Meanie wrote:

When LEDs were first available as replacements for tubed fluorescent,
they had to be direct wired (removal of ballasts). Now they've made LEDs
to use the existing ballasts as it's driver. Though, that could still
differ based on geographic location.

I don't know anything about LED tubes but if it was "direct wire" that might
be better because who needs the ballast anyway?

I don't even understand what the ballast even does, in the case of the LED
tubes.

Do you?