Information on e-ballast vs magnetic

[esmithiii]

Does anyone have any information on running e-ballasts vs traditional magnetic ballasts. I am looking for the following information (I am considering upgrading my 400w magnetic ballasts to e-ballasts)

1. I currently run (2) 400w 6500k iwasakis and (1) 400w 10,000k ushio lamps. Is there any color difference when using the e-ballast vs using my current magnetic ballast.
2. What about intensity and PAR of my bulbs using e-ballasts vs. magnetic ballasts? Is it exactly the same?
3. What is the difference in power consumption (if any)?
4. Is the bulb life more or less when using the e-ballasts?
5. How long do these ballasts last? I would hate to shell out close to $500 for three and have them die after a year.
6. How hot do they run compared to the magnetic ballasts?

Thanks for any information that you can provide.

Ernie

[Ninong]

Check this out: http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/...omparison.html