I might point out "inexpensive" is relative.
What is your budget?
Do you need support or are you a systems integration expert?
From my experience, (and I am a systems integration expert, just not with security systems) it's always good to have a lifeline where some sort of support is available. You'll pay a small premium for that.
Since you got bit with your last experience you might want to go with a branded system (Hikvision or Dahua) from someone that provides support so upgrades don't bite you in the butt.