TV
If you have Freeview, it is most likely that you have an external aerial with a lead into the back of your TV. In order to record Freeview, the feed from the aerial will need to be 'interpreted' and any required programmes stored on a hard drive, performed by a set-top box. The aerial feed is plugged into the set-top box which is, in turn, connected to the TV. The set top box controls the feeds to your TV. (You haven't mentioned Freesat. The feed to the TV comes via a cable from a wall mounted satellite dish, and you will need a different set-top box to control this to record and view on your TV.)
If you have a cable TV feed to your house you will still need a set-top box to terminate, intercept the feed and record your programs.
WiFi
WiFi signals can also carry TV programming information. The broadband signals will have been transmitted over your copper landline into your property but are terminated on a router which then transmits over-the-air information that a 'smart' TV can read. I'm disappointed by my smaller, smart TVs - they don't seem very smart. My main TV (now ancient) has been 'smartened up' by the addition of a Roku 'stick' and this works perfectly well although Roku now produce an updated one with small additional memory which will make loading faster.
If you are using WiFi, don't forget that your programmes are 'streamed' over the internet as and when you request them. They don't need to be stored. However, you will have to pay for most of these services and there are so many available. It's a bit of a minefield.
Also, speed of your internet delivery will affect streaming, if you don't have a particularly good broadband speed, you will get a frustrating viewing experience.
HOWEVER (sorry for shouting), please note that copper landlines are being phased out. BT have hit problems with their rollout replacement of copper cabling with fibre broadband but have more or less stopped supporting copper based networks.
Phone
If you want to keep your landline then my last point is very important. I recently switched from my copper landline to Full Fibre to my house (FFTP). I'm not going to tell you my story but it was far more difficult than it should have been. The service provider should have listened when I suggested someone survey my house first.
I now have 2 Digital voice phone handsets - they are a bit basic but calls are amazingly clear.
There is also now no emergency provision in the event of a power cut but we have modern mobile phones and a good mobile signal.
Mobile
More bad news here too. If you have 'old' mobiles, be aware that 2G and 3G are soon to be switched off by mobile phone network providers. Don't hang on to old mobiles (kept for emergencies only) because, when you suddenly need them, they may just not work.
