I think the issue is where you find the intelligence that can, if necessary, make two distinctly different modifications to the stream of data that eventually gets clocked out the DAC to become a set of analog signals.
1. points optimization
2. color to scanner time alignment
If you do it in the driver, then you need to know how to tell your driver what to do, when.
If you do it in the preparation of a wave, then it might be well noted in the header of the wave.
You can't expect to set standards on how this is done!
This is the very art of it!
It is what makes one system better than others.
It is also what leaves it open to infinite future possibilities!
James.