So - it seems that the new ATV does not have ir-support i.e. no ir-receiver.
The remote has a ir-transmitter, but that seems to be only for controlling the (volume of) the connected tv.
Bugger - if so!!!
MM
According to the tech specs at apple.com/tv the ATV 4 does have IR receiver:
HDMI 1.43
802.11ac Wi‑Fi with MIMO
10/100BASE-T Ethernet
Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
IR receiver
USB‑C for service and support
Built‑in power supply
