PT12 HD only works with AVID hardware - what does this mean??

I was browsing the licensing page and came across note 3 that applies to PT12 HD and I quote...



"Please note that while Pro Tools | HD 12 can be used as standalone software, it only works with Pro Tools | HDX and Pro Tools | HD Native hardware "



Does anyone know what this means?? As in does not support 3rd party hardware?? Today I use 3rd party with PT11HD and all that happens is my i/o is limited to 32.