-=> Quoting Jasen Betts to Joe Nicholson <=-

 JB> the data is recorded in a layer near the label side of the CD
 JB> CD but accessed from the underside.

 JB> damage to the label side (like pinholes or scratches) will
 JB> destroy data, small scratches to the underside have less effect
 JB> and can in some cases be repaired.
 
 JB> One beam from below looks theough the thick plastic to read the
 JB> data which is recorded immediately below the label.


 Dang, learn something new everyday, even at this age.  

 Thank you and everyone else who responded with the explanation.

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