The remote can be configured for either CEC or IR, see also: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205225#siriappletv https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205225#siria

The remote can be configured for either CEC or IR, see also: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205225#siriappletv https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205225#siriappletv. The only problem happens when not playing from the AppleTV and you use the volume buttons. It’ll switch inputs on the TV/receiver to the AppleTV. So it’s no longer an universal volume control, which can confuse family members as they have to remember which input the whole setup is in.