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Why Protecting Live Video Streams Matters
Surveillance video has become a critical digital asset. It is used for security investigations, operational monitoring, compliance, and legal evidence. At the same time, live video streams are increasingly vulnerable to misuse: internal leaks, unauthorized screen recording, media manipulation, and reputational or legal risks.
For organizations using Milestone XProtect VMS, protecting exported footage is only part of the equation. Live video streams viewed by operators, contractors, or third parties also require visible ownership and accountability. This is where watermarking becomes essential.
The VEZHA Watermark Plugin for Milestone XProtect VMS is designed specifically to address this challenge by adding visible watermarks to live and playback video streams without affecting exported recordings.
What Is the VEZHA Watermark Plugin?
The VEZHA Watermark Plugin is a Milestone Integration Platform (MIP) plugin that overlays visible, semi-transparent watermarks on video streams displayed in the XProtect Smart Client.
These watermarks can include:
- Custom text (company name, camera ID, user role)
- Logos or branding images
- Adjustable opacity and color settings
A key advantage of the plugin is that exported video files remain clean and unmarked, preserving evidentiary quality while still protecting live viewing sessions.
Why Watermarking Is Critical for Milestone XProtect Users
While Milestone XProtect offers robust access control and logging, it does not natively provide visible watermarking for live streams. This creates a gap in situations where:
- Operators record screens using external tools
- Live video is displayed in shared control rooms
- Footage is shown to external stakeholders
- Screenshots are taken and distributed without context
Visible watermarking helps to:
- Deter unauthorized recording
- Establish content ownership
- Increase operator accountability
- Reduce legal and compliance risks
By clearly branding live video, organizations send a strong signal that the footage is protected and traceable.
Key Features and Benefits
Visible Watermarking for Live and Playback Video
Watermarks are displayed directly on live streams and recorded playback in the Smart Client, ensuring continuous protection during viewing.
No Impact on Exported Footage
Exported video remains watermark-free, maintaining:
- High evidentiary value
- Court admissibility
- Clean archives for investigations
Flexible Customization
Users can fully customize watermark appearance:
- Text-based watermarks with dynamic content
- Image-based overlays (JPG, JPEG, PNG up to 5 MB)
- Adjustable opacity, size, and color
- Placement optimized for different screen layouts
Role-Based Activation
Watermarking is enabled per Milestone role, allowing administrators to:
- Apply watermarks only to specific user groups
- Exclude trusted internal roles if required
- Maintain granular control over visibility
Seamless Milestone Integration
Built using the Milestone MIP SDK, the plugin integrates smoothly with existing XProtect environments without requiring architectural changes.
Supported Environments and Compatibility
The VEZHA Watermark Plugin is designed for enterprise-grade deployments and supports:
- Milestone XProtect Smart Client
- Centralized and distributed installations
- Multi-client environments
The plugin is lightweight and optimized to ensure minimal impact on system performance, making it suitable for large camera networks and 24/7 operations.
Installation Steps
This straightforward process ensures quick deployment across your surveillance system.
How to Install the Plugin
- Download the Plugin: Access the Milestone Partners Portal and download the VEZHA Watermark Plugin.
- Run the Installer: Execute VEZHA_MilestoneWatermark_Setup.exe and follow the prompts.
- Install on All Clients: If the XProtect Management Client and Smart Client are on separate servers, install the plugin on each client PC.
Configuration Process
These steps allow you to customize watermark settings effectively.
Setting Up Your Watermark
- Open XProtect Management Client: Sign in with your server’s IP address and credentials.
- Enable Watermarking:
- Go to the Security section and select Roles.
- Choose a role and navigate to the MIP tab.
- Check “Display Watermark on Video.”
- Activate License:
- Copy the GUID from the Licensing tab and send it to your distributor for a license key.
- Paste the key into the plugin settings and activate it.
Customization Options
This flexibility ensures that your branding is visible across all video formats.
Tailoring Your Watermark
- Text Overlays: Enable watermark text, set its content, and adjust color and opacity.
- Image Overlays: Upload an image (JPG, JPEG, PNG) up to 5 MB for branding.
- Live and Playback Modes: Apply watermarks in both live viewing and recorded playback.
Practical Applications
Where to Use the Plugin
- Urban Surveillance: Secure public spaces by marking video feeds visibly.
- Industrial Monitoring: Protect sensitive operational footage in factories.
- Retail Security: Deter theft by clearly branding surveillance videos
Protect Your Videos Now! The VEZHA Watermark Plugin for Milestone XProtect VMS is essential for securing video footage against unauthorized use. Implement this plugin to ensure your surveillance videos are protected. For installation guidance or support, refer to our detailed documentation or contact our team directly.
Industry Use Cases
Urban and Municipal Surveillance
City authorities can clearly mark live surveillance feeds, reducing the risk of footage misuse and unauthorized distribution.
Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities
Factories and critical infrastructure operators can protect sensitive operational footage viewed by contractors or remote teams.
Retail and Commercial Security
Visible watermarks deter misuse and reinforce that surveillance footage is monitored and controlled.
Corporate and Enterprise Security
Large organizations benefit from increased accountability across multi-site security operations and shared monitoring centers.
Secure Your Surveillance Video Today
Live surveillance footage is one of your most sensitive digital assets. Without visible protection, it remains vulnerable to misuse even in secure VMS environments.
The VEZHA Watermark Plugin for Milestone XProtect VMS adds a critical layer of visual security by protecting live and playback video streams while preserving clean exports for investigations and compliance.
Contact IncoreSoft today to request a demo, licensing details, or technical guidance tailored to your Milestone XProtect deployment.
Xavier Miota
VP of Sales at IncoreSoft LLC
Manager with over 20 years working in Solution Selling, with proven experience in management, sales, consultancy . Multi market knowledge, especially experienced in consumer electronics and ITS sector, with a good perspective of the technological landscape.