They stated the same thing about 3D tech, and look at where that got us. The prices are not going to drop as fast as you think they are, for 4k capable sets.
Providers are talking 4k not even being mainstream until somewhere around 2020.
Have you been actually watching prices, I think not? 4K large screen sets are not that pricey this year, its not like when plasma was getting going and a 42" was $3000. Panasonics new 4K LCD is only $5499 MSRP, and Sony's 65" XBR 4K display is the same. Considering those two facts, prices will be down late 2014/ early 2015.
And what does 3D have to do with anything? 3D sets had a premium the first year, then it was built into everything and the prices were not a big deal. The problem with LCD is you are dealing with an inflated price from the get go. I see 4K as 3D, and it will be built into most mid to higher end LCD's with a short time, and pricing wont be bad in 2 years. By bad I mean 65" 4K tv (of good quality) for $3500. Now if you think $3500 is bad, then sure, the pricing wont be great. For me, a 60-70" premium tv, I expect the msrp to be around $3500-$4500.
As with 3D, dont blink too long because 4K will be built into everything like 1080p. It took about 3 years for 3D to be everywhere and inexpensive. You will also start seeing native 4K optical/downloads and players that can play the 4K formats. Sure, Directv for example willstill have to be scaled to 4K, but we do that now with 1080p. The big deal will be when you have a native 4K display, a 4K player and 4K content. As a movie fan, I cant wait. For Directv, I dont really care right now.