What seperates quality HO flouro ballasts from the not so quality?

[BBoley24]

I ask this because I see these Philips Advance HO ballasts in stores for substantially cheaper prices. I checked the spec sheet and it seems as if the amperage is different. What else is different between these and say your everyday icecap?

[fuzzyfred101]

one maybe just regular electronic start and the other more expensive maybe programed electronic start which helps extend the life of the bulb

[dublo8]

It all boils down to efficiency. How much power is wasted vs. light output etc. Look at the workhorse ballasts vs. lets say an icecap ballast just for research purposes. they can output the same wattage and have the same amperage but the way it uses that energy is key. icecap will win guaranteed. Check out the spec sheet from that phillips ballast and see what the ratings are for it while comparing it to another similar output ballast.