition, so we can prepare your exhibits for sharing.

Absolutely. Just call or e-mail us and we will be happy to set that up.

When someone screen-shares an exhibit during a Zoom depo, the exhibit and the witness will appear side-by-side.

Absolutely. Your Visual Evidence technician will prepare your exhibits, share them when requested, and record the depo.

Yes! We request that you send us digital copies of your exhibits at least 24 hours prior to the start of the deposition, so we can prepare your exhibits for sharing.

Absolutely. Just call or e-mail us and we will be happy to set that up.

Many attorneys are sending their pre-marked exhibits in PDF format to opposing counsel and the court reporter prior to the deposition. But if you wish to have an exhibit on-screen during your deposition, you’ll also need to use Zoom’s Screen Sharing feature.

Absolutely. Depending on your judge’s requirements, the remote meeting will either be up and hosted by Visual Evidence or the Judge’s JA (for the 15 th Circuit, please see your Judge’s webpage for specific instructions: https://www.15thcircuit.com/judges).

Absolutely. Depending on your judge’s requirements, the remote meeting will either be up and hosted by Visual Evidence or the Judge’s JA (for the 15 th Circuit, please see your Judge’s webpage for specific instructions: https://www.15thcircuit.com/judges).

Right now, that is not a requirement in most judicial districts. It is best to check with the Judge or JA for exact details.