Chad-- I agree about sitting too close in a movie theater. The "magic" 1.5x viewing distance will (always) equate to a 36.9° viewing angle. I'm planning on my first row at about 1.4x (or 39.9° viewing angle). Most people don't like anything closer.
Nick P-- Sorry! I feel your pain. I went through quite an ordeal to build a highly customized RPTV HT, only to rip it down after 2 years.