IR sensor on Apple TV 4K

I appreciate the descriptions of others here who say Apple moved the location of the IR sensor on the 4K model, but even moving my RF bud around the front of the box in many places, I can’t get the Apple TV to react to a command from my Genesis universal remote through the Universal remote controller. The Apple 4K unit replaced an earlier Apple TV 3rd Ir HD? generation that worked fine with the Genesis product. Could there be a different command going to the controller that isn’t recognized by the new 4K device? When I press Play or Pause on the remote, the red lights flicker on the RF receiver, the remote translator AND the IR bud touching the Apple TV—but nothing happens. Your suggestions are most welcome. Thanks.