If you go with the matrix, you dont need timers for the lights, they have them built in. My display will blink the wattage your using, the programmed time and if the bulb is off on the lcd screen. 1000w, 12/12, OFF is how mine looks. I just got another yesterday fedex dropped off but dont have room to run another 1000w so its just a back up now.
If you do get the solistek matrix I suggest buying it online. I bought my 600w solis tek for 179.00 w/cheap wing reflector and plantmax cheapo bulb. I bought my first matrix on ebay for 328.00 and that came w/ both 110 and 220v cords and remote for ballast plus a 1000w suprr hps hortilux bulb (even hydro stores are going into matrix boxes and removing the 220v cord and remote and selling these seperate even though they come from the manufacturers with them included). I bought my second matrix last week on ebay for 248.00 no remote.
My local hydrostore sells the matrix at 330.00 and thats after they strip the remote and the 220v cord out the box and then try to sell it to you for another 25.00.
Point being, shop online if you want to stay in budget.