Any Time, Any Distance
Take a Remote Deposition
If you have access to high speed internet, a phone line, or a mobile device with a camera, you can take your deposition wherever you need. A remote depo setup keeps you going, whatever life throws at you.
What You Can Expect
Advances in technology in the court reporting industry can empower a more efficient and streamlined litigation process. When you partner with Planet Depos for your remote deposition, you can expect the very best.
Super Performance
With Zoom as a backbone, our remote depositions are delivered in HD with crystal-clear audio.
24/7/365 Availability
Our team is available all day, every day. Schedule online or call us at 888.433.3767 to schedule your depo.
Present Exhibits
Pull up exhibits yourself or have our Technicians manage them; either way you can share, annotate, and mark.
Flexible To Use
Our mobile videoconference depositions are easy to use from any device or operating system.
Multiple Connections
Up to 500 participants can connect via computers, tablets, and smartphones, from anywhere around the world.
Best Experience
See your witness, court reporter, opposing counsel, and exhibits all in one user interface.
Types of Remote Depositions
With technology comes options. Whether you (or your witness) are set up for a full mobile videoconference deposition experience, a teleconference, or need to visit a videoconference suite, we have an option to fit your needs.
Mobile Videoconference
Technology is amazing, so take advantage. Mobile videoconferencing will be the more convenient and cost-effective option most of the time. Your remote witness can connect via laptop or mobile device, so long as they have access to reliable internet. Our tech will run a test prior to the deposition to make sure your equipment is compatible with our videoconference software. It takes just 30 seconds to install the platform the first time you use it. The test prior to the deposition is a must. Technology is a beautiful thing, when it works, so make sure it works well before the proceeding starts.
You will receive a link via email from our tech prior to the deposition. Just click, and you’re in! You can connect 100 people if you want. You shouldn’t need to for a depo, but you get the idea. This is serious technology. You can play video with audio, share screens and pull up exhibits, just like a normal depo. Our tech monitors the connection the whole way through to guarantee a smooth, continuous link between the parties.
Teleconference
Take the deposition by phone. This option is best suited for short depositions which are non-interpreted. The option will also appeal to the cost-conscious client. We provide the dial-in for the connecting parties and reserve a location for the remote witness and reporter.
We always recommend that you do run a test call before the deposition, just to verify the quality of the audio.
Traditional Videoconference
The classic hybrid approach to remote depositions. This is the way to go should your remote witness not have the ability to connect to the deposition on their own, or if the witness has a heavy accent or talks very fast. They (or you) can attend the remote deposition via one of our videoconference centers around the world.
The quality of audio and picture is excellent; it’s the next best thing to being there in person. With this approach, there is some travel involved to the videoconference suite, but no need to hop on a plane.
Video Resources for Working Remote
Need some tips on taking a deposition via Zoom, or tips on working remotely? We’ve got you covered with these short videos that highlight what we’ve learned in our decade of remote depositions. There are even more videos over on our YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions and we have answers. Our Litigation Technology Technicians have run thousands of remote depositions through teleconference, mobile, and traditional videoconference platforms, and they’ve seen it all. Here are a few of the most common questions that we receive.
Is there a cost for a mobile videoconference with PD?
No. Mobile videoconferences are free through Planet Depos. We only charge when you request a Technician to oversee the videoconference. If you hire a technician, they will run all your virtual exhibits and provide you with a free copy of the deposition video.
Do we need to use a videoconference?
No. Unless you specifically prefer video (to show exhibits or to see the witness), we first suggest you do your deposition through our teleconference lines. Depositions by telephone are quick to set up and can accommodate last-minute scheduling.
If we use a videoconference, can we connect via phone?
Yes. In fact, we recommend connecting via a phone to ensure the clearest audio. Once you enter the Zoom videoconference, you may choose to connect by phone.
Do we need to download anything?
No. To use Zoom you will receive a link that can open in a browser. You may download the Zoom client, if you wish, but it is not necessary.
Can we mark exhibits?
Yes. You may either pre-mark your exhibits and send them to us (or display them yourself), or you may request that our Technician mark exhibits during the deposition.
Who controls scrolling through exhibits?
This is entirely dependent on your choice. You can choose to scroll through to maintain control, or we can give the witness control.
Who controls the videoconference itself?
Should you elect to have a PD Technician, we will control all aspects of the videoconference. This means we can control who can be seen and heard (ensuring additional viewers are muted during the proceeding), and when the videoconference is ended for all.
Is your remote deposition software secure?
Yes. We use Zoom, a standard videoconference platform across multiple industries. It is encrypted at 256-bit AES, and is FedRAMP (Moderate) and SOC2 rated. You can learn more about Zoom Security on its website.
How can I be sure the witness isn’t reading notes? Or that nobody is in the room coaching the witness?
The best method we’ve used is to have the witness push the laptop away so you are able to see the table in front of them. You may also ask them to pan the camera around the room before the start. Additionally, you may ask them on the record if anyone else joins them in the room and if they have any notes.
Where is the Court Reporter?
With The Witness
Ideally, especially for an interpreted deposition, the reporter should be in the presence of the witness and interpreter. It makes for a quicker deposition, with fewer interruptions to clarify the record, and ultimately a cleaner final transcript. Our teams of reporters around the globe are in place to make it happen.
NOT With The Witness
While we always recommend that the reporter be present with the witness to ensure accuracy, situations arise where the ideal arrangement is not possible. Fortunately, it is possible to take the deposition without the reporter being physically present with the remote witness. Each party needs stable, high-speed internet – the highest quality audio possible will make all the difference.
Just Remember…
The devil is in the details. So, when you’re planning a remote deposition, it’s important to remember a few items to ensure a simple and easy videoconference.
The Oath
If the reporter is not with the witness, a stipulation on the record may be required regarding the reporter’s ability to swear in the witness.
Also, some states have specific requirements about the administration of the oath when not present with the witness.
What Time Is It?
It sounds like a silly question, but if you will be clicking or dialing in from your sky-high L.A. office, and your witness is in Pittsburgh or New Delhi, double check the time zones and start times.
You may need to start very early or be prepared to stay up very, very late.
Testing, Testing
Do NOT forget the test call. You need to check the stability of the connection.
Poor audio quality should never happen in our technologically advanced times, so set up the test call to work out any possible kinks and guarantee a smooth connection.
Resources for Remote Depositions
With over a decade of experience handling remote depositions, our team has learned a lot about the process and how to make it easy for you. We share that experience with you by releasing updated blog posts, videos, and more.
Articles & Blog Posts
FAQ: Zoom Security
How to Prepare for a Remote Deposition
Tips For Your Remote Witness
Downloadable Content
Remote Depositions Flyer
The White Glove Experience
Sample Notice of Deposition
Comments From The Field
Don’t just take our word for how smoothly your depositions can go. Our clients love us, and they often let us know. Here are a few of the most recent notes we’ve received.
Once again Planet Depos steps up and knocks it out of the park. Thank you – to your whole team – for handling our proceeding over Zoom and never, not one time, wavering on your customer support. If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, you are simply the best.
I realized that I had not scheduled a court reporter for a deposition scheduled yesterday. I called Planet Depos and scheduling was able to get a court reporter so the deposition could proceed as planned. Thank you. I am very appreciative for the prompt response.
The Planet Depos team consistently follows up with me to see if there are any updates to my requests, and suggests services based on our firm’s needs. I was able to schedule everything in a short email. No complaints from the deposition team (and they absolutely would let me know if they were unhappy with a court reporting service!).
Try for FREE Today!
Seriously. We will provide you with a mobile videoconference room for free. Schedule today, and we can get a room set up for you instantly. Of course, we do recommend you hire a PD Technician to have the best experience (and we’ll even throw in a complimentary recording).
