When using a metal halide or high pressure sodium grow lights, the system must use a ballast for proper operation. The ballast needs to be a match for the system based on the current to be drawn by the bulbs (for example, 600 watts) so they will work to their full potential and life-expectancy. High intensity discharge lamps such as MH or HPS lack the ability to regulate current flow on their own (like an incandescent bulb can) so, without a ballast, they will draw current in increasing quantities until the point of failure. Continued below.
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 250 WATTS HPSMH DIGITAL GROW LIGHT GIANT HOOD BALLAST  US $152.95
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 600 WATT HPS DIGITAL GROW LIGHT w XL HOOD 600w BALLAST US $173.95
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 400 Watt Digital Ballast HPS MH Grow Light 400W System US $110.00
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 NEW Digital 600 watt HPS GROW LIGHT 600w w ballast led US $199.95
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 Lumatek 400w Eiko Bulb HPS Digital Ballast Grow Light US $234.95
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 Lumatek 1000w Eiko Bulb HPS Digital Ballast Grow Light US $449.95
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 250 WATTS HPSMH DIGITAL GROW LIGHT Hood HUGE BALLAST US $152.99
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 250 WATTS HPS MH DIGITAL GROW LIGHT LARGE HOOD BALLAST US $153.93
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 Digital 600 watt HPS GROW LIGHT 600w ballast sodium w US $199.95
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Most digital ballasts can run both metal halide and high pressure sodium grow lights without the need to flip a switch between the two. In addition, you eliminate the noise pollution put out by the humming magnetic and coil ballasts while enjoying flicker-free operation of your bulbs. The net result for you is a more efficient ballast that runs cooler and more quietly thus increasing the life of your grow bulbs. After one year of use, the amount of usable light emitted by your bulbs run on a digital ballast may have decreased less than 30% as compared to bulbs run on a coil ballast may emit over 50% less usable light.
Are you someone who likes to listen to the radio when gardening indoors? One key thing to take into account is Radio Frequency (RF) interference. The energy put out by digital ballasts can wreak havoc on AM stations, though for different reasons. FM stations are not affected by digital ballasts. If AM is your prime concern, be cognizant of the distance between the ballast and your radio - basically the further, the better. You can also reduce AM interference by making sure your ballast's lamp cord is shielded which you can tell by looking for a metal or foil type shield between the outside coat and the internal wiring of the cord.
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