Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding a block of bits as integers values. A bit may be parsed from the block of bits. If the bit has a first value, then a first integer value of a data array may be selected to encode the bit. The first integer value may have a predefined characteristic, e.g., be an odd value. Alternatively, if the bit has a second value, then a second integer value of the data array may be selected to encode the bit. The second integer value might not have the predefined characteristic, e.g., not be an odd value, and instead be an even value. A set of integer values resulting from the encoding of the block of bits may define a compressed data block. The compressed data block may then be subsequently decoded to recover the block of bits.