My apple tv is unresponsive to the remote even though it is detecting the remote. Reset does not work either

My apple TV stopped working - it is showing the home screen but canno navigate. When I press the remote th box blonks but does not respond. Unplugged power and does not help. The wireless router works because can share itunes from computer using my iphone but the iphone remoete app does not show the apple tv remote functions. I have been using this for about 8 months with no prior problems. Need advise.