A formatting storage controller for recording data on a formatted storage medium, said data being initially recorded on a source storage medium coupled to a source storage controller, said formationg storage controller comprising:
- a bus interface for coupling said formatting storage controller to said source storage controller;
- a command buffer for receiving a command block from said bus interface, said command buffer causing said formatting storage controller to execute a data transfer from said source storage medium to said formatted storage medium;
- a processor in said formatting storage controller for controlling said data transfer in accordance with said command block;
- a formatted storage medium interface for coupling said formatting storage controller to said formatted storage medium;
- and
- a persistent storage unit for storing an on-media structure definition wherein said on-media structure definition is configured to be selected by a selector in a command block received by said formatting storage controller.