Home theaters are growing in popularity

Joe J.C. Ganote celebrated Fathers Day with his son and grandchildren at his home in Lees Summit, Mo. But if the younger Ganotes hadnt made the cross-country trip from San Diego, you can bet that grandpa would have logged on to Skype to watch them on the 106-inch screen in his basement.

We can see them walking around. They ham it up, boy! They know they are on camera, J.C. Ganote said about the 11-month-old twins, Michela and Caleb.

Across town, Terry Maskil of Shawnee, Kan., often settles into one of the plush reclining theater chairs next to his sons Adam, 13, and Nicholas, 6, to watch a movie in their basement home theater, which features a 120-inch screen.

These days, home theaters are the family rooms, and money can buy you all the amenities, including surround sound, subwoofers and popcorn makers.

Photo by SHANE KEYSER

The components sit in a cabinet outside of the room in the Maskil family home theater in Shawnee, Kan. Home theater systems are often installed with dad in mind, but turn out to be a good way for the whole family to spend time together. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star/MCT)

Photo by SHANE KEYSER

The main floor home theater at the home of Joe Ganote in Lee's Summit, Mo. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star/MCT)

Photo by SHANE KEYSER

A bag of popcorn at one of five custom recliners in the Maskil family home theater in Shawnee, Kan. Home theater systems are often installed with dad in mind, but turn out to be a good way for the whole family to spend time together. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star/MCT)

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Home theaters are growing in popularity