If you are too lazy to read all the above posts, then read me!
Adjust your RealPlayer preferences to these settings (Refer to attached images!) and you should be able to get through most time out/ connection errors... if you still encounter any errors,
DO scroll up and read all the above posts!
Be modest when gaging your internet connection speed! By modest, I mean really modest! (Even though I have a 12Mbps connection, I "set" my normal bandwidth at 28.8kbps. Refer to attached images!)
Remember to restart your RealPlayer after you changed your settings!