Print profiles that are created using Onyx RIP or resides in Onyx Media Library get the OML extensions. OMS files refer to the media preset (in some cases, ICC profiles) that are available for HP Latex 3rd generation ink printers.
What is the difference between OMS vs. OML files?
One of the frequently asked profile question technical services team get from Onyx RIP users is:
What are OML files?
When HP launched the first and second generation of HP Latex printers L25500 in 2009, one the RIP software that is compatible was Onyx. Print profiles that are created using Onyx RIP or resides in Onyx Media Library gets the OML extensions. Here is an example of a HP Onyx Media Library profile name with file extension:
Fast forward to 2013, HP introduced generation 3 printer, Latex 300 series where one of the revolutionary improvement is end users ability to create their own profile or use a universal profile (OMS) that is not RIP software dependent. Many print shops that upgrading from the HP Latex 200 series printers (previously known as L25500, L26500, L28500) to HP Latex third generation ink printers (i.e. 300 series, 500 series, 1500 series and 3000 series) were used to downloading OML files thought getting OMS file was an error. Shop owners did not realize that this new generation of HP Latex printers has brought along a new type of media preset called OMS. While this new extension may look similar to an OML file, they are not nearly as similar as you would think.
What are OMS files?
OMS files refer to the media preset (in some cases, ICC profiles) that are available for HP Latex 3rd generation ink printers. The beauty of OMS files is that they are shareable across printers within the same family, for example, two different models of the HP Latex 300 series, (Latex 365 preset can share with Latex 315) or the HP Latex 500 series (Latex 560 and Latex 570), but they are not shareable among models of different Printer series (Latex 300 series preset can NOT be shared with Latex 500 series). Here is an example of a HP media preset name with file extension:
OMS files can only be imported to the printer hard drive by HP Embedded Web Server and HP Internal Print Server then controlled by the RIP Software.
HP Latex 3rd generation printers are referred to as Contone printers, whereas the Latex 200 series or Eco-solvent printers are Halftone printer.
For tutorial on how to import media preset to HP Latex L300/L500 series printers, watch the WrapItRight video on Uploading an Arlon Media Profile into HP 300 and 500 Series Printers
So what is the difference between Halftone and Contone printing?
In Halftone printers, the whole color management and workflow settings are controlled by the RIP so a specific media profile has to be generated for each RIP and media print mode combination.
In Contone printers, most of the color management and workflow settings are done inside the printer as media profiles are now stored within the printer.
Reference: HP-Latex-310-370-FAQ.pdf page 6 (May 2015) HP Latex 310/330/360/370 Printers
How do I search for Arlon Media .OMS Presets for HP Latex 300/500 series printers?
1. Search online from the printer front panel which connects directly to the HP Media Solutions Locator database. Here you can download and install HP Latex Certified Arlon Media Preset to the printer.
2. Use the printers embedded web server on the RIP work station to import a HP Latex Certified Arlon Media preset from the HP Media Solutions Locator which will then update and install it on the printer.
3. If the desired media profile is not available on HP PrintOS, go to Arlon Search ICC Profile to download the Arlon Custom Media Preset then use the printers embedded web server on the RIP work station to import, which will update and install on to the printer.
Conclusion
OMS files are files defined by HP and used across all the HP large format printers that can share within each series printer models. An OMS file includes mechanical settings, print modes, ink limit and the ICC profiles that store in the printer hard drive. It can be downloaded from the printer display and store in the printer or download online and import to HP Embedded Web Server.
OML files are ONYX RIP format that included the specific printer data and ICC profile and store in the RIP computer Onyx profile folder. It needs to input and output from Onyx Media Manager.