ballast question

[midwest reefer]

I am seriously looking into upgrading to a vho or mh lighting system, but im not sure about ballast differences yet. I just dont get the difference between an "electronic ballast" and a standard ballast.
Also, when Im looking I frequently see ice cap ballast offered as an option. For instance it will be something like 48" 4x110w VHO 400$, then 550 with ice cap 660. What is the purpose of this option and do you guys reccomend going with the upgraded ballast?

 

[midwest reefer]

anybody??

 

[dburr]

MH- electronic will fire any type of bulb. Under powering them.
A pulse type ballast will fire ushio bulbs(not sure what else).
And a probe will fire any american/german type bulb.
Can't help ya to much on DE.