If you found a new satellite TV dish under the tree this Christmas, you might feel overwhelmed at the viewing choices now available to you. However, that's nothing compared to the technical hurdles the inventors of home satellite TV had to face.

In fact, it took an effort worthy of building a Mars exploration probe to bring you all those HBOs, Showtimes and Cinemaxes using a dish that doesn't cover your backyard and block out the sun.

The idea for TV-by-satellite began percolating inside the minds of Hughes Electronics researchers back in 1984. This was a time when TV viewing options were limited to your local VHF and UHF stations, perhaps a cable service showing selections of other towns' local stations, and watching the kids play Atari.

After getting permission from the FCC, Hughes spent $750 million to launch three satellites and build a broadcast center. But it was their "under the hood" innovations that made it possible for subscribers to receive a clear signal with a dish no bigger than a large pizza.

So while you're relaxing and letting your new abundance of viewing options wash over you, take a moment to remember that, thanks to space technology, you still have a back yard to mow. Hmmm, on the other hand ...