I have both discs, and Avia is generally easier to use. There is a new version of Video Essentials coming out, however, that will be fully digital and progressive video, or something like that. Both discs will do the job, however. If you want to wait, I'll sell you my old Video Essentials for cheap after I get the new one...
Don't know where to find them cheap, but you can always check
http://www.dvdpricesearch.com or
http://www.dvdpricecompare.com for the latest prices.