Trial Technology FAQ

FAQ

On this page:

What is "trial technology"?

Trial technology is the combination of hardware, software, and workflows used to present evidence and argument in a modern courtroom. It includes presentation software, deposition video playback, courtroom displays, audio systems, and the methods used to keep everything synchronized and reliable during trial.

The goal is simple: help judges and jurors understand the evidence clearly, without the technology itself becoming a distraction.

Is a dedicated trial technologist really needed?

Not in every case—but in any matter with significant exhibits, video, or time pressure, a dedicated technologist makes a measurable difference.

A trial tech:

  • Builds and tests the presentation database
  • Manages exhibits, video clips, and callouts in real time
  • Handles connections to courtroom hardware and remote participants
  • Troubleshoots issues without interrupting counsel’s flow

For small hearings or simple bench trials, a tech-savvy attorney or paralegal may be enough. For jury trials with complex evidence, a dedicated technician is often the safest option.

How early should a trial technologist be involved?

Ideally, 30–60 days before trial, especially for document-heavy or video-heavy matters.

Early involvement allows time to:

  • Receive and organize digital exhibits
  • Normalize formats (PDF, video codecs, resolutions)
  • Sync deposition video with transcripts
  • Schedule and complete courtroom testing
  • Build redundancy (backup systems, mirrored drives, extra cables)

Waiting until the week before trial usually leads to rushed conversion, late-night syncing, and avoidable risk in the courtroom.

What should be tested before trial?

At a minimum:

  • Connections – Confirm available inputs (HDMI, VGA, etc.) and test them with your equipment
  • Displays – Verify that the judge, jury, witness, and counsel all see the same image
  • Audio – Test video sound playback through the courtroom system, including volume and clarity
  • Resolution – Match your output resolution to what the courtroom supports to avoid scaling issues
  • Failover – Practice switching to a backup laptop or cable quickly

If the court allows, a brief on-site test session before trial is one of the best investments one can make.

What hardware should be brought to court?

Even in well-equipped courtrooms, plan to be self-sufficient. A typical kit includes:

  • Primary and backup laptops with identical exhibit databases
  • HDMI and VGA cables of sufficient length
  • Adapters (USB-C, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, etc.)
  • Signal splitters or small switchers if needed
  • Power strips and extension cords
  • Portable backup display or projector (if permitted)
  • External drives or SSDs with mirrored data

Redundancy is the standard, not a luxury. Anything critical to trial should exist in at least two places.

How does deposition video synchronization work?

Deposition video synchronization matches video timecodes with transcript text, allowing you to:

  • Jump to specific page/line citations and play the corresponding clip
  • Create edited segments for designations and counters
  • Display highlighted transcript text onscreen while the video plays

The process typically involves specialized software that imports the transcript, aligns it with the video, and exports a file usable in trial presentation programs.

Well-synced video saves time in court and makes testimony far easier for jurors to follow.

Can exhibits and video be handled without trial presentation software?

Yes—but with tradeoffs.

You can present using:

  • PDF software (like Acrobat) for static documents
  • Media players for video
  • A document camera for physical exhibits

This approach works for very simple matters, but you lose:

  • Instant exhibit retrieval via hotkeys/search
  • Clean annotation tools (highlights, callouts, zoom)
  • Integrated video/transcript workflows
  • Smooth, rehearsed transitions between exhibits

For anything beyond a minimal case, dedicated trial presentation software is usually more efficient and less error-prone.

What happens if the courtroom technology fails?

Courts vary, but responsibility for the presentation system usually rests with the party bringing the equipment.

If a courtroom monitor or built-in system fails, you may be allowed to:

  • Use an alternate display (portable monitor or projector)
  • Adjust the presentation method (e.g., document camera instead of digital)
  • Proceed with a simplified setup

A prepared trial tech plans for this scenario:

  • Backup laptop ready to go
  • Redundant cables and adapters
  • Contingency plan for displaying key exhibits even without the ideal setup

The more you can continue presenting calmly during a failure, the more credibility you maintain.

How can we improve our team’s trial-technology skills?

Options include:

  • Internal training sessions using real or mock case materials
  • Rehearsed openings and witness exams with full tech setup
  • Formal education through specialized programs such as Trial Tech University, which focus on deposition video workflows, courtroom presentation, and professional standards

Over time, teams that invest in technology literacy see smoother trials, fewer delays, and clearer communication with judges and jurors.