Some idiot at Apple decided it is a great idea to make a Bluetooth remote completely out of solid metal billet. As a result the client has to point the remote towards the TV since the small front cover makes the remote needing line of sight. The apple tv is behind the TV making things worse. I have a full blown Elan system deployed but the client likes to use the apple tv remotes as well; he even made me upgrade all five to the new ones. I can get the old remotes which worked better but they don't have the power button. Do you guys know if something like this is available in the US?
[Link: urcsupport.com]

He doesn't want the Elan handheld remotes since he only uses Appe TV (no cable box).

The Apple TV remote should pair up (RF) and not require any pointing for Apple commands. Yes, you have to aim it at the TV for IR commands. I don’t get what the problem is.

In real life, I have seen Apple TV‘s stop controlling the television for unknown reasons. I recommend Roku exclusively and don’t run into that problem.

If its just AppleTV into a TV, wont the ATV control the TV Via HDMI/CEC? I've done this with Roku often and it works great.

Same here; I always push Roku when I can but this customer is used to apple. This is the problem; to control the apple tv you need to be fairly close to the apple tv and point in the general direction. If you cover the front opening with your hand the remote stops working. This led me to believe initially that the remote was not paired; it was.

I’ve installed plenty of newer ATV’s and never had an issue using the remote when it’s installed behind a Tv.

I've done this with Roku often and it works great.

Can't you go into the menu using IR and pair the new remote so it works via RF?