I have an oppurtunity to get a DVX100 (not A) or PD170 (both used), but I have already decided that for my area of interest (music videos, documentaries, and controlled interviews) that the true progressive is the way to go. Not to mention the 24fps option when I need it. I have read up on the problems compared to the DVX100A, (most notably for me is the 2 frame audio sync issue) but that is not a major issue.

I would like to know if there is a way to find out what the actual used hours are on it and not have to only rely on what the owner of the cam is telling me.

Ok i knew it was asked before, but needed the info fast, so after searching on a few other sites I found my info...

"There's an hour meter in the menus, I think it's the last menu and the last function in the menu."

in dvs80 i know its in options ....something like other functions ..there is a clock telling but u have to all the way down in options..maybe it is similar in dvx

The hours meter is in the last menu (other functions). Scroll down to the bottom and you'll find the usage hours.