The University of Tennessee campus now has a new way to enjoy music entertainment -- Ctrax, a media downloading program (think Napster) geared towards college students.

It proudly sports a library of 2.5 million songs, ranging from underground music to local bands to top 100 hits.

The Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Information Technology "began a pilot project with Napster in January of 2005 to evaluate the use of a media subscription program on our campus," said Ashley Jarrell, a manager in OIT.

A survey showed that students enjoyed having media access through the university, so a bid was put out for a contract and Cdigix, owner of Ctrax, won.

Ctrax is offered by universities all over the nation. In Knoxville, Ctrax has partnered up with the Cultural Attractions Committee and the Campus Entertainment Board to keep students up-to-date on all upcoming shows.

Cdigix isn't limited to just music. Along with Ctrax, Cdigix owns Clabs and Cstudio.

Clabs is an interactive media classroom, and Cstudio, which is still in the works, allows its users to create and hare their own videos, pictures and other media with other students.

Within Ctrax, students have the ability to listen to radio stations, read album reviews and bios, watch music videos and find local bands who have signed up with Ctrax. 

UT students will have access to all that Cdigix has to offer by simply signing up using their UT e-mail addresses.

"For the first year, there will be no cost to the university or to the students for student subscriptions," said Jarrell. "Cdigix is giving all students, both on-campus and off-campus, free accounts for the first year. The second year it will cost the students $2 per month to continue the service. The charge for faculty and staff is going to be $5.99 per month."

Though student subscriptions are free for a year, the music must be purchased. Music on Ctrax costs $.89 per song and usually $9.99 per album.

"Ctrax has the largest available digital library, and purchased songs are $.89, which gives students a larger variety and more money in their pockets, which we all love," said L. A. Martin, Cdigix's former campus marketing manager.

After graduation, students may continue to use Ctrax, but at a slightly increased price.

Ctrax can be found at www.cdigix.com or www.ctraxmusic.com. Students can get started by creating an account and downloading the media player. The media player, under the account of one user, can be downloaded on up to three computers, enabling students with laptops and desktops to keep listening.