OMA File Extension

What is OMA file?

OMA is an audio format developed by Sony. It is an implementation of ATRAC standard that offers Audio CD quality and up to 20 times smaller files. OMA files were popular as the standard audio encoding used by MiniDisc (MD) standard, which never gained significant popularity. The last distribution platform was closed in March 2009.

Data protection

OMA format also offered built-in unauthorized playback and copy protection mechanisms (DRM). OMA audio files were distributed on the Sony Connect Music Store platform.

Programs which support OMA file extension

OMA files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 12/28/2022

How to open file with OMA extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening OMA files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with OMA extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the VLC media player

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports OMA files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install VLC media player or one to the listed programs: VLC media player for Android. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading VLC media player installed is by going to developer’s website (VideoLAN Project Team) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of VLC media player

If you already have VLC media player installed on your systems and OMA files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of VLC media player installed, it may not support OMA format. The most recent version of VLC media player is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Sony OpenMG Music Format files with VLC media player

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate OMA files with latest version of VLC media player you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the OMA file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where VLC media player is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open OMA files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected OMA file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select VLC media player and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with OMA extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the OMA is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the OMA file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The OMA may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the OMA is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. OMA file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with OMA extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the OMA file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the OMA file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Sony OpenMG Music Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle VLC media player

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with OMA extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Sony OpenMG Music Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle OMA files.

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