Hey Ron,
Sorry for the huge delay in responding … I don’t check this forum every day and didn’t know that you had replied.
So in regard to what you’re seeing, here’s the scoop :
(1) The FX Browser in After Effects has not been programmed to do what you’re asking, which is to pull up an alternate layer source so what you are seeing is actually expected. Yes, this works in Avid and in OFX hosts but not (currently) in After Effects.
(2) I’ve discussed this issue with engineering and they have told me that it’s possible to program the filter to do this so I’ve submitted a request in the engineering database for this to be done. It will become available as a free update to BCC 10 users.
(3) In the meantime, you can use the standalone FX Browser filter in AE to preview all presets from every filter and transition to aid in selecting the preset that you want to use (the standalone includes the background feature). Once you find the preset that you like, you delete the standalone FX Browser filter, apply the transition that you want and load up the preset.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Peter.