Device Setup & Compatibility Guide (For Therapists)

Table of Contents

The Bilateral Base platform has been designed so that it can be used on a wide range of devices and web browsers.

In the vast majority of cases, you and your clients will be able to use your existing device to instantly join an online session in the same way you would with general purpose video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet etc.

To help you deliver the best possible experience to your clients every time, we have some recommendations and tips on things you can do to make sure that every session runs smoothly and effectively.

We also have a version of the following information, written specifically for your clients, this is included in the session invite that is sent to your client.  See ‘Preparing For Your Session’. (Client Version) 

 

Recommended Device Setup #

  • Compatible Devices
    • The platform can be used on any device (Computer, tablet or phone). There are a few things to be aware of depending on what type of device you and your clients have available.
    • PC/Mac
      • The platform is compatible with Windows-PC or Mac computer and if you/your clients have this available we recommend you use it
      • The platform runs in a web browser so there is no software to download
      • All the major browsers are supported (Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Safari) – but some features are not available on Firefox and Safari due to them electing not to support certain technologues
      • We suggest you and your clients use Google Chrome if possible, as we have found that it tends to have the best support for the advanced technologies the platform uses for high quality video calls and advanced therapy tools as well as being a little more resilient if a session is being done on a slow or patchy internet connection.
    • Apple iPad/iPhone –
      • The platform is compatible with iPad/iPhone
      • If you want to have the option to use auditory BLS with a client AND you or the client intend to use an Apple iPad/iPhone, please see – Auditory BLS With Apple iPad/iPhone
    • Android tablet/phone
      • The platform is compatible with Android tablet/phone
      • If you want to have the option to use auditory BLS with a client AND you or the client intend to use an Android tablet/phone, please see – Auditory BLS with Android tablet/phone
  • A Webcam
    • You will need to have a webcam (or camera built into your device) available for the session
    • Try to position/point it so that your eyes are about a third of the way up the image so your therapist can see you well
    • Avoid having a window or bright light behind you. Try to ensure there is a reasonable amount of light falling on your face
  • A set of wired headphones with a microphone
    • Headphones are recommended because they help ensure you can hear the other participant clearly. They also avoid your microphone picking up the sound from your speakers.
    • Device Speakers – If you don’t have wired headphones then it’s ok to use your device speakers as a backup option
    • Headphones without a microphone – If you have wired headphones but they don’t have a microphone, then that’s ok, it’s still a good idea to use the headphones to hear while using the microphone that is built into your device
    • Wireless headphones – If you want to use wireless headphone then please see – Auditory BLS with Wireless Headphones
    • Tip – if you find it strange of uncomfortable to use headphones then try slipping one side off your ear so that you can hear yourself a bit better
  • A reasonably good internet connection
    • Video calls are quite data intensive, so your internet connection needs to be fairly fast and steady. if you have been using other video services like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and FaceTime, then you should have no issue using Bilateral Base.
    • If you do want check whether your internet meets our minimum speed, visit https://www.speedtest.net/ (you need to have 3Mbs Upload & Download)
    • See our article on how to get the best out of your internet connection – Improving Your Internet Speed
  • Other Tips
    • Restart your device – If you’re someone who rarely if ever restarts their PC/Mac, then it might be a good idea to do this once in a while. This can free up system processor and memory which can improve the quality and stability of video calls.
    • Close unused programs – This is another way to free up processor and memory for your sessions
    • Close other video conferencing services – Close programs like Zoom, Microsoft Teams when using Bilateral Base as sometimes they can create a conflict if both programs are trying to access your webcam or microphone at the same time
    • Power Supply – Ensure your device has sufficient battery for the session duration or is connected to a power supply