This paper presents the use of a novel, single-stage high-power-factor electronic ballast with a symmetrical class-DE low-$d{upsilon}$/$dt$ resonant rectifier as a power-factor corrector for fluorescent lamps. The power-factor correction is achieved by using a bridge rectifier to utilize the function of a symmetrical class-DE resonant rectifier. By employing this topology, the peak and ripple values of the input current are reduced, allowing for a reduced filter inductor volume of the EMI filter. Since the conduction angle of the bridge rectifier diode current was increased, a low-line current harmonic and a power factor near unity can be obtained. A prototype ballast, operating at an 84-kHz fixed frequency and a 220-$V_{rms}$, 50-Hz line input voltage, was utilized to drive a T8-36W fluorescent lamp. Experimental results are presented which verify the theoretical analysis.