Youtube Fred Astaire 58' clip.

[3Guncolor]

I don't think the FCC had any say in video tape as long as the time base was correct. It was between the networks/customers and Ampex. If there were any changes to the format the FCC would not be interested as long as the station had the correct signal. In this case RCA made the VTR using the Ampex recording system with a color timebase corrector. Ampex had not released one as they were still working it out with RCA because of the color patents. Ampex let RCA make VTR's as long as Ampex could make one able to record color. At least that's how I understand it. I'm sure some stations did make changes in the format as time went on, changed head amps, TBCs, etc..It would only matter if the tapes were to play on a different deck that it could be a problem and that is something the FCC would not be interested in. In fact there was a big effort to make it so the tapes would play on any deck that made Ampex and RCA get along so their customers would be happy.