In the special effects business, any mechanism that operates using a 1:1 movement ratio rather than using conventional input devices (levers, switches, knobs, etc.) or preprogrammed movement sequences. Waldo devices are often used for filming complicated live-action sequences, such as smoothly controlling a humanoid or lifelike animatronics system, making a radio-controlled full-size vehicle act exactly as if there was a real driver behind the wheel in a stunt sequence, etc. Simply put, they are used when intuitive controls are needed above all else.
The Mythbusters used a Waldo rig to make a bus roll itself over in their Demolition Derby Special.
Doc Ock's tentacles in Spider-Man 2 were controlled by a miniature Waldo setup. Where the controllers put the tentacles in the model, they moved behind the actor.
Doc Ock's tentacles in Spider-Man 2 were controlled by a miniature Waldo setup. Where the controllers put the tentacles in the model, they moved behind the actor.
by Airrider October 11, 2009
A typographical or grammatical error in any type of electronic correspondence that you send to others (normally at work). The error can be subtle or obvious but it's just like the Waldo books where you have to search, sometimes for a very long time, in order to find the error.
Here is an obvious example:
I can't believe that your leaving the company on such bad terms.
In this case, "your" should actually be "you're" to be grammatically correct.
I can't believe that your leaving the company on such bad terms.
In this case, "your" should actually be "you're" to be grammatically correct.
by freddo February 24, 2005
An infamous fugitive on the run who led the US government to enlist the help of the civilian population by producing a set of books filled with images suspected to contain Waldo. Waldo was spotted by keen-eyed kiddies on several occasions, but blended into the masses when law enforcement officials were called to the scene. To this day, he remains at large.
by Wormy December 22, 2003
Waldo. A small town outside Gainesville, Florida. There's nothing there except swamp, some livestock, and a flea market. the town's only source of income is speeding tickets. You have to keep a careful eye on the bouncing limit, and the police on every corner. The highway running through it is the 305, otherwise known as Waldo Rd. this stretch of 305 is nationally recognized as the worst place for speeding tickets.
-hey dude will you take me to the jacksonville airport?
-yeah dude, what is it like two hours?
-it's faster if you take waldo, but watch out for the cops.
-yeah dude, what is it like two hours?
-it's faster if you take waldo, but watch out for the cops.
by kristen January 14, 2005
Mechanical arm, operated by remote control by mimicking the motion of a human arm.
Term invented by Robert Heinlien in the novella of the same name.
Term invented by Robert Heinlien in the novella of the same name.
by D F Stuckey May 27, 2004