I think you're referring to a promo CD, distributed to industry folks before the official street date release.

more info here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promotional_recording

rinse_dream, March 3, 2008; 8:58 AM

Thanks!

And as I understand they dont have UPN Bar Code.

senchi55, March 3, 2008; 3:30 PM

Some yes, some no. In fact, the industry uses a variety of products as advance or promo
copies. This ranges from CD-Rs with xeroxed inlays, fully finished products with or without
stamp / sticker / printed mention, ordinary trade copies, to CDs which do not come with a
jewel case but in a card cover instead.

I was collecting advance copies / promos / acetates for a long time and the only rule is, that
there's no rule. Each and every label has its own policy.

As for the UPN code, this neither signalizes legality (all bootleggers fake them) nor is it
generally suited to tell a trade copy from a promotional item. For instance, Intrada CDs do not
have a UPN.

Cheerz,

David

coma, March 3, 2008; 4:32 PM