Disk drive defect map encoding scheme

A method comprising:

• creating a defect list wherein the defect list defines portions of a storage medium that are incapable of storing retrievable information;
• converting the defect list to a second list defining at least a sequence of non-retrievable portions;
• compressing the second list into a third list defining encoded sequences;
• and
• storing the third list for future retrieval.

A system comprising:

• a media storage unit, the media storage unit storing retrievable information that can be received from the system and retrievable information that can be transmitted to the system;
• wherein the media storage unit comprises:
• a storage medium;
• a processor creating a defect map defining portions of the storage medium that are incapable of storing retrievable information, the processor engaging the storage medium to retrieve and transmit information;
• a converter, the converter changing the defect map into a sequence of at least non-retrievable portions of the storage medium;
• and
• a compressor coupled to the converter wherein the converter inputs the sequence of retrievable portions to the compressor and the compressor outputs an encoded sequence that is stored on the storage medium for future retrieval.