Both Apple TV and LG remote, tv pause when I press volume

Suddenly, whenever I’m watching anything via Apple TV, if I try to adjust the volume, whatever I am watching pauses AND volume adjusts. As If I had hit a pause button. (we have had this setup at least 5 years) It happens whether I use the tv’s LG remote or the A TV remote. This is a problem w the box not the remotes. I even went to Apple settings and re-programmed the LG remote to train it for each button. I tried it twice. Still the same thing is happening. Darn it, If I want it paused I’ll hit play/pause!