Remote does not work with HD DVR in the dark

Okay I know that sounds weird but the remote works fine during the day -- when it gets dark it stops working the DVR unless you are VERY close to the DVR.   If you turn on all the lights it starts working again.   It used to work fine, I have changed batteries just to be sure.  This occurred when we had to get a new DVR after the previous one was wrecked by lightning.     The remote works fine with the TV.

Help!