tv speakers vs receiver

I have an odd situation. I have recently upgraded my apple tv from a previous apple tv, to the newer appleTV4k. None of the other audio gear or tv was changed, I just unplugged the power cable and hdmi cable from the old one and plugged the new one in.

The apple TV hdmi cable runs to the AV receiver hdmi input, and the AV receiver HDMI output runs to the TV. I am using a yamaha receiver and a samsung TV.

I use the apple remote power button, and everything turns on just fine... the tv comes on, the receiver comes on, and the apple tv comes on.

But exactly every other time, it defaults to tv speakers, not receiver speakers. when this occurs, there is no way option to select receiver speakers. The location of the volume display on the TV is also a different location on the screen when I change the volume. and its definately NOT playing audio through the receiver system, it is using the tv's internal speakers

If I use the apple tv remote to power it all down, and then restart it like I always do, the next time it will default to the receiver speakers. Its precisely every other time. SO I am now in the habit of turning it on, turning it all off, then turning it on again. Its the only workaround I have found. I cant locate any change to the settings that corrects this. It worked great with the older model apple tv, only this new one is every other time. Exactly every other time.

ANy ideas? My apple tv does update automatically, so it is running current software.