Cdigix brings free music streaming and downloads to ISU

ISU students now have the ability to legally stream and download free music online. ISU has become an affiliate of the Ctrax program provided through the online company, Cdigix. By signing up with Ctrax, members of the ISU community can download the music onto their own computers using a "tethered download." According to Ctrax, a tethered download is a downloaded file that cannot be burned onto a CD or transferred to a portable device.  The file is stored on the computer's hard drive, but it is encoded to prevent further distribution. If users wish to have the ability to burn the music onto a CD or transfer it to a device such as an iPod, the songs must first be purchased. All downloaded songs are available as long as the user's subscription to Ctrax remains active. In addition, the licenses for the songs need to be updated every 30 days. This process is done periodically when the user is connected online. Downloads that are purchased will never have its license expire. According to the Office of Information Techology's director of user services, Yancy Phillips, illegal downloads have become an increasing problem across college campuses. This program was partially implemented to reduce illegal file sharing and downloading. The music industry has aggressively fought illegal downloads for several years. The Department of Justice joined the efforts when they announced in August that they would begin criminal investigations into the music piracy issue on the Internet. "This is a method of providing a service students want at no cost," Phillips said.  "It permits them to legally listen to a wide variety of music.  This is increasingly important at a time when copyright owners are becoming more aggressive in pursuing those who violate copyright laws.  University students are among the groups receiving close scrutiny." Another music provider, Ruckus, also offered a contract to ISU. "The library of songs offered by Cdigix and other companies was largely the same," Phillips said. "Cdigix was the most cost effective option for this service." ISU does not pay for the service but does have a contract with the Ctrax division of Cdigix. Ctrax offers over two million songs from over 70 record labels. Entire albums or individual songs can be downloaded. New music is added to the website twice a week. "I think that this service is incredibly handy, and once people find out about it, it will be utilized to a greater extent," Pat Bennett a sophomore criminology major at ISU said. Members of the ISU community may access the service by visiting the website at www.ctraxmusic.com. An ISU e-mail is needed to confirm registration.