CableLabs proposed in the CableCARD 2.0 specification that two-way communication be supported with a scheme that required more powerful hardware capable of running Java software. Many cable companies indicated they would build lower cost devices that do not require this OCAP programming environment, so that upgrading to switched video would not be as costly.
CableLabs proposed in its CableCARD 2.0 plan that two-way communication be enabled through a system requiring more powerful hardware and Java software capabilities. In response, many cable companies planned to develop lower-cost devices not reliant on this OCAP programming environment, making it less expensive for customers to upgrade to switched video.