Apple TV remote radius

It seems for the past few months that I've had to point my Apple TV remote more and more directly at the the Apple TV itself in order for it to respond. I basically at this point have to have the remote's signal pointed perpindicular to the receiver on the Apple TV in order for a response. I've changed the batteries, checked for any physical interference and have found no other users with a similar problem. It's as if the signal cone of the remote has been getting narrower and narrower and I'm completely stumped as to what could be causing this.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!