Hello... There are "Hardware" and "Software" audio systems... typically a PC will have a "software" chip and non-real-time CPU processing and output. A dedicated "hardware Chip" will do all audio processing within it's self... and be closer to real-time.
Typically Pro or Dedicated Audio processing will have Custom "hardware" chips in them for the JOB they are to do, fast and as close to real-time as possible... the Other problem is with "Trade marks and Copy rights of the material being used... Dolby, THX, etc.