DIRECTV Latin America, the Inter-American Development Bank & Microsoft Launch ''Piedra, Papel y Tijera'' Initiative and TV Special at the 2008 IDB Annual Meeting

DIRECTV Latin America (DIRECTV) (NASDAQ:DTV), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and Microsoft launched today Piedra, Papel y Tijera (Rock, Paper & Scissors), an initiative aimed at transforming the physical infrastructure of schools and educational centers throughout Latin America. "We are excited to launch this initiative with strong partners such as the IDB and Microsoft and feel confident that it will bring a positive impact to the community of Latinos United in Action,” said Jacopo Bracco, senior vice president, DIRECTV LATIN AMERICA. "Through the Piedra, Papel, y Tijera initiative, DIRECTV intends to raise awareness of the condition of schools and educational centers in Latin America and bring additional partners that will enable us to develop a television series that not only will be entertaining to viewers but also will support a worthwhile cause.” Piedra, Papel, y Tijera’s inaugural activity took place in the U.S. today during the Youth Volunteer Event of the Forty-ninth Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The event featured the transformation of the Latinos United in Action Center, a community based educational center serving low-income Latino and Caribbean youth in the City of Miami. "I can not think of a more fitting way to kick off the IDB’s Annual Meeting,” said IDB President, Luis A. Moreno. "This unique initiative represents partnership building at its best all sectors of society coming together to support low-income communities. What could be more important than to equip our schools with adequate infrastructure and strong educational content through the use of technology to advance learning--the essence of a healthy society.” The comprehensive physical transformation of the Latinos United in Action Center involved repairing and improving the physical infrastructure of the educational center (windows, doors, façade, roof, floors, bathrooms, office space and recreational areas) and providing state-of-the art equipment and supplies (DIRECTV service with educational television programming package, computers, Microsoft software and technology training, furniture, boards, etc.). All construction work and furniture was provided by Winmar Construction, a key local partner to the initiative. Youth volunteers actively participated in parts of the construction phase as well as installing computers and performing landscaping, painting and other beautification activities all of which were coordinated through IDB and its local partners such as Hands on Miami. Twenty-five computers, monitors and several printers were donated by CompUSA, Lexmark and Systemax. Software for use by teachers, students and volunteers will be donated by Microsoft, including Windows Vista, Office 2007 Student Edition, Encarta and Math and Learning Essentials. Microsoft will also train teachers, students and volunteers at the Center on Digital Literacy including access to self-learning courses, E-Learning for Windows Vista and Office 2007, and Help Desk training course. "One of the best uses of technology is to provide quality education to all regardless of socioeconomic background,” said Ralph Young, vice president of Worldwide Public Sector, Microsoft. "We’re delighted to take part in this program and offer technological tools and training that will offer these students new opportunities and help them reach their full potential as future leaders of this community. The Center’s makeover has been filmed as a DIRECTV reality special and will be broadcast by DIRECTV’s networks in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean in the Summer/Fall 2008. DIRECTV has future plans to produce and broadcast a Piedra, Papel y Tijera documentary series or reality show featuring refurbishment of schools and educational community centers in different countries of Latin America. "Latinos United has used every dime developing a dedicated staff, an inspired vision and coordinated programs for keeping students in school as parents and students alike improve their lives. But at the end of the day, little to nothing is left over for creating a physical environment that reflects the love we feel for our work and our pride in the achievements of the kids and the parents we serve. Our kids will be most benefited by the makeover in the self-esteem and pride in themselves that our new facility will evoke,” said Amada Vargas, executive director of Latinos United in Action Center. The results of the center’s makeover were presented today in an unveiling ceremony with Luis Alberto Moreno, IDB President; Manny Díaz, Mayor of the City of Miami; Jacopo Bracco, Senior Vice President, DIRECTV Latin America; Ralph Young, Vice President of Worldwide Public Sector of Microsoft; Edwin Villegas, President of Winmar Construction; Gilbert Fiorentino, CEO of CompUSA/TigerDirect; Patrick Morris, President of Hands on Miami, Jorge Arrizurrieta, Chair of the IDB Annual Meeting Host Committee, as well as other local government representatives, community leaders and officials from other partner organizations (Hispanics in Philanthropy, Service for Peace, Generation Engage, Genius and Global and National Youth Service Day). "I am extremely grateful to the Inter-American Development Bank, DIRECTV, and Microsoft as we celebrate this historic public-private partnership which will help transform many lives in our community,” said Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. "The potential for finding innovative solutions to enhance educational opportunities for those most in need is immeasurable when the corporate world invests in the communities where it conducts business.” This youth volunteer event is also part of the National and Global Youth Service Day, an annual celebration commemorating the contributions young people have made throughout the year in their communities through volunteer work. Approximately four million young people in 100 countries participate in this event every year. www.gysd.net Latinos United in Action Center is located at 3321 NW 17 Ave., Miami, Florida. THE DIRECTV GROUP The DIRECTV Group is a world-leading provider of digital television entertainment services. Through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in the United States, Brazil, Mexico and other countries in Latin America, the DIRECTV Group provides digital television service to more than 16.8 million customers in the United States and over 5 million customers in Latin America. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com. INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK The Inter-American Development Bank, the oldest and largest regional bank in the world, is the main source of multilateral financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB Annual Meeting brings together IDB governors, most of whom are finance ministers and Central Bank presidents, and representatives from multilateral financial institutions, development agencies, and commercial and investment banks. Private-sector corporations and nonprofit organizations also take part in these annual deliberations. The IDB YOUTH Program promotes youth development and participation in Latin America and the Caribbean. www.iadb.org MICROSOFT UNLIMITED POTENTIAL Microsoft, through its Unlimited Potential vision, is committed to making technology more affordable, relevant and accessible for the 5 billion people around the world who do not yet enjoy its benefits. The company aims to do so by helping to transform education and foster a culture of innovation, and through these means enable better jobs and opportunities. By working with governments, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations and industry partners, Microsoft hopes to reach its first major milestone — to reach the next 1 billion people who are not yet realizing the benefits of technology — by 2015. MICROSOFT Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. http://www.microsoft.com/latam/prensa/ WINMAR CONSTRUCTION Recognized as a national leader in the commercial building industry, Winmar’s strengths include general contracting, construction and project management. The company offers innovating thinking, strategic focus and 50 years of industry knowledge. Visit www.winmar.net. COMPUSA The CompUSA companies serve the needs of both personal and business computer users, selling consumer electronics, computers, digital media technology and peripherals via retail stores, catalogs and Internet channels. The CompUSA companies are subsidiaries of Systemax Inc. (NYSE:SYX). In the first quarter of 2008 the CompUSA companies acquired selected assets from their prior owner (CompUSA Inc.), including the CompUSA brand name and other trademarks, e-commerce business, domain names and 16 retail outlets in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico. The acquisition preserves CompUSA's legacy of value pricing, service and customer loyalty and continues to build the value of the CompUSA brand. You can reach CompUSA online at http://www.compusa.com. HANDS ON MIAMI Since 1993, Hands on Miami, in partnership with United Way, is Miami Dade’s premier resource for volunteering. Programs such as the Flexible Calendar Program, Community Bridges, Youth Volunteer Corps, Corporate Services, Citizen Academy, Annual Service Day and Volunteer Referral Network have positively impacted the community for over 13 years. HOM provides flexibility scheduled, meaningful, direct service volunteer opportunities. In partnership with schools, social services and environmental organizations, HOM organizes more than 95 service events each month.