Nuoptix, formed in 1975 as an electro-optical design and manufacturing company, was asked by a major Hollywood studio to address the problems associated with sound tracks. In response, Nuoptix developed an Anticipatory Noise Reduction system using solid state technology and incorporated this into the FR-1 Optical Sound Recording System, which is still in use at many major studios throughout the world today.

After the success of the FR-1, Nuoptix embarked on an extensive program of engineering and development, and assigned Westrex to market the Nuoptix Optical Recording System under the Westrex brand name. During this period, over 75 optical sound track recording systems were sold worldwide.

Nuoptix continues to sell systems through Photophone (formally the optical sound department of Westrex) as well as direct marketing of the Nuoptix Stereo Optical Recording Electronics.