What does keycode punched mean?


I just received a "brand new" CD from one of the sellers on Amazon and the keycode is punched out on the back. Why is this done?

Merry Christmas to all, Dolfan
dolfan
Fatparrot is exactly right.

I would also add that sometimes companies will put a hole through the bar code (or mark it in some way so that it can't scan) if it is a promo cd. So, you can expect that it is either a promo copy or a cut-out. The cd will be perfect.
It's called a "cut-out". They also used to do the same with vinyl LP's. It's a way that record companies discount overstocked CD's. By intentionally "damaging" the product, it becomes a factory second, and can therefore be discounted. The CD or LP is, of course, perfect; it's just the packaging that's "damaged".

That the basics, as I understand it. Perhaps others know more details.