Might depend on what system you have, e.g., Dish? With a 211 receiver and hard drive we can view our recordings without the Tailgater. I have no idea how Direct works, or Hughes.
We've always found a hole in treed areas. Once, we made due with just some of our channels.
Recording with a satellite signal should work there same as here.
I don't understand what you are asking regarding cable.
Dish CS says our current lower 48 package will work in Alaska. You best check with your provider.
'11 Eagle 320RLDS '02 Ford F350 DRW 7.3 PSD
"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch and do nothing" - Albert Einstein."