SoundConverter is a good one. It's simple and supports running multiple encodes in parallel to speed up batch conversions.
For music, I would suggest setting the format to Opus and the quality to high. That will produce a file around 128 kbps which should be transparent. Don't get rid of your original lossless files though. You will need them whenever a newer, better codec comes out.
Lead acid batteries like to be kept fully charged all the time and don't like to be discharged below 50% state of charge.
Lithium batteries like to be kept around half charged. They degrade quicker when kept at a high or low state of charge. Running lithium batteries from 20-80% does extend the lifespan, but charging to 100% is fine when you need to go on a longer trip. Just don't keep it at 100% for long periods of time.
Libreoffice Draw is the best option. You need to make sure all of the fonts used in the PDF are installed on your computer before editing it. The embedded fonts can't be used for editing. If you are missing a font, Draw will try to find a substitute, which will most likely mess up the spacing. You can go to File->Properties in a PDF viewer like Okular or Xreader to get a list of the fonts that the PDF uses.
Most PDFs aren't intended to be edited. The incorrect text splits are an issue caused by the program that created the PDF.
Two programs not being able to use the sound card at the same time is what happens when you set a program to use an ALSA hw or plughw device instead of PulseAudio or PipeWire.
I've been using Linux as my main operating system since 2010 and can't recall having any audio issues. My desktop has 5 sound cards and they all work fine. I don't use bluethooth for audio, so I guess that makes things easier.
Do they need to play on a set top DVD player? If they are going to be played on a computer, you can reencode to a modern codec and burn them as data DVDs.
California residents are not authorized to use MidnightBSD for desktop use in the state of California effective January 1, 2027. California law CA AB1043 requires a complex age verification system implemented for operating systems with no exceptions for small open source projects. At this time, we don't have development time or a plan in place for this.
My last two phones were around $250 and have done everything I need. They have SD card slots, headphone jacks and physical sim cards which the higher end phones are lacking. I don't care about camera quality. I have a nice DSLR if I need good pictures.
There's no way I would ever pay $1300 for a phone. I could buy a new HF radio for that, use it for 20 years then sell it for more that half of that. The phone will be worthless after a couple of years.
It's delay line memory. It was common back in the days of vacuum tube computers.